AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) VACANCIES

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC)

SENIOR MANAGER: CEO’S OFFICE (FIVE (5) YEARS FIXED-TERM CONTRACT)
Central Office Hatfield
Job Reference Number: ARC-CO-0122
Department: 01 - CENTRAL OFFICE
Industry: Research
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
The ARC-Central Office (ARC-CO) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Hatfield, Pretoria.

Job Description
Strategic Planning and Monitoring

Collaborate with executive leadership to define and refine the organisation’s strategic direction.
Analyse internal and external factors impacting the business landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and risks.
Develop strategic plans, roadmaps, and frameworks to guide organisational growth and long-term success.
Develop, implement and maintain policies for performance management that incorporate aspects of monitoring and evaluation.
Ensure alignment of the ARC monitoring and evaluation objectives to that of various government policy frameworks and acceptable best practice standards/codes.
Monitor and evaluate organisational performance, oversee performance reporting, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Lead and manage the strategy and planning team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring.

Market and Internal Performance Analysis

Conduct comprehensive market, industry, customer, and competitor analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
Evaluate organisational performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation.
Recommend strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and enhance operational efficiency.
Develop and utilise key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards strategic outcomes.

Strategy Implementation and Leadership

Support the CEO in implementing strategic plans and initiatives in line with the organisation’s mission and goals.
Oversee the execution of activities outlined in the organisational strategic plan, ensuring effective implementation.

Executive Support

Provide high-level support to the CEO in managing daily operations.
Ensure seamless functioning of the Office of the CEO, facilitating organisational performance management and reporting.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with external research organisations to position the organisation as a leader in South Africa’s national agricultural research system.
Provide administrative leadership for partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders.

Communication and Reporting

Act as a key point of contact for communication between the CEO and various stakeholders.
Prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the CEO.

Financial Management

Assist the CEO in financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring of financial performance.
Ensure financial sustainability and efficiency through effective financial oversight.

Operational Oversight

Work with divisional heads to ensure alignment with organisational outcomes.
Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement operational strategies. Reporting and Presentation.
Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
Develop performance dashboards and reports to track key metrics and inform decision-making.

Project Management

Manage and oversee key projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.

Strategic Support to the CEO

Provide direct support to the CEO in achieving key organisational strategic objectives.
Identify and drive continuous business improvement initiatives aligned with strategic goals.

Job Requirements

A PhD’s Degree in Agriculture or Science.
Postgraduate degree in Business Management /MBA/MBL will be an added advantage.
8 years of management experience, of which 5years should be at the Senior Management level.
Ability to project or forecast future business trends and risks that could impact the organisation.
Good insight into the operations of different business units within the organisation.
Experience in the implementation of Strategic Management and associated methodologies.

Enquiries: Ms Lekanka Semenya, Email: arcrecruitment@arc.agric.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 04 APRIL 2025

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

APPLY

SUPPLY CHAIN ACCOUNTANT
Central Office Hatfield
Job Reference Number: ARC-CO-0123
Department: 01 - CENTRAL OFFICE
Industry: Supply Chain
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
The ARC-Central Office (ARC-CO) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Hatfield, Pretoria.

Job Description

Co-ordinating the Procurement Function at Central Office (including amongst others, procuring goods and services, liaising with suppliers, obtaining quotations / tenders, guide in developing specifications, negotiating contracts and contract administration according to procurement policy).
Cost management by applying best sourcing strategies.
Act in direct support to the research function.
Evaluation of quotations and tenders in terms of PFMA/PPFFA & Treasury Regulations.
Manage the procurement process.
Implementation of SCM policy and regulations.
Source all suppliers at Central Office.
Promoting procurement empowerment (BEE/HDI).
Internal control compliance.
Make presentations to the Bid Adjudication Committee and Corporate Tender Committee.
Ensure that the risks related to Supply Chain Management are adequately addressed.
Evaluation of supplier’s performance.
Attend to audit queries.
Give procurement guidance to business units and management.
Provide leadership to subordinates.
Tender Administration.

Job Requirements

National Diploma / B Degree Supply Chain Management / Procurement / Logistics, Purchasing /
Public Administration or related field.
3 years' supervisory experience in Supply Chain Management or Procurement.
3 years' experience as a Senior Buyer or equivalent position will be an added advantage.
Experience in a research environment in general will be an added advantage.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
Good communication skills (written & verbal).
The ability to establish & maintain working relationship with others, Knowledge of PFMA, PPPFA Act, Treasury.
Regulations, PPP2022 and other relevant legislation.
Valid SA driver’s license.

Enquiries: MR Velaphi Zikalala, Tel (012) 427-9728

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:03 APRIL 2025

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act. Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

APPLY

RE-ADVERT RESEARCHER GENOMICS
Roodeplaat
Job Reference Number: ARC-VIMP0952
Department: 09 - RVOPI
Industry: Research
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
The ARC- Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

Job Description

Conducts research in the field of vegetable genomics and molecular breeding, including DNA marker technologies, to support breeding programmes.
Initiates, designs, implements and manages new and contribute to existing research projects.
Project management and coordination entails planning research, equipment and materials, human resources, financial, risk management and mitigation, monitoring, evaluation and close-out reporting.
Keeps the division abreast with new developments on molecular breeding by reviewing new publications & research reports.
Actively sources and secures new national research opportunities and writes proposals for own research and contribute towards the proposals of others.
Manages data capturing, analysis, interpretations and recommendations.
Compiles detailed reports, contributes to other progress reports (internal and external) and seeks approval for final reports.
Renders diagnostic and advisory services at a national level.
Disseminates technology through peer-reviewed scientific articles, popular publications, manual productions, radio and TV talks, and other marketing events.
Contributes towards the creation of IP and PBR. Conduct research, development and support innovation, translation, commercialization and adoption and use.
Responsible for supporting strategic research collaboration by being active in partnerships, networks, intra and inter institutional collaboration.
Responsible for supporting human capacity development that includes support of project staff and students through mentoring, and own development.

Job Requirements

PhD in Plant Genomics, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Breeding or related field.
Experience in genomics of potatoes/sweet potatoes will be an added advantage.
Advanced computer literacy.
Ability to render diagnostic, technical and other services at national level.
Research planning and management of research projects (Genomics): At least 3 years’ experience in a relevant scientific research environment, post MSc with a national record of accomplishment on the level of a researcher.
Collaboration: Record of building national and international partnerships and networks. The researchers work under guidance and with support of seniors.
Initiation, planning and execution of Genomics research projects.
Minimum 3-5 peer reviewed publications or number of publications should be equivalent to what was required from master’s and PhD level for their field respectively.
Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
Proven record of accomplishment for generating external income for projects in line with requirements on master’s and PhD level. In this respect proven record of writing of proposals as part of master's and PhD studies.
Proven record of participating as speaker nationally as part of master's and PhD level. Must be able to show competence in presenting research results.
Proven record for financial management of projects.
Proven track record of mentoring and supervising/supervising other researchers and students.
Valid driver’s license.

Enquiries: Dr Inge Gazendam; Tel:(012) 808 8000

CLOSING DATE 10 APRIL 2025

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

APPLY

FARM ASSISTANT
Messina
Job Reference Number: ARC-TSC03/17
Department: 03 - ITSC
Industry: Horticulture/Agriculture
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
The ARC- Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Messina, Limpopo.

Job Description

Carrying out of Farm practices as directed by the Farm management and/or Researcher.
Use and maintenance of tools and equipment that are made available.
Carrying out of manual tasks as assigned by Supervisors.
Observance of Occupational Health and Safety instructions on the use of the appropriate protective clothing.

Job Requirements

Grade 10 certificate with at least 2 years’ experience and exposure to the fruit farming environment.
Understanding of basic agricultural practices.
Basic knowledge on manual operation of farm equipment and machinery.
Experience in the construction industry (plumbing, carpentry, building etc.) will be an added advantage.
Good communication skills.
Good understanding of health and safety procedures.
Willing to work under adverse weather conditions.

Enquiries: Dr Romeo Murovhi, Email: Romeo@arc.agric.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 28 MARCH 2025

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license) must be attached on the form.

NB: Non-RSA citizens with work permit must attach certified copies as well as the names and particulars of three (3) traceable referees.

SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

APPLY

INVITATION TO SERVE ON THE ARC AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE -(THREE (3) YEARS CONTRACT)
Central Office Hatfield
Job Reference Number: ARC-CO-020
Department: 01 - CENTRAL OFFICE
Industry: Academic
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related
The ARC-Central Office (ARC-CO) seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced, and dynamic person to the following position at Hatfield, Pretoria.

Job Description
The ARC (Agricultural Research Council) seeks to appoint 3 independent, suitably qualified persons with knowledge of, inter alia, audit, finance, supply chain management, law, human resources, investigations, risk management, corporate governance and information technology, as well as Agricultural Sciences to serve on the Audit & Risk Committee.

Key performance areas:

Oversight on internal control environment, including processes and systems for financial reporting.
Oversight on the preparation of annual financial statements in accordance with the PFMA and related Treasury Regulations, including the applicable accounting framework.
Oversight on Audit processes (Internal Audit and External Audit).
Oversight on Asset Portfolio Management.
Oversight on the implementation of improvements on areas identified by internal auditors and the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).
Provide oversight in the review and monitoring of Enterprise-wide risk management, anti-corruption and combined assurance processes.
Provide guidance on ICT governance, controls, access, safeguarding of information and Business Continuity management processes.
Overseeing of the implementation of sound corporate governance principles.
Review compliance with laws and regulations, code of ethics and conduct and other related requirements.
Advising/guiding/supporting the institution and Council on any other relevant matter of significance

Job Requirements

A B Com or B Compt. Degree in Financial Accounting or Auditing, a Degree in Economics or a Degree in Law.
A minimum of 8 years Executive experience and 5 years’ experience in the Audit and Risk Committee, preferably in a public institution is required.
The following will be added advantage: A Master’s Degree or Higher Degree(s) in any of the above as well as registration with relevant professional bodies such as SAICA, IIA, IRMSA, LPC.
A minimum of eight (8) years management experience in Risk/Audit/ Financial/Information Technology/Compliance/Legal environment.
Three reference letters from previous and current Risk or Audit Committees.
Analytical reasoning abilities.
Good communication skills; and understanding of the relevant regulatory frameworks. Preference will be given to Chartered Accountants, Advocates, Attorneys, Risk Management or Compliance Officers.

NB: Interested applicants must submit a motivation letter, curriculum vitae together with proof of qualifications, experience and contact details of three referees. Applicants must not be disqualified to serve as directors of companies. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications verified by the South African Qualifications Authority. Background verification, qualification checks, criminal record and citizenship checks will be conducted on recommended candidates, and they will be required to submit disclosure of financial interest(s).

Enquiries: Ms Nosipho Matanzima, Email-arcrecruitment@arc.agric.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 02 APRIL 2025

Remuneration will be in accordance with the relevant National Treasury guidelines. Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint

APPLY

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGERX2 (VIMP AND NRE)
Pretoria
Job Reference Number: ARC-CO-0120
Department: 01 - CENTRAL OFFICE
Industry: Human Resources
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 2
Salary: Market Related
The ARC seeks to appoint a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic person to the following position(s) at Natural Resources & Engineering campus (ARC-NRE), Arcadia & Silverton, Pretoria and Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants campus (ARC-VIMP), Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

Job Description

Responsible for providing strategic HR support and guidance to senior leaders and managers in the Business Unit. HCM Manager will work closely with key stakeholders to develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives that support the overall business objective.
Provide guidance and direction to business leaders on human resource management policies, processes and systems and ensure compliance with HR laws and regulations.
Partner with Centre of Excellence (ARC Central Office) to ensure Execution of ARC HCM Strategy initiatives are implemented at the Business Unit.
Diagnose organizational gaps between current and desired organization performance and deploy actions to resolve gaps, including organization redesign, process change, coaching and training.
Manage the HCM Team and ensure that performance management is adhered.
Ensure Implementation of Talent Management Framework.
Ensure organization practices align with the ARC mandate develop an agile high-performance organisation (HIPO) culture and drive the employee engagement recommendations.
Drive employee transformation in the Campuses (adhering to employment equity targets, providing support to the Transformation Committee.
Ensure Implementation of performance management system is conducted in all Performance cycles from contracting, assessments and feedback coaching and Performance Improvement Plans.
Advocate employee communications processes that inform employees as well as assure two-way communications between employees and management.
Manage employee relations issues and provide guidance and advice on conflict resolution and employee discipline.
Support organizational change initiatives, and partner with managers to ensure successful implementation.

Job Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management /Industrial Psychology/Bachelor of Administration (Major in HRM)/B. Com Human Resource Management.
A Postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
5-7 years relevant experience as HCM Generalist.
At least Minimum of 3-5yrs managing a team.
Experience in Agricultural and Public Sector will be an added advantage.
Knowledge and experience of HR information management systems, data analytics, especially SAGE 300.
Strong knowledge of HR laws and regulations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills, and ability to use HR metrics and data to drive decision-making.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with senior leaders and influence decision-making.
Client-focused & customer service disposition.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and exercise confidentiality.
Organising skills.
Valid driver’s License.
Proficiency in MS Office suite.
Registration with SABPP or another professional body in the human capital field would be an added advantage.

Enquiries: Ms Lekanka Semenya Email- Arcrecruitment@arc.agric.za

CLOSING DATE FOR APPPLICATIONS: 28 MARCH 2025

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.
Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.
SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint.

APPLY

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