SALARY : R882 042 per annum (Level 12), (all-inclusive package to be structured in
accordance with the rules for MMS)
CENTRE : Gauteng (Roodeplaat)
REQUIREMENTS : Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a Master’s
Degree in Biological or Agricultural Science with Botany, Agronomy,
Horticulture, Genetics and / or Plant Biotechnology as a major subject. 5 years’
experience in the field of botany, plant taxonomy, plant breeding or
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administration of legislation related to Agriculture. Job related knowledge: InDepth knowledge of botany (plant morphology, Plant taxonomy and plant
nomenclature principles). Understanding of legislation regulating registration
of plant varieties, including related legislation such as the Plant Improvement
Act. Understanding of the International Union for the Protection of New
Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Convention. Job related skills: Analytical and
innovative thinking skills, Strong coordination skills, Information management
skills, Communication skills (good written and verbal skills), Presentation
skills, Administration and organising skills, Problem solving skills and
Interpretation of legislation skills. Computer literacy and a valid driver’s
licence. Willingness to work extended hours and travel nationally, regionally
and internationally.
DUTIES : Manage the administration of the Plant Breeder Rights Act (PBR). Review all
applications submitted to ensure they comply with the requirements in terms
of the Plant Breeders Rights Act. Facilitate timely registration of applications
by taking the necessary actions to prevent unnecessary time delays. Liaise
with Plant Evaluation Centers on all aspects regarding the planting of trials
and evaluation of new plant varieties in terms of the Plant Breeders Rights Act.
Review all Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) reports received from
the Evaluation Centers and verify relevant documentation submitted in
connection with the application concerned. Register approved new plant
varieties and issue plant breeder rights certificates thereof. Correspond with
applicants on all matters pertaining to their applications. Liaise with Plant
Breeders Rights Offices in other countries pertaining to the access to existing
DUS results for granting plant breeders rights where applicable. Sign off all
correspondence pertaining to the Plant Breeders Rights Act. Manage all
objections and appeals lodged in terms of the Plant Breeders Rights Act.
Facilitate knowledge and information management related to plant breeders’
rights. Maintain the Plant Breeders Rights Register. Manage access to
information pertaining to plant breeders’ rights applications including access
to Registers and compiling information requested in terms of Promotion of
Access to Information Act (PAIA). Compile and / or edit all publications
relevant to Plant Breeders Rights Act. Ensure that all publications are
published in correct format in relevant medium. Issue variety descriptions to
external stakeholders upon request. Ensure public understanding of the
national Plant Breeders Rights system. Draft responses to stakeholder
enquires, including Parliamentary questions, Non-governmental
organisations, other government Departments. Effect legislative amendments
and develop / review policies, guidelines and procedural manuals relevant to
the Plant Breeders Rights Act. Draft policies, guidelines documents, Standard
Operating Procedures, Regulations etc, and facilitate publication thereof as
applicable. Facilitate submission and approval of documents to relevant
structures within the Department / Government as applicable. Facilitate public
participation process where applicable. Liaise with Legal Services on legal
matters pertaining to the implementation of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act.
Liaison with international and regional bodies, e.g. UPOV, Southern African
Development Community (SADC) and provide inputs into relevant documents
where applicable. Represent the Department / country in relevant national or
international meetings, workshops, symposia and conferences. Coordinate
inputs to inform departmental / country position on relevant matters and submit
such to relevant national / regional / international bodies. Liaise with the
regional / international Plant Breeders Rights Authorities on the matters
pertaining to the Plant Breeders Rights system. Manage the resources of the
Sub-directorate. Ensure proper utilisation of the budget by monitoring and
reporting expenditure. Monitor and ensure proper utilisation of equipment and
reporting thereof. Evaluate and monitor performance and appraisal of
employees. Ensure capacity and development of staff. Manage discipline.
ENQUIRIES : Dr N Netnou-Nkoana Tel No: (012) 319 6024
APPLICATIONS : Applications can be submitted by post to: Private Bag X833, Pretoria, 0001 or
hand delivered to: 184 Jeff Masemola Street (formerly known as Jacob Mare),
corner of Jeff Masemola and Paul Kruger Streets, Pretoria.
NOTE : African, Coloured and Indian males and Coloured and Indian females and
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.