About the position
Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to establish and grow South Africa's bio-economy within the agriculture, health and industry sectors. The successful candidate will contribute to creating an enabling environment for research, development and innovation that supports commercialisation of biotechnology products, processes and services with strong socio-economic impact, while preserving social, cultural and environmental values.
Key Responsibilities
Bio-economy Strategy and Policy Implementation
- Contribute to the development and implementation of agriculture, health and industry biotechnology initiatives
- Draft and coordinate implementation plans aligned to the national bio-economy strategy
- Engage with industry, academia and innovation ecosystem stakeholders
- Support new research and innovation initiatives including discovery, development and demonstration projects
Programme and Project Management
- Manage strategic biotechnology programmes and initiatives
- Ensure contractual agreements are in place and oversee transfer payments
- Monitor project performance, deliverables and compliance
- Provide strategic and technical advice to support programme implementation
- Promote awareness of biotechnology within the science community and broader society
Stakeholder and International Relations
- Build and maintain strong networks with national, regional and international biotechnology stakeholders
- Support international cooperation initiatives including preparation of technical documents and briefing notes
- Represent the department in meetings, workshops and conferences
Strategic Advisory and Governance Support
- Provide expert advice on agricultural, health and industrial biotechnology matters
- Draft submissions, briefing notes and cabinet memoranda
- Respond to ad hoc requests including funding proposals and policy inputs
Administration and Internal Controls
- Draft reports, memos, submissions and official correspondence
- Contribute to policy, procedure and process development and implementation
- Provide technical guidance to colleagues and stakeholders
- Ensure proper document management, record keeping and reporting
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- National Diploma NQF Level 6 in Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Agriculture or a related field
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in the agriculture, health or industry sector
Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of national science, innovation and biotechnology policies
- Strong understanding of innovation value chains and the bio-economy
- Project and programme management
- Financial and stakeholder management
- Policy development and research skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills
Personal Attributes
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Innovative, analytical and solutions-oriented
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desired Skills:
- national science
- biotechnology policies
- Programme Management
- Project Management
- Financial Management
Desired Work Experience:
Desired Qualification Level:
