The NAMC is looking for a Senior Economist to provide advanced economic analysis on statutory applications and related matters, regulatory evaluations of field crops, and technical advisory support relating to statutory measures implemented in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (MAP Act). The role provides basis for the promulgation of statutory measures are economically justified, legally compliant, administratively efficient, and aligned with NAMC’s mandate to promote market access, efficiency, and equitable participation within the agricultural sector.

2. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

2.1 Economic Analysis & Regulatory Evaluation

• Conduct economic impact assessments of proposed statutory measure applications (levies, record-keeping, information systems, etc.).
• Analyse industry data to determine necessity, proportionality, and market impact of measures.
• Evaluate cost-benefit implications of the applications for producers, processors, traders, and smallholder farmers.
• Develop economic models to assess levy structures and revenue sustainability.

 2.2 Statutory Measures Administration & Compliance Support

• Review applications for new and/or amended statutory measures.
• Assess compliance with the MAP Act, regulatory prescripts, and Ministerial guidelines.
• Monitor implementation and performance of approved measures.
• Evaluate reporting from industry trusts and administrators.
• Support renewal processes through structured economic and governance reviews.

 2.3 Policy & Advisory Support

• Provide expert advice to Senior Manager, Management Committee (MANCOM), and Council (including its committees), and on statutory measure matters (in the field crops).
• Contribute to policy development relating to market regulation.
• Interpret legislative provisions and assess alignment with economic principles and their applicability.
• Participate in stakeholder consultations and public hearings (and lead in respect of field crops).

 2.4 Governance, Risk & Audit Support

• Ensure all statutory measures are aligned to:
• Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (including the SOP and other guiding documents)
• Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
• National Treasury guidelines
• Identify financial, operational, and reputational risks.
• Support internal and external audit processes.
• Maintain proper documentation and record management.

 2.5 Stakeholder Engagement & Industry Liaison

• Engage with commodity organisations and industry bodies.
• Facilitate consultative processes for measure approvals.
• Present technical findings to industry stakeholders.
• Support dispute resolution processes related to statutory measures.

2.6 Research & Reporting

• Prepare high-level reports for:
• Minister of Agriculture
• NAMC Council
• Parliamentary Committees (where required)
• Senior Manager
• Conduct sectoral research relating to levy impacts and transformation objectives.
• Develop analytical briefs and position papers.

3. COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Technical Competencies

• Legislative interpretation (deep understanding of the MAP Act of 1996 as amended and related legislations)
• Advanced impact assessment techniques/economic modelling and quantitative analysis
• Cost-benefit and regulatory impact analysis
• Knowledge of agricultural value chains
• Public sector governance and compliance frameworks

Behavioral Competencies

• Analytical thinking
• High levels of ethical and professional standards
• Stakeholder management
• Strategic judgement
• Professional communication (written and verbal)
• Attention to detail

4. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Postgraduate  Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Economics, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 – 7 years’ experience in:
• Agricultural economics
• Regulatory analysis
• Public sector economic advisory
• Market research or levy administration
• Experience in a PFMA-governed entity will be advantageous.

5. KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Marketing of Agricultural Products Act
• Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
• Agricultural commodity structures
• National agricultural policy framework
• Public sector reporting standards
• Risk and governance frameworks

6. KEY OUTPUTS

• Statutory measure evaluation reports
• Economic impact assessments
• Renewal review reports
• Ministerial advisory submissions
• Industry consultation reports
• Governance compliance assessments

 7. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Quality and defensibility of economic recommendations
• Timeliness of statutory measure reviews
• Stakeholder satisfaction
• Audit compliance outcomes
• Contribution to market efficiency and transformation objectives
  

Internal

• Agribusiness Development
• Markets and Economic Research Centre (MERC) Division
• CEO’s Office (on submission related issues, Legal & Compliance)
• Human Resource Division
• Risk & Audit
• Finance
• Executive Management

External

• Commodity Organisations (levy administrators)
• Industry Trust Administrators
• Department of Agriculture
• Agricultural Research Council and other SOEs
• National Treasury (where applicable)
• Minister’s Office

8. ROLE IMPACT

This role directly influences:

• National agricultural levy frameworks
• Industry funding structures
• Market regulation effectiveness
• Transformation and inclusion within value chains
• NAMC’s credibility as a statutory advisory body