4 Policies jobs in South Africa

A leading Development Finance Institution is seeking a Manager : Public Sector Policy to lead policy research, analysis, and advocacy in support of the organisation’s mandate to transform and support South Africa’s agricultural sector. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping national and sectoral policy while enabling access to finance for emerging and commercial farmers.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct in-depth research and monitor public and sector policy trends affecting agriculture and development finance.

Analyse the legislative and regulatory environment and advise on implications for the institution.

Develop strategic policy positions and ensure alignment with national objectives (e.g., the NDP).

Advocate for the organisation’s policy positions with relevant stakeholders and government departments.

Drive thought leadership through academic and policy partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

Contribute to internal strategy through insight-led reporting and presentations to senior leadership.

Identify policy opportunities for innovation and institutional responsiveness.

Minimum Requirements

Postgraduate qualification in Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.

8–10 years’ experience in a policy research or strategy role, preferably in a development finance, public sector, or agricultural environment.

Strong stakeholder engagement and lobbying experience.

Deep understanding of public sector frameworks, government relations, and legislative processes.

Key Competencies

• Policy Research & Analysis
• Public Sector and Government Relations
• Strategic Thinking & Advocacy
• Report Writing & Presentations
• Thought Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Agricultural or Development Finance Sector Knowledge

Be part of a mission-driven organisation influencing sustainable agriculture, economic inclusion, and national development goals. Lead meaningful policy conversations, shape the future of the sector, and engage with top-level decision-makers.

A leading Development Finance Institution is seeking a Manager: Public Sector Policy  to lead policy research, analysis, and advocacy in support of the organisation’s mandate to transform and support South Africa’s agricultural sector. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping national and sectoral policy while enabling access to finance for emerging and commercial farmers.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research and monitor public and sector policy trends affecting agriculture and development finance.

• Analyse the legislative and regulatory environment and advise on implications for the institution.

• Develop strategic policy positions and ensure alignment with national objectives (e.g., the NDP).

• Advocate for the organisation’s policy positions with relevant stakeholders and government departments.

• Drive thought leadership through academic and policy partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

• Contribute to internal strategy through insight-led reporting and presentations to senior leadership.

• Identify policy opportunities for innovation and institutional responsiveness.

Minimum Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.

• 8–10 years’ experience in a policy research or strategy role, preferably in a development finance, public sector, or agricultural environment.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and lobbying experience.

• Deep understanding of public sector frameworks, government relations, and legislative processes.

Key Competencies

? Policy Research & Analysis
? Public Sector and Government Relations
? Strategic Thinking & Advocacy
? Report Writing & Presentations
? Thought Leadership
? Stakeholder Engagement
? Agricultural or Development Finance Sector Knowledge

Be part of a mission-driven organisation influencing sustainable agriculture, economic inclusion, and national development goals. Lead meaningful policy conversations, shape the future of the sector, and engage with top-level decision-makers.

• Conduct research on land reform, tenure security, and geospatial policy development in alignment with the DALRRD project objectives.
• Assist in data collection, integration, and analysis for land ownership audits and land worth estimation.
• Support geospatial analysis and mapping for land redistribution and agricultural potential.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement workshops and capacity-building initiatives.
• Contribute to policy development and implementation frameworks for scalable land reform. 
• Write reports, policy briefs, and scientific articles based on research findings

• PhD bursary (1 Position) : MSc degree in Land Economics / Geospatial Sciences / Agricultural Policy / Development Studies / Environmental Management / Sociology (with a focus on land reform).
• MSc bursary (2 Position) : BSc Honours degree in Geospatial Sciences / Agricultural Economics / Land Management / Development Studies / Environmental Science.
• Hons bursary (3 Position): BSc degree in Geospatial Sciences / Agricultural Economics / Land Management / Development Studies / Environmental Science.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills, with experience in GIS and remote sensing tools preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) for stakeholder engagement and report writing.
• Willingness to travel to rural and peri-urban areas for fieldwork and data collection.
• Valid driver's licence (code 08/EB).

Enquiries: Prof KAA Abutaleb, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 AUGUST 2025

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments). 

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.