Assistant Director: International Relations (Reference 139/2013)


Advertiser: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Location: Pretoria

Directorate: Americas, Australasia, Europe and Middle East Relations
Salary: R252 144 per annum

Requirements:
Applicants must be in possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration and/or Agricultural Economics or any other relevant tertiary qualification (You are required to furnish a credit certificate and / or statement of results). Extensive relevant experience in the field of international relations, political arena or the agricultural economics sector. Knowledge of International relations and foreign policy principles as well as Government priorities and public service policies. Knowledge of diplomacy, protocol procedures, and processes involved in concluding agreements. Experience in high level interaction in international/ local forums. Good understanding of administrative and procurement procedures. Good interpersonal relations and communication (verbal and written) skills. Computer literacy in MS Office software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). A valid driver’s license.

Duties:
The incumbent will be responsible to facilitate and coordinate DAFF’s participation in BNC’s, JBC’s for the Middle East and Australasia . Processing of bilateral agreements and MOU’s. Coordination of visits and arrangements as well as drafting briefing notes for both technical and Ministerial delegations to and from Middle East and Australasia. Draft documents to be discussed in International Cooperation, Trade and Security (ICTS) Cluster and track issues that needs follow up. Devise strategy for promotion of the agricultural, forestry and fisheries interests in ICTS and Economic Cluster priorities. Identify trade, training and technical assistance opportunities for agriculture, forestry and fisheries within the Middle East and Australasia. Develop country profile on progress of DAFF engagements with donor countries and partners in the region.

Enquiries: Ms M.M Maleme. Tel. 012 319 6801

Notes: A pre-interview test will be conducted to assess the required skills and knowledge on International and foreign policy.

It is the Department's intention to promote equity through the filling of posts, according to the set Employment Equity targets. To facilitate this process successfully, an indication of race, gender and disability status is required

Applications:
Applications may be posted to URS Response Handling, P. O. Box 11506, Tierpoort, 0056 OR deposited in the URS Response Handling boxes at any one of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries offices indicated below.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Ultimate Recruitment Solutions (URS) will NOT accept liability for any applications forwarded to any other address besides those indicated above.

Enquiries: URS Response Handling Tel. 012 811 1900.

PRETORIA: Reception, Agriculture Place, 20 Steve Biko Street (formerly Beatrix Street), Arcadia, Pretoria, Gauteng
CAPE TOWN: Reception (Ground Floor), Foretrust Building, 3 Martin Hammerschlag Way, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
STELLENBOSCH: Reception (Support Building), Quarantine Station, Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
PIETERMARITZBURG: Reception (5th Floor), Old Mutual Building, 185 Longmarket Street, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
KING WILLIAM‟S TOWN: Reception (Ground Floor), Old SABC Building, 2 Hargreaves Avenue, King William‟s Town, Eastern Cape
NELSPRUIT: Reception (4th Floor), Prorom Building, Corner Brown and Paul Kruger Streets, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
MAKHADO: Reception (Ground Floor), Magistrates Building, 103 Landros Street, Makhado, Limpopo
UMTATA: Reception (3rd Floor) PRD Building, 2 Sutherland Street, Umtata, Eastern Cape

Note:
Applications must be submitted on a Z83 form (click to download form), and should be accompanied by a recently updated, comprehensive CV as well as copies of all qualification(s) and ID-document and Driver’s licence [where applicable]. Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders must attach a copy of his/her Permanent Residence Permit to his / her application. Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Failure to submit all the requested documents will result in the application not being considered.

Correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within three (3) months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record check, citizenship verification, financial / asset record check, qualification / study verification and previous employment verification). Successful candidates will also be subjected to security clearance processes. Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills/knowledge test. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of twelve (12) months. The Department reserves the right not to make appointment(s) to the advertised post(s).

Reference number: 139/2013

Closing date: 26 April 2013


How to Write a Brilliant CV for Government and Public-Sector Vacancies

Applying for government jobs, municipal positions, or public-entity vacancies requires a professional CV that highlights your education, work experience, and relevant skills. Follow the tips below to create a clear, concise, and effective CV.

1. Personal Information

  • Name and surname
  • Phone number (ensure it’s active and professional voicemail)
  • Email address (use a professional address with your name)
  • Physical and postal address
  • Languages spoken
  • Driver’s license (if relevant)

Tips: Make sure you are reachable, and any contact details you provide are accurate. Avoid unnecessary personal information such as age, gender, marital status, or religion.

2. Education

  • List your most recent qualification first (degree, diploma, matric, etc.)
  • Include institution and year completed
  • Highlight achievements, awards, competitions, or leadership positions
  • Optional: extracurricular activities relevant to the role

3. Work Experience

  • Start with your most recent position
  • Include job title, company, and duration
  • List duties and accomplishments using bullet points and numbers where possible
  • Mention leadership roles, projects, or additional responsibilities

4. Computer Skills

List all relevant programs you can use and your proficiency level.


5. Courses and Training

Include workshops, seminars, or short courses relevant to the job. Mention topic, institution, facilitator, and date.

6. Activities and Interests

Include only if relevant to the vacancy or if they showcase unique skills. Otherwise, this section can be omitted.

7. References

Write “References available on request” and ensure your referees are aware they may be contacted.

Pro Tip: Always tailor your CV to the specific vacancy. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the requirements of the job you are applying for. A well-prepared CV significantly improves your chances of being shortlisted.

For more information, refer to the PDF above or the official careers page for the department or entity. Following these guidelines ensures your application stands out for government and public-sector positions.