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NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETING COUNCIL (NAMC)
 
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​ECONOMIST: TRADE 
Type of Position Permanent 
Reporting to Manager: Trade 
Based: Pretoria 
Reference No: HRREC008/25
 
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE: 
A four-year bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. Alternatively, a three-year bachelor’s degree in agriculture plus an honour’s degree in Agricultural Economics. A master’s degree in Agricultural Economics would be an advantage. Minimum of one-year experience in the provision of agricultural economics services. Collaborating author on the publication of at least one article in reputable and SCOPUS accredited academic journals. Experience in conducting research and disseminating research output to various stakeholders. Must be in position of grade minimum B driver’s license. 
 
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 
• Appreciation and application of the Marketing of Agricultural Product Act of 1996. 
• Clear understanding and knowledge of the agriculture and agro-processing nexus.
• Knowledge and application of MS Word Office (Excel, MS Word and PowerPoint). 
• Knowledge and application of databases such as the Abstract of Agricultural Statistics, Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), TradeMap, South African Revenue Services (SARS), Trade MAP, FAO and ability to extract data and formulate an analysis. 
• Knowledge and ability to operate economic decision-making tools such as SPSS, STATA, GAMS, GEMPACK, and E-views. 
• Knowledge and understanding of Government Statutes, Procedures, and Processes. 
• Knowledge and understanding of the value chain analysis and report writing. 
• Ability to undertake economy-wide analysis of shocks and trends that affect the performance of the agricultural sector. 
 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
1. EXECUTE STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT, TIMELY AND QUALITY DELIVERY OF TRADE RESEARCH REPORTS 
  • Assist with the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP). 
  • Contribute and write research papers and articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Timeously develop and publish Trade Research reports as indicated in the Job Purpose. 
  • Write reports from economy-wide analysis of shocks and trends that affect the performance of the agricultural sector. 
  • Represent the Markets and Economic Research Centre (MERC) in strategic agricultural trade forums. 
 
2. MANAGE / EXECUTE STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT 
  • Assist to manage stakeholders and engage in various platforms on programs related to Trade Research unit. 
  • Ensure information and knowledge sharing through platforms such as conferences, seminars, workshops. 
  • Develop and maintain solid relationships with government departments throughout the three spheres. 
  • Disseminate research output on agro food chains to stakeholders through various platforms (e.g., presentations, live media, conferences, etc). 
  • Establish solid, broad and wide networks with stakeholders in agricultural trade. 
  • Provide inputs/reports on cross-focus areas, cross divisional collaboration and partnership such as economy wide sector analysis. 
 
3. ASSIST MANAGEMENT OF THE TRADE RESEARCH UNIT TO ACHIEVE OUTPUTS 
  • Establish collaboration and partnership with like-minded institutions to promote access to markets by all participants. 
  • Undertaking independent research projects. 
  • Conduct extensive research on market access policies, strategies, and programs whose research output is to increase access and participation in the agricultural economy. 
  • Assist the Supervisor to develop the Strategic Plan and the Annual Performance Plan (APP) for Trade Research unit. 
  • Regular travelling to directly interface with exporters, importers and various stakeholders to optimise market access.




To apply for the position, please forward CV to hrrecruitment@namc.co.za. 
 
Kindly quote “Economist-Trade” in the subject line when applying. closing date: 23 October 2025. 
 
Only shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit certified copies of ID and Qualifications. If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date, please note that your application was unsuccessful.
 The successful candidate will be subjected to reference checks and qualification verification prior to appointment. 
 
NB: All applications without quoting “Economist-Trade” in the subject line will be automatically disqualified. 
 
By applying for this position, you hereby acknowledge that you have read and accepted the following disclaimer as per the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA): I hereby consent for NAMC to process my personal information as part of the recruitment process, given that the NAMC shall take all reasonable measures to protect the personal information of applicants and for the purpose of this disclaimer “personal information” shall be defined as outlined in the POPIA. 
 
Please visit www.namc.co.za, and for further enquiries, send an email to hr@namc.co.za. The NAMC reserves the right to withdraw, amend or not fill the position.