Agriculture Chief Human Resource Officer Vacancy 2026 at National Department of Agriculture

Opportunity Overview

This is an opportunity with the Department of Agriculture in Pretoria for a Chief Human Resource Officer. The role is based within the Human Resource Administration Directorate.

This position is vital for managing and overseeing recruitment and selection processes within the department. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring compliance with HR policies and legislation.

Minimum Requirements

• A Grade 12 Certificate
• A National Diploma in Human Resource Management (NQF 6)
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in providing recruitment and selection services
• Knowledge of:
• Recruitment and selection prescripts and legislation
• Human resource transformation, monitoring, and evaluation
• Public Service Act
• Public Service Regulations
• Employment Equity Act
• Labour Relations Act
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act
• Skills in:
• Communications (verbal and written)
• Good interpersonal relations
• Ability to communicate well with people at different levels
• Problem solving
• Good telephone and email etiquette
• Presentation and facilitation
• Report writing
• Record keeping
• People management
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Administrative
• Customer focus
• Computer literacy
• Ability to travel
• A valid driver’s license

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective advisory service on recruitment and selection.
• Ensure adherence and compliance with Recruitment & Selection (R&S) policy and prescripts.
• Administer the management of shortlisting and interviews.
• Provide technical advisory services during shortlisting and interviews.
• Implement recommendations of the selection committee members.
• Draft appointment submissions for approval.
• Conduct personnel suitability checks on recommended candidates.
• Issue appointment letters and regret letters.
• Provide assistance during recruitment and selection information sessions.
• Respond to all related enquiries.
• Meet with clients on daily operational issues.
• Write submissions and letters on matters related to recruitment and selection.
• Represent the unit at various transformation forums in the Department.
• Provide advice and guidance to the department’s line functionaries.
• Provide effective interpretation of legislation, policies, and directives.
• Provide inputs on the amendment of policies and procedures.
• Draft written responses to line functionaries on functional areas to enhance correct implementation of recruitment and selection processes and practices.
• Follow up on vacancies with a view to reduce the vacancy rate and turnaround time to fill a post.
• Provide training on recruitment and selection policies and prescripts.
• Report on vacancies, statistics, and other related issues.
• Maintain and provide statistical information on recruitment and selection.
• Update and maintain recruitment and selection vacancy databases.
• Follow up on outstanding personnel suitability checks.
• Administer related databases on recruitment and selection.
• Control, maintain, and monitor databases set up to monitor recruitment and selection activities.

What the Work Involves

As a Chief Human Resource Officer, you will be deeply involved in managing all aspects of recruitment and selection for the Department of Agriculture. Your daily work will include providing expert advice to various line functionaries and internal clients, overseeing the shortlisting and interview processes, and ensuring all activities comply with HR policies and legislation.

You will be responsible for drafting important submissions and letters, handling enquiries, and representing the unit at departmental forums. This role involves maintaining and updating critical recruitment databases and providing training to ensure correct implementation of processes. The work is primarily office-based in Pretoria, but may involve some travel.

How to Apply

Submit your application via email to CHROrecruit79@nda.gov.za.

Ensure your application clearly references the Ref No: 3/3/1/79/2026.

The closing date for applications is 11 September 2026.