Our client, South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) a division of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for an Extension Specialist based in Komatipoort and supports growers delivering to the Komati Mill.

SASRI provides an extension service to a broad spectrum of growers in the industry, including large-scale commercial farmers, new emerging farmers and small-scale farmers.

The Extension service aims to facilitate the achievement of the following objectives:

• To ensure more effective implementation of SASRI research findings, new varieties and other SASRI services on sugarcane farms
• To encourage and facilitate the adoption of better management practices (BMPs) related to sugarcane farming in general, ensuring the sustainability of farmers and the industry.
• To aid the implementation of leadership objectives in the growing regions such as Research Development & Extension (RD&E) Committees, Local Pest Disease and Variety Control Committees, and other local farmer groupings.
• Support for seedcane initiatives in the Komati region

These are all aimed at creating awareness of interest in and adoption of economic farming practices that will improve the profitability of growers while ensuring the long-term protection of the environment and the sustainability of the industry as a whole.

The successful incumbent will have administrative support in their office and will join a team of other experienced Extension Specialists in facilitating technology transfer from SASRI to growers throughout the industry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In order to provide a comprehensive extension service including the co-ordination of the regional biosecurity function you will need:

• A sound working knowledge of sugarcane crop husbandry, knowledge of and experience in irrigation, environmental management, and pest and disease control practices
• A sound knowledge of soils would be an advantage
• Advanced understanding of crop nutrition, fertilizers, fertigation and weed control (problem weeds)
• A good understanding of sugarcane varieties, specifically those for irrigation
• The ability to develop and manage extension programmes effectively
• A proven track record of communicating scientific information to a non-scientific audience
• Understanding how to manage BMPs for maximum profit and sustainability, to speak, read, write Afrikaans and English – Siswati will be an advantage.
• Computer literacy and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ideally a BSc in Agriculture and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in providing extension services to a large group of farmers will equip you to meet the requirements of this job.
• Personally, you should be an excellent communicator, problem-solver, have strong inter-personal skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• A valid driver’s license and own vehicle is essential.

Salary

• Market related.

Our Client, South African Canegrowers Association has a vacancy available for a Commercial Manager for their South Coast, based in Sezela, KwaZulu-Natal

The South African Cane Growers’ Association is a registered non-profit company which protects the interests of its members by lobbying for an appropriate legislative environment, negotiating the best price, undertaking research and analysis, and providing growers with critical information empowering them to make sound decisions at farm, mill and industry level.

The successful incumbent must reside close to where the position is based, which is in the Sezela Cane Growers Office, South Coast, working closely with the Chairman of the Local Grower Council, Mill Group Board and Local Membership Organizations and reporting to the Grower Affairs Manager of SA Canegrowers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• You will drive and contribute to the Areas’ Growers strategic issues, including local grower council, mill group board, and other committees.
• You will run with a range of matters and challenges experienced by growers from attending government workshops, to how to generate a larger income stream for our Grower’s business’s.
• Provide input and assist grower leadership with pre and post preparation for strategic meetings.
• Project manage a diverse range of projects all in line with the local area’s strategic needs.
• Provide industrial, economic, and institutional updates at local grower meetings.
• Provide a service to individual growers which includes bank feasibility reports, compensation reports, crop valuations, contractor rates, lease agreements and rates.
• Participate in municipal activities such as the integrated development plans for the municipality.
• Oversee all development projects in the area such as Government or Company funded projects.
• You will advise on viability of crop diversification and other farm/ business matters and link in closely    with other commodity organizations to assist growers where possible.
• Manage the Agriculture Business Advisor and other staff where necessary, ensuring excellent administration, timely distribution of minutes, amongst other functions.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Minimum of an Agricultural Economics Degree with Honors or a BCom/ Business and Financial Degree with Core Mathematics at Matric level.
• A minimum of 3 years’ work experience in an agricultural economic environment or in a financial or business environment with experience in the field of agriculture (sugar knowledge would be advantageous).

Knowledge and Skills

• Self-driven, problem solver with ability to oversee various projects simultaneously.
• Excellent people skills and ability to establish new relationships and connections.
• Ethically minded and values driven individual who subscribes to the values of SA Canegrowers to be accountable, ethical, courageous, and professional and who works effectively in a team environment as well as working independently to set own direction.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Excellent numerical competence and skilled in Excel and Word

Salary:

• Market- Related

Please include current remuneration details and expectations, as well as qualifications including matric certificate and academic record.

Applications will be considered as soon as they are received, and interviews arranged for shortlisted candidates thereafter.

Please note:

In terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”), the applicant freely and voluntarily consents to SA Canegrowers collecting, processing, and storing his/ her personal and special personal information for the purposes of his/ her application for this position