Agriculture Deputy Director: Small Business Development Vacancy 2026 at National Department of Agriculture

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Agriculture is seeking a dedicated Deputy Director for Small Business Development in Pretoria, Gauteng. This vital role focuses on enhancing support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) within the agricultural sector.

This position involves developing and implementing strategies, coordinating interventions, and establishing robust data management systems to foster agricultural SMME growth and development across South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

• A Grade 12 Certificate is required.
• Must possess a Degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Business Management, or Development Studies.
• A minimum of 3 years of junior management experience in an Agricultural Economics environment.
• Job Related Knowledge: Understanding of BBBEE Act and related legislation, National Small Business Amendment Act, Companies Act, Cooperative Act, Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Batho Pele Principles, and the National Policy on Comprehensive Producer Development Support (NPCPDS).
• Job Related Skills: High level of integrity, strong leadership and supervisory skills, analytical skills, strong work ethics, good interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, ability to work independently, ability to work under pressure, planning and execution, management of Human Resources, and acceptance of responsibility.
• A valid driver’s license is essential, as the role requires extended travelling and working extended hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the SMME strategy for the Department of Agriculture (DoA).
• Conduct desktop research on the status of SMMEs in the agricultural sector.
• Align draft strategy documents with the National Policy on Comprehensive Producer Development Support (NPCPDS) and other relevant DoA policy/strategic documents.
• Manage consultation processes with DoA branches, relevant support directorates, provinces (PDAs), and provincial DLRRD (PSSC) to gather information on SMME support interventions.
• Oversee the incorporation of gathered inputs into draft documents.
• Provide guidance and support for presentations of draft documents to various forums to secure buy-in.
• Manage the process for preparing submissions for strategy approval by EXCO.
• Compile an annual report on the development of the SMME strategy for DoA.
• Coordinate and harmonise SMME support interventions within DoA.
• Manage and oversee consultation processes with branches and support directorates within DoA regarding support interventions.
• Manage the review of information gathered and the alignment of financial and non-financial policies/strategies for SMME support.
• Compile a comprehensive annual report on coordinated SMME support.
• Manage stakeholder engagement on the functionality of data management systems, including data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting processes.
• Manage the evaluation of gathered information related to data systems.
• Manage consultation with D: ITC to define requirements for a real-time data management system.
• Manage the design of a business case for an agricultural SMME data management system.
• Manage the approval process for a business case for the design and development of an agricultural SMME data management system.

What the Work Involves

As the Deputy Director for Small Business Development, you will be at the forefront of shaping how agricultural SMMEs are supported. Your daily work will involve a significant amount of strategic planning and desk research to understand the current landscape of small businesses in agriculture. A large part of the role focuses on managing extensive consultation processes, engaging with various branches and directorates within the Department of Agriculture, as well as provincial departments.

You will be responsible for drafting, aligning, and presenting key strategic documents, ensuring they reflect national policy and gain necessary buy-in from stakeholders. The role also requires developing and overseeing a real-time data management system for agricultural SMMEs, which includes designing business cases and evaluating information. This position demands a proactive individual who can work independently, manage human resources, and is prepared for extended travel and working hours to meet critical objectives.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please send your application via email to:

• Email Address: DDSBDrecruit77@nda.gov.za

Please ensure you include the reference number 3/3/1/77/2026 in the subject line of your email. The closing date for applications is September 11, 2026.