Addressing vacancies within the DFFE

Call for applications

SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a call for submissions to apply for the position of Deputy Director-General: Fisheries Management.

The issue of vacancies was raised at a March Parliamentary Portfolio Committee meeting where representatives for DFFE were questioned about the number of leadership roles that were filled by those serving in acting capacity.

During the meeting Director General (DFFE), Nomfundo Tshabalala clarified that, in fact, eight of the ten DDG roles were filled. She explained that the vacancy in the Fisheries Branch was as a result of a retirement while that of the Oceans and Coasts vacancy was subject to an ongoing disciplinary process.

At the time she indicated that steps were being taken to stabilise the branch and expedite recruitment and disciplinary processes.

Interested candidates with at least eight years of relevant experience have until 25 May to apply for the DDG position. The job requirements include a knowledge and understanding of the fishing industry, aquaculture and marine living resource management issues; as well as of international laws, agreements and commitments and their impact on fisheries.

The successful appointee will also need to demonstrate the ability to develop, interpret, implement policies, strategies and legislation as well as the ability to work under extreme pressure and to resolve conflict

In addition, specific duties are listed to include:

◼︎ Provide strategic and policy leadership with regards to the development of the aquaculture industry, to enhance economic opportunities and growth, and sustainable management of inland fisheries.

◼︎ Guide and promote ongoing research into fisheries-related resources and ecosystems, to enable resource protection, management and development.

◼︎ Facilitate research with relevant research institutions with regards to sustainable aquaculture and production, to improve productivity and sustainable resource utilisation.

◼︎ Ensure that regular stock assessments, surveys, data collection and other forms of primary research are undertaken, to underpin policy development and review on an annual basis.

◼︎ Lead in the establishment of a research capability suitable to address all aspects of the fisheries management value chain (from environmental biodiversity and ecosystem issues to biological information, to approaches regarding socioeconomic and environmental considerations (e.g. methods for extraction).

◼︎ Ensure strategic and operational management of South Africa’s marine living resources, through sound allocation, permitting, and management of resources.

◼︎ Ensure monitoring, control and surveillance of living marine resources.

◼︎ Coordinate the Department’s participation in national, regional and international structures for the purpose of promoting and managing inland fisheries, aquaculture and sustainable marine resources management, and ensuring sector transformation

For more information click the link below.