RE-ADVERTISEMENT CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER POSITION REF NUMBER:ADAHRM03/06/2026

Agribusiness Development Agency; Idaho; On-site; USD 74,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Agribusiness Development Agency seeks a Chief Operations Officer to lead the organisation from its Pietermaritzburg base, overseeing operations, governance, and strategic execution. The role requires steering complex programmes and building cross‑sector partnerships to advance agribusiness and development outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a track record in senior management, a relevant master’s degree, and a deep understanding of agricultural development.

Qualifications

• Matric completed (required).
• NQF Level 7 degree is required.
• Master’s degree in Agriculture/Economics/Commerce/Business Admin/Development Management/Project/Financial Management or related field is advantageous.
• A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• 5+ years senior managerial experience in public or private sector.
• Experience in facilitating and managing partnerships with various stakeholders.
• Extensive programme and project management experience.
• Knowledge of financial, market/price and risk analysis in agricultural sectors.
• Networking with stakeholders and report writing skills.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Performance reviews

IT skills

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Report writing

Memorandum writing

Education

Matric

NQF Level 7 degree

Master’s degree in Agriculture / Economics / Commerce / Business Administration / Development Management / Project Management / Financial Management or related field

Job description

Job Title

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Reference Number

ADAHRM 03/06/2026

Location

5 Cascades Crescent, Pietermaritzburg

Grade/Salary

L14 (DPSA Salary Scale)

Types of employment

3 Years (Fixed Term Contract)

Reporting Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Unit

Chief Executive Officer

Minimum Requirements

• Must have completed Matric.
• NQF Level 7 Degree
• A Master’s Degree Qualification in Agriculture/Economics/Commerce/Business Administration/Development Management Studies/Project Management/Financial Management or relevant field of study, would be an added advantage
• A valid driver’s license.

Experience

• 5 years or more senior managerial working experience preferably within the public sector, or private sector.
• Experience in the facilitation, developing and management of partnership agreements with various stakeholders.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience of financial, market/price and risk analysis in the agricultural, agribusiness and food sectors.
• Knowledge and experience in the formulation and implementation of agricultural/agribusiness development strategies and approaches.
• Networking with stakeholders and report writing skills.
• Knowledge of Government’s land reform Programme and post transfer business processes.
• Provide advice to the CEO and Board on key issues and make recommendations on business decisions. Extensive programme and project management experience.
• Knowledge of relevant legal prescripts. Extensive networks within the agricultural, agribusiness and food sectors both nationally and internationally

Skills

• Provide leadership and support to staff to ensure effective management of the unit.
• Ability to lead, plan and manage change.
• Conduct regular performance review of staff to encourage personal development.
• Strong IT skills (generic applications, internal communications systems).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical, policy and operational thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report and memorandum writing skills as well as ability to clearly and accurately communicate technical information.
• Ability to think conceptually and strategically.

Key Performance Areas

• Technical implementation support
• Project implementation support
• Work with Partners and Donors in Specific Programmes
• Facilitation of value chain opportunities for Black Commercial Farmers
• Effective utilization of resources
• Stakeholder management
• Programme and project management
• Contract management
• Performance reporting
• Development and implementation of operational systems, policies and procedures

Note

• All applicants are subject to the signing of performance agreement;
• ADA reserves the right not to appoint any applicant to the above position.
• Preference will be given to members of designated group
• Must be a South African citizen, preferably understanding the dynamics of KZN agricultural sector
• Females and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Suitable candidates will be selected with the intention of promoting representivity.