Senior Manager: Markets & Economic Research Centre (MERC) at National Agricultural Marketing Council

Reference No: HRREC004/24

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics or related field. A PhD will be an added advantage. 5- 10 years’ senior management experience. Knowledge of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, Act No 47 of 1996 (MAP Act). Knowledge of leadership and management principles. Strong financial management and budgeting background. Proven track record to manage research.
• Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act of 1996 (MAP) Act. Understanding of Government Statutes, Procedures, and Processes. Good understanding of and/ or experience in managing a public entity or other relevant organisation. Knowledge of corporate identity and governance.
• Knowledge of relevant legislative processes and procedures. Good Leadership Skills. Presentation Skills

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Planning Management. People Management. Change management. Financial Management.
• Analytical and strategic thinking. Confidentiality and diplomatic. Client orientated. Intuitive and motivated.
• Pro-active and resilience.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Capability and Leadership

• Contribute to the development of the NAMC Strategy and Annual Performance Plan as per NAMC targets.
• Develop a divisional plan which is aligned to the strategic goals and objectives of the organisation.
• Oversee the implementation, monitoring and control of Markets and Economic Research activities and actions to ensure that technical research is undertaken within the strategic focus areas in line with the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act of 1996.
• Provide qualitative and quantitative guidance and input into markets and economic research conducted internally, as well as externally under contract of the NAMC.
• Provide strategic leadership in the management of division’s units and projects.
• Provide the necessary support to other Divisions of the NAMC in a coordinated manner as and when required.
• Support sponsorship and marketing plans, ensuring that the division delivers on its mandate.

Financial Management & Governance

• Demonstrate knowledge of general concepts of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting and how they interrelate.
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the CEO.
• Present current, future financials and projections on the division’s operations.
• Oversee the allocation of resources to drive the best balance between financial and operational concerns.
• Identify and evaluate the risks to the division and implement measures to control risks.
• Manage and guide the implementation of good corporate governance practices.
• Manage the quality of the division’s outputs and compliance with NAMC policies and procedures.

People Management

• Provide clear leadership, promote and foster a team culture consistent with the NAMC’s values.
• Maintain a high-performance culture through effective performance management and communication with employees.
• Provide developmental feedback in accordance with performance management principles.
• Seeks opportunities to increase personal contributions and level of responsibility.
• Manage conflict through a participatory transparent approach.
• Ensure that staff moral remains high.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Regular industry liaison on matters pertaining to the marketing of agricultural products.
• Make presentations to government and industry stakeholders on request or as required.
• Communicate with relevant media and the general public as delegated.
• Ensure that stakeholder perceptions of the NAMC remain positive and the organisation enjoys a high level of visibility within the ambit of Markets and Economic Research activities (i.e. MERC staff represent the NAMC through participation in workshops, meetings, contact sessions, forum meetings and other industry meetings).
• Ensure council members are kept informed on a regular basis on all work progress and industry developments. Information on portfolio issues is based on liaison with stakeholders, investigations, workshops and literature research.
• Ensure divisional and Council reports are submitted in a timely manner.