National Agricultural Marketing Council (Namc) Vacancies

In brief

Overview The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) is seeking an Economist specializing in Smallholder Market Access Research. This permanent, entry-level position, based in Pretoria, Gauteng, falls within the MERC/Trade/Small Market Access/Agro-Food Chains Division. The role operates within the agriculture primary industry, focusing on research and analysis to enhance smallholder market access. What you will do * Conduct timely and quality smallholder market access research and produce related reports. * Extract, clean, and organize data from applicable and reputable databases or data sources for analysis relating to smallholder market access and the implementation of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP). * Utilize and maintain existing Excel and Power BI reports, and measures to support the preparation of month-to-month and year-on-year trends, rankings, and other analyses required for Smallholder Market Access reporting. * Contribute to the preparation and writing of research papers, peer-reviewed articles, reports, policy briefs, and other research outputs, as guided by the Manager. * Participate in the preparation and updating of reports within the Smallholder Market Access Research Unit, including fresh produce market intelligence reports, Agripreneur reports, SMAT reports, policy briefs, commentary articles, and other communication outputs. * Identify barriers to smallholder market access and alert these to the attention of the Manager for consideration and prioritisation. * Undertake assigned research projects and activities within the Smallholder Market Access Research Unit, in accordance with agreed work plans and quality standards. * Provide support and guidance to interns on assigned research activities, as required. * Assist with collaboration and cooperation with relevant organisations and stakeholders to promote access to markets by all participants. * Communicate and disseminate research findings through appropriate platforms, including reports, presentations, policy briefs, seminars, webinars, and workshops, as required. * Attend and participate in stakeholder engagements at appropriate levels on matters relating to the Smallholder Market Access Research Unit, under the guidance of the Manager. * Assist in maintaining and expanding relationships with relevant government departments, industry bodies, and other stakeholders. * Provide research and analytical contribution to cross-focus and cross-divisional activities, including economy-wide sector analysis, as required. * Liaise with NAMC stakeholders, Directly Affected Groups (DAGs), and industry bodies as assigned by the Manager on matters relating to smallholder market access. * Be willing and able to travel as required for research and stakeholder engagements. * Assist to conduct assigned research projects related to the Smallholder Market Access Research Unit, with guidance from the Manager. * Assist the Manager to conduct research on market access policies, strategies, programmes, and projects to support increased participation of smallholder farmers in the mainstream agricultural economy. * Provide research and analytical contributions to the development, execution, and monitoring of the MERC Strategy, the Annual Performance Plan (APP), and Operational Plan (OP) as and when required. * Undertake field visits and travel to engage with smallholder producers as required for assigned research activities. * Provide technical and administrative support to the Manager when required. Requirements (from the original advert) * **Qualification and Experience:** * A four-year bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, or an appropriate three-year bachelor’s degree in Agriculture plus an Honours degree in Agricultural Economics. * A master’s degree in Agricultural Economics will be an added advantage. * Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years’ relevant experience in agricultural economics, agricultural research, agricultural market analysis or a related field. * Experience in conducting research or analysis and disseminating-communicating research findings to stakeholders through reports, presentations or similar platforms. * Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to community of practice via conferences, seminars, symposia, webinars or workshops will be an advantage. * **Knowledge and Skills:** * Working knowledge of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996. * Basic understanding of the agriculture and agro-processing nexus. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint. * Knowledge of common agricultural, economic and statistical data sources, including Stats SA, Trade Map and FAO, and the ability to use data to support analysis and reporting. * Working knowledge of analytical and reporting tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI. * Working knowledge of statistical packages such as SPSS and/or STATA. * Exposure to E-views, General Equilibrium Modelling Package (GEMPACK), Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP), General Algebraic Modelling System (GAMS) will be an advantage. * Basic knowledge and understanding of relevant government statutes, procedures and processes. * Knowledge of basic value-chain analysis and report writing. * Ability to contribute to analysis of shocks i.e. policy, domestic and global affecting the competitiveness of the South African agricultural sector. * **Competencies:** * Ability to conduct evidence-based research and apply appropriate research methods to assigned work. * Ability to extract, organise, analyse data, and present clear, cogent and coherent findings. * Ability to build constructive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and social partners. * Ability to think logically, interpret information and provide clear research-based inputs. * Ability to communicate research findings clearly through reports, presentations and appropriate dissemination platforms. * Ability to work effectively as part of a team with varying interests and demands. * Ability to manage competing priorities and complete assigned work within agreed deadlines. * Ability to assess information critically, identify issues and suggest practical solutions. * Good time management and organisational skills. Who should apply This role is suitable for an entry-level agricultural economist with 1-2 years of relevant experience, who holds a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics or a related field (with Honours). The ideal candidate will possess strong research, data analysis, and report-writing skills, with a basic understanding of agricultural markets and relevant legislation. They should be proficient in Microsoft Office and statistical software, able to work effectively in a team, manage priorities, and communicate research findings clearly to various stakeholders. A master's degree or experience with specific analytical tools (E-views, GEMPACK, GTAP, GAMS) are advantageous. Willingness to travel for research and stakeholder engagements is also required. Deadline 13 November 2026 Reference Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/national-agricultural-marketing-council-namc-vacancies-4 Source: govpage

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At a glance

• Power BI
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office

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