Department of Agriculture Jobs 2026 – Multiple Vacancies

Description

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) of South Africa the government department responsible for leading and supporting the agricultural sector to ensure food security, sustainable farming, and economic growth across the country is recruiting for two senior management positions at their Head Office in Pretoria.

Agriculture is one of South Africa’s most important economic sectors, employing millions of people and feeding the nation. The DOA develops and implements policies, regulations, and programmes that support farmers, protect food quality and safety, and promote sustainable land and crop management across all nine provinces.

These two vacancies are senior, well-remunerated positions that require experienced professionals with relevant degrees and management backgrounds. If you have the qualifications, the experience, and the drive to contribute to South Africa’s agricultural future at a national policy level the DOA wants to hear from you.

Available Positions

1. 🌾 Director: Food Safety and Quality Assurance

• Reference Number: Recruit 2026/115
• Location: Pretoria: Head Office
• Salary: R1,162,200 per annum (Total Cost Package; SMS Level 13)
• Application Email: Recruit2026115@agriculture.gov.za

What this role is about:
As Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, you will lead the DOA’s efforts to ensure that agricultural products produced and traded in South Africa meet the highest safety and quality standards protecting consumers, supporting farmers, and maintaining South Africa’s international trade reputation.

You will be responsible for managing the implementation of the Agricultural Product Standards Act, coordinating food safety audits across the country, and representing South Africa in international discussions about food quality standards. This is a high-impact, nationally important leadership role that sits at the top of the DOA’s food safety function.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the full implementation of the Agricultural Product Standards Act and related legislation.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee food safety audits at production facilities, processing plants, and export points across South Africa.
• Manage international liaison activities related to food quality standards engaging with foreign governments, international bodies, and trade partners on behalf of South Africa.
• Develop and review food safety and quality assurance policies and frameworks aligned with national and international best practices.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of food safety professionals within the directorate.
• Provide expert strategic advice to senior DOA leadership on food safety and quality assurance matters.
• Monitor compliance with food safety regulations and take corrective action where necessary.
• Manage the directorate’s budget, resources, and performance in line with DOA targets.

Minimum Requirements:

• ✅ B-Degree (NQF Level 7) in Agriculture, Natural Sciences, or a closely related field.
• ✅ Minimum of 5 years’ experience at middle management level in a relevant environment.
• ✅ A valid Nyukela Certificate (SMS Pre-entry Programme) this is mandatory for all SMS-level posts.
• ✅ Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, agricultural product standards, and quality assurance systems.
• ✅ Proven leadership and strategic management capabilities.

💡 The Nyukela Certificate is a compulsory pre-entry programme for all Senior Management Service (SMS) posts. If you do not have it, complete it urgently at www.thensg.gov.za before applying.

2. 🌱 Deputy Director: Plant Production

• Reference Number: Recruit 2026/116
• Location: Pretoria: Head Office
• Salary: R950,450 per annum (Total Cost Package; Level 12)
• Application Email: Recruit2026116@agriculture.gov.za

What this role is about:
As Deputy Director of Plant Production, you will drive South Africa’s national plant production and crop development programmes developing policies, providing technical expertise, and coordinating initiatives that promote sustainable and diversified crop farming across the country.

This role is ideal for an experienced agricultural professional who has deep knowledge of agronomy and plant production, strong policy development skills, and a passion for supporting South Africa’s farming communities through practical, evidence-based solutions.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop, review, and implement national policies and strategies for plant production in South Africa.
• Coordinate national programmes for crop diversification helping farmers transition to a wider variety of crops to improve food security and income.
• Provide expert technical advice and guidance to farmers, provincial agriculture departments, and other stakeholders on sustainable and productive farming practices.
• Facilitate research partnerships with agricultural research institutions to improve crop production methods.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of plant production programmes and report on progress to senior management.
• Engage with provincial and local agriculture offices to ensure national programmes are effectively implemented at ground level.
• Contribute to the development of agricultural extension services that help smallholder and commercial farmers improve outcomes.
• Manage the sub-directorate’s resources, budget, and performance targets.

Minimum Requirements:

• ✅ B-Degree (NQF Level 7) in Agriculture with a specialisation in Plant Production or Agronomy.
• ✅ Minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience at junior or middle management level in plant production, agronomy, or a related field.
• ✅ A valid South African driver’s license.
• ✅ Willingness and ability to travel across South Africa as required by the role.
• ✅ Strong technical knowledge of crop farming, agronomy, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• ✅ Proven policy development and programme management skills.

📊 Vacancy Summary

General Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must meet the following:

• ✅ Must be a South African citizen.
• ✅ Must use the new Z83 Application Form (effective 1 January 2021) old forms will result in disqualification.
• ✅ Must submit a comprehensive CV only at the initial application stage.
• ✅ Must meet the specific qualification and experience requirements for the post applied for.
• ✅ Must be willing to undergo security clearance and social media vetting if shortlisted.
• ✅ Director-level (SMS) applicants must hold a valid Nyukela Certificate no exceptions.

🌟 Skills & Competencies Required

For both posts, the DOA is looking for professionals who demonstrate:

• 🏛️ Knowledge of government legislation and policy: specifically agricultural acts, regulations, and public service frameworks.
• 📊 Strategic thinking and planning: ability to develop long-term policies and programmes.
• 👥 People management: experience leading and developing teams in a government or agricultural environment.
• 💬 Strong communication: written and verbal, including the ability to present to senior officials and external stakeholders.
• 🌍 Stakeholder engagement: building relationships with provincial departments, farmers, international bodies, and research institutions.

Job Benefits

• ✅ Highly competitive government salaries R950,450 and R1,162,200 per annum total cost packages.
• ✅ Total cost packages include contributions towards medical aid, pension fund, and other government benefits.
• ✅ Work at the national policy level directly influencing South Africa’s agricultural sector and food security.
• ✅ Stable, permanent senior management positions within the South African public service.
• ✅ Access to government leave benefits, skills development, and career progression opportunities.

How to Apply

⚠️ Closing Date: 21 April 2026. Do not delay.

Step 1 – Get the Correct Z83 Form
Download the official Z83 form (effective 1 January 2021) using the button provided below. Please complete every section of the form, as incomplete submissions will be disqualified. Ensure the form is signed and dated.

Step 2 – Prepare Your CV
Compile a comprehensive, up-to-date CV clearly showing your qualifications, experience, and management history. Do not attach certified copies of qualifications at this stage these will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.

Step 3 – Email Your Application to the Correct Address

• Director: Food Safety & QA (2026/115): Recruit2026115@agriculture.gov.za
• Deputy Director: Plant Production (2026/116): Recruit2026116@agriculture.gov.za

⚠️ Clearly state the post title and reference number in your email subject line.

Download Z83 Form

⚠️ Important Reminders:

• Use only the new Z83 form dated from 1 January 2021 incorrect or old forms will result in disqualification.
• Submit your CV only at application stage do not send certified documents yet.
• The Nyukela Certificate is non-negotiable for the Director post apply for it immediately if you do not have one.
• The DOA will not pay relocation or resettlement costs for successful candidates.
• If you do not receive feedback within 6 months of the closing date (21 April 2026), consider your application unsuccessful.

🇿🇦 South Africa’s agricultural sector feeds the nation and drives rural economies across every province. The Department of Agriculture is at the centre of that work developing the policies, standards, and programmes that make sustainable farming possible. These are exceptional opportunities for experienced agricultural and management professionals to lead that work at a national level. Apply before 21 April 2026.