Deputy Director: Agriculture /Health/industry Bio- Innovation

About the position

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity is available for a Deputy Director: Bio-Innovation to support the development and growth of 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 (RDI) that promotes the commercialisation of biotechnology products, processes, and services, while ensuring positive socio-economic impact and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Bio-Economy Strategy Implementation

• Contribute to the development and implementation of initiatives supporting the Agriculture, Health, and Industry bio-economy sectors.

• Coordinate inputs from stakeholders to support the implementation of the national bio-economy strategy.
• Support research initiatives including discovery, development, and demonstration projects.

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement with academia, industry, and innovation partners.

• Strategic Programme Management

• Manage strategic biotechnology programmes and ensure contractual agreements are in place with implementing institutions.

• Provide strategic and technical guidance to support programme implementation.
• Monitor programme deliverables and performance against key objectives.

• Facilitate transfer payments to implementing agencies and institutions.

• Stakeholder and Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with national and international biotechnology stakeholders.

• Support coordination of engagements with government departments, regional bodies, and international partners.

• Prepare briefing documents, reports, and technical inputs for meetings, conferences, and workshops.

• Strategic Advisory and Policy Support

• Provide strategic advice on biotechnology matters within the Agriculture, Health, and Industry sectors.

• Prepare high-level submissions, reports, and cabinet memoranda.
• Provide expert input on policy and strategic initiatives related to the bio-economy.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in the Agriculture, Health, or Industry sector.
• Postgraduate qualification will be an advantage.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of National Science and Innovation policies and frameworks.
• Knowledge of bio-economy and biotechnology innovation value chains.
• Strong project management and policy development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.

Personal Attributes

• Innovative and strategic thinker
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Energetic, diplomatic, and solution-oriented

Key Stakeholders

• Government departments and entities
• Research institutions and academia
• Private sector organisations
• Innovation ecosystem partners

Desired Skills:

• National Science and Innovation policies
• bio-economy
• biotechnology innovation value chains
• Project Management

Desired Work Experience:

• 2 to 5 years

Desired Qualification Level:

• Diploma