Scientist Production Grade A: REF NO 3/3/1/97/2026

In brief

**Overview** This position is for a Scientist Production Grade A, bearing reference number 3/3/1/97/2026, within the Department of Agriculture (DOA). The role is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, and offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R791,604, structured in accordance with the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) rules. The purpose of this role is to contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of regulations and standards for agricultural products to ensure compliance with national and international food safety and quality requirements for export, import, and local markets. **What you will do** * Develop and implement methodologies, systems, and procedures. * Evaluate, compile, and amend regulations, product standards, policies, and guidelines related to the quality, composition, packaging, marking, labelling, inspection, control, and monitoring of identified agricultural products for export, import, and local markets, ensuring compliance with international food safety and quality requirements. * Obtain inputs from industry and other relevant role players regarding drafted product standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines. * Draft and amend regulations, export standards, and requirements for local and imported agricultural products. * Identify food safety and quality risks by monitoring international standards, best practices, and local conditions. * Conduct needs assessments and evaluate their results. * Compile draft legal frameworks and publish government gazette notices to invite comments. * Coordinate the publication of approved regulations in the government gazette. * Improve internal processes by providing inputs into the drafting of policies and/or guidelines on the interpretation of relevant acts and assisting with and reviewing their implementation by other divisions. * Perform scientific analysis and regulatory functions. * Provide technical advice and guidance on the interpretation and application of the legislative framework to stakeholders. * Provide inputs in the drafting of policies and guidelines on the Agricultural Products Act (APS Act) and their implementation by other divisions. * Evaluate labels and/or marking requirements for agricultural products and make recommendations. * Conduct import and export risk assessments on agricultural products and issue certification documentation accordingly. * Process applications for dispensations and registrations. * Obtain, evaluate, and disseminate information on international trends to local industries to keep them informed of new trends/requirements. * Manage and maintain databases and information related to registrations and/or cancellation of labels for export agricultural products, maximum residue limits (MRLs) for processed products destined for export, newly published regulations, import and export standards, notices and draft regulations and standards for gathering public comments, and Standard Operating Procedures. * Conduct Research and Development. * Liaise with national and international stakeholders, industry role players, other departments, and DoA officials on technical matters related to food safety and quality assurance. * Obtain, evaluate, update, and disseminate relevant international information to keep South African industries and other divisions informed of new trends/requirements. * Participate in the formulation of South Africa’s positions in international meetings regarding the harmonisation of food safety and quality assurance issues. * Provide technical and scientific inputs on resolutions, guidelines, scientific papers, technologies, and production practices to ensure compliance with national and international food safety and quality requirements for agricultural products, in terms of South Africa’s membership to international standard-setting bodies (e.g., United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Codex Alimentarius Commission, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). * Coordinate and participate in local meetings, workshops, and seminars relevant to food quality and sanitary matters. * Mentor, train, and develop staff to promote skills/knowledge transfer. * Supervise scientific work and processes. * Manage the performance and development of staff. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Education:** Science degree (BScHon) in Food Sciences / Food Technology or a relevant qualification. * **Registration:** Compulsory registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a Professional Natural Scientist. * **Experience:** Minimum of three (3) years post-qualification job-related work experience. * **Job Related Knowledge:** * Public Service and Departmental prescripts/policies. * Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). * Agricultural Products Standard Act 119 of 1990. * International agreements, conventions, and bilateral agreements relating to sanitary and food quality matters. * Relevant legislation and regulations, norms and standards. * Export and import requirements. * **Job Related Skills:** * Programme & project management. * Scientific methodologies. * Research & development. * Knowledge of legal compliance. * Data analysis. * Computer-aided scientific applications. * Technical report writing. * Creating a high-performance culture. * Professional judgment. * Presentation skills. * Mentoring. * Decision making. * Team leadership. * Analytical skills. * Creativity. * Financial management. * Customer focus and responsiveness. * Communication. * Networking. * Computer literacy. * People management. * Planning and organising. * Conflict management. * Change management. * Problem solving and analysis. * **Conditions:** * Extended working hours. * Handling of hazardous chemicals. **Who should apply** This position is suited for a highly qualified individual holding a BScHon in Food Sciences / Food Technology or a relevant scientific qualification, with compulsory registration as a Professional Natural Scientist with SACNASP. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of post-qualification experience relevant to the role. The ideal applicant will possess comprehensive knowledge of Public Service prescripts, financial management, specific agricultural legislation (e.g., Agricultural Products Standard Act 119 of 1990), and international food safety and quality agreements. A broad range of skills is essential, including scientific methodologies, project management, data analysis, technical report writing, legal compliance, and strong interpersonal and leadership abilities such as mentoring, communication, and people management. The role also requires preparedness for extended working hours and handling hazardous chemicals. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/scientist-production-grade-a-ref-no-3-3-1-97-2026-department-of-agriculture-land-reform-and-rural-development Source: myjobmag

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