Sub-Section Commander : Chemical Monitoring (Lieutenant Colonel)

South African Police Service; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Sub-Section Commander for Chemical Monitoring. This critical role involves managing the prevention and detection of precursor chemicals, providing expert national advice on synthetic trends, and conducting extensive research on evolving chemical lists. The successful candidate will collaborate with national and international stakeholders, lead awareness campaigns, and ensure compliance with international conventions. If you are passionate about chemical safety and have a strong background in chemical engineering, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the field.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Senior Certificate and a relevant Diploma/Degree.
• Experience in a supervisory role is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage prevention and detection of chemical diversions.
• Conduct research on precursor chemicals and maintain stakeholder relations.

Skills

Competency in post-specific functions

Proficiency in English and one other official language

Knowledge of general chemistry

Research skills on precursor chemicals

Management skills

Education

Senior Certificate (Grade 12)

Diploma/Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job title : Sub-Section Commander : Chemical Monitoring (Lieutenant Colonel)

Job Location : Gauteng, Pretoria Deadline : May 11, 2025

Generic Requirements :

• Applicant must display competency in the post-specific functions of the post;
• Be in possession of a Senior Certificate (Grade 12);
• Be proficient in at least two (2) official languages, of which one (1) must be English;
• Must be a South African citizen;
• Must have no previous criminal / departmental convictions or criminal or departmental cases pending;
• Applicants will be subjected to a vetting process which will include security screening;
• Be in possession of at least a valid light motor vehicle driver’s licence;
• Must not have tattoos which will be visible when wearing any uniform of the Service;
• Relevant courses in the field of the post may be an advantage.

Additional requirements :

• A three (3) year Diploma / Degree (SAQA accredited on NQF level 6 or higher) in Chemical Engineering or related field, with three (3) years relevant experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory role.

Core Functions :

• Manage the prevention, detection, and response to the diversion of precursor chemicals, pre-precursors, and related chemicals by modelling, simulation, and collaboration with the chemical/pharmaceutical industry.
• Provide expert advice nationally on new synthetic trends, including synthesis of opioids, hallucinogens, CNS depressants, and stimulants.
• Conduct extensive research on evolving lists of precursor chemicals and related substances (e.g., esters, nitazenes, solvents, salts) as per the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of general chemistry and IUPAC naming conventions to facilitate INCB projects, programmes, and alerts (PRISM, COHESION, GRIDS).
• Maintain excellent relations with national and international stakeholders (e.g., SAHPRA, ITAC, SARS, INCB), lead awareness campaigns and training for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and DPCI units. Manage the national databases of import/export notifications and dismantled clandestine laboratories, and contribute to programme performance reports.
• Conduct chemical and equipment backtracking investigations to identify clandestine laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with United Nations Conventions addressing drug trafficking and new psychoactive substances (NPS).
• Manage human, financial, and physical resources of the section.