Job Description

Job Summary

The successful candidate will take responsibility for enabling access to existing and new natural resources and the sustainable management thereof. The incumbent will also be responsible to mitigate associated risks that will enable pome and stone fruit producers to remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as expert and liaise on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance issues and risks (relating amongst others to the EU Green Deal and Farm to Work strategies regarding packaging, food waste, environmental sustainability, use of chemicals and carbon budgets/sequestration)
• Lobby and work with government to maintain critical water and other enabling infrastructure
• Create a water resource optimisation strategy for each production region in conjunction with government
• Research and promote the implementation of water and energy saving technology and initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices aligned with ESG
• Assist and promote water user associations to adopt sustainable regional ground water management plans
• Devise strategies to mitigate risks associated with climate change and extreme water events
• Promote and advance efficiency and productivity gains throughout the value chain to counter the cost squeeze brought on by unsustainable increases in input costs
• Identify opportunities and collaborate on initiatives to advance sustainable agricultural practices and to protect natural resources
• Analyse and quantify the impact of climate change on the industry to lobby support and influence decision-making by producers and government
• Oversee the execution of the deciduous fruit industry's climate change response and future water proofing strategies
• Ensure professional and effective long-term relationship management with all relevant stakeholders

REQUIREMENTS:

• MSc preferably in Entomology / Plant Pathology or Conservation Ecology (MSc in related fields like sustainable agricultural systems / environmental science / natural resource management or relevant fields will also be considered)
• At least 5 years' proven experience in natural resource management and sustainability
• Knowledge of the agricultural / deciduous fruit industry will strengthen the application
• Proven experience in integrated pest management / plant protection with an interest in the agricultural value chain
• A scientific/research background with understanding of highly technical literature and the ability to conduct literature reviews
• Knowledge and understanding of the ESG environment as pertaining to agriculture
• The ability to distil and translate broad overarching strategies into local strategies with actionable targets and execution of these strategies
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail with a systematic and methodical approach to work
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) to effectively communicate highly technical and complex content to relevant stakeholders at various levels
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with producers, industry specialist, and other stakeholders in the deciduous fruit industry
• Computer literacy with experience in MS Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

Joubert & Associates

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