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Overview of the entity

The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency is a schedule 3C entity in terms of the Public Finance
Management Act,1 of 1999 as amended, with a mandate to promote, support and facilitate rural development in the Eastern Cape province.

Erratum:OHS Health & Safety & Security Specialist

Task Grade Level : 14
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Manager Integrated Facilities Management
Duration : Permanent
Salary: Minimum salary of R749 281.13

Main purpose of the position
The purpose of this role is to ensure a safe, secure and healthy working environment by developing, implementing and maintaining occupational health and safety (OHS) programmes, policies and procedures.

The incumbent will serve as a key advisor and enforcer of safety standards to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and security breaches.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• B degree in Environmental Health and/or Occupational Health and Safety Management or relevant qualification on NQF Level 7.
• An Honours qualification will be an added advantage.
• Registration as an OHS Practitioner will be an added advantage

Experience
• Minimum of 8 years working experience.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in OHS management, preferably in a public sector or multi-site environment.

Driving
• A valid driver’s licence.

CLOSING DATE: 09 October 2026 at 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Manager: Organisational Performance, Planning and Reporting

Task Grade Level : 17
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Office of the CEO
Duration : Permanent
Salary: Minimum salary of R1,057,148

Main purpose of the position
Leading and coordinate the development of the organisational strategy and monitor its implementation.

KNOWLEDGE COMPETENCY AND ATTRIBUTES
• Moral Competence
• Planning and Organising
• Analysis and Innovation
• Knowledge and Information Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Communication
• Results and Quality Focus

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• 10 years working experience.
• 5 -7 years’ experience in operational planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

CLOSING DATE: 09 October 2026 at 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Task Grade Level : 22
Location : Head Office, KuGompo City (East London)
Reporting line: Board of Directors
Duration : 5 Year fixed-term contract
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: Market-related remuneration package in accordance with ECRDA’s approved remuneration framework.

Main purpose of the position

The main purpose of the position is to lead the development and implementation of the strategy of the organisation, manage operations, and build partnerships to improve economic and social conditions in rural areas.

Core Responsibilities
• Strategic Planning: Create and execute long-term strategy to boost rural economies, infrastructure and community services.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong ties with government bodies, local communities, traditional leaders and private sectors.
• Project Oversight: Direct initiatives in agriculture, rural development, small business growth and development of other sectors.
• Financial Management: Oversee the annual budget, secure grants, and ensure proper use of public and private funds.
• Team Leadership: Hire, guide, develop high-performance culture and orientate all staff towards achievement of organisational goals.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• NQF level 7 qualification in Agriculture; Agricultural Economics; Rural Development; Development Economics; or any related qualification
• A master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Development Economics, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Public Administration, Business Administration/Leadership, Development Finance, Finance, Investment Management or a related field.
• A valid driver’s license
• A relevant PhD in any of the specified areas will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience at executive level, with at least 5 years managing economic development, rural development, community development, development finance or comparable programmes.
• Experience as a Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Executive Director, Accounting Officer or Head of a comparable organisation will be a strong added advantage.
• Experience in development finance, blended finance, investment management, credit and loan portfolio management, project finance, capital raising or development banking will be an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE: 12 October 2026 at 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Systems/ Database Administrator

Task Grade Level : 12
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Infrastructure and Business Development Manager
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of this position is to ensure stability, security and efficiency of the ECRDA’s IT infrastructure and database.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems. Computer Science or IT
• An honours degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 6-8 years working experience.
• 3-5 years in the data administration and systems administration field.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Manager: Supply Chain Management

Task Grade Level : 16
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Chief Financial Officer
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The job purpose of a Supply Chain Management Manager is to oversee and optimize the end-to-end flow of goods, services, and information across procurement, and distribution, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery to ECRDA. The role is strategic—balancing cost reduction, service improvement, and risk management to support ECRDA.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
•Honours in Supply Chain Management/ Financial Accounting, Finance or related field or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification
• A Masters qualification and or professional certification such as CA (Chartered Accountant) and or CMA ( Certified Management Accountant) and/ or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience in the supply chain management
• 5- 7 years of working as a supervisor in the supply chain management
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in a SCM manager role.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Senior Accountant: Revenue & Expenditure

Task Grade Level : 14
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Manager Financial Accounting
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of this job is to ensure accurate financial management and reporting of ECRDA’s income and expenditure.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• A Bachelor degree in Financial Accounting, Finance, or related field or an NQF L7 qualification.
• An honours qualification and/or professional certification such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CIMA (Certified Management Accountant) and SAIPA etc will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 8 years’ working experience.
• 5 - 7 years’ experience in financial accounting, revenue and expenditure responsibilities
• Experience with general ledger and reconciliations

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Financial Accountant: Accounting & Reporting

Task Grade Level : 12
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Senior Financial Accountant: Accounting & Reporting
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

To perform financial accounting and reporting function of the organizational, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulatory requirements and internal policies. The role is critical in producing accurate financial statements, supporting audits and providing financial insights.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• National Diploma in Financial Accounting, Finance or relate field or an NQF L6 qualification
• A Bachelor qualification and/or honours and/or professional certification will be an added advantage BCom Accounting (NQF level 7)
• SAICA or SAIPA articles will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 5-7years working experience in the finance field
• 2–3years’ experience in the financial accountant role.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Project Officer Forestry Development

Task Grade Level : 11
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Sector Head: Forestry and Timber Processing
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

To support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of forestry development projects aimed at promoting sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, community based natural resource stewardship. The Project Officer provides technical assistance, coordinates field activities, engages stakeholders, and ensures compliance with environmental and forestry regulations, contributing to the long-term ecological and socio- economic benefits of forestry initiatives.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• National Diploma in Forestry, Forestry Development, Agroforestry (NQFL6).
• A BSC in Forestry degree will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• Over 8 years’ experience in forestry and rural development, including demonstrated practical exposure to community-based forestry initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of successful community forestry implementation models in the Eastern Cape, with the ability to reference and draw lessons from proven success stories in community participation, sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support.
• Experience supporting stakeholder engagement, project coordination, field- level forestry activities, and community stewardship processes that contribute to sustainable and socially beneficial forestry outcomes.
• Good understanding of the institutional, environmental, and community factors that enable successful forestry development projects in rural areas.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Senior Asset Management Officer

Task Grade Level : 14
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Manager: Financial Accounting
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

A Senior Asset Management Officer has a strategic role in safeguarding, optimizing, and reporting on an organization’s assets. The job purpose is to ensure that both financial and physical assets are managed effectively to maximize value, minimize risk, and support long-term organizational goals.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• BCom in Financial Accounting, Finance or related field (NQF level 7)
• An honours qualification and/or professional certification such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CIMA (Certified Management Accountant) and SAIPA
etc will be an added advantage • SAICA or SAIPA articles will be an added advantage

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 7 years working experience in the relevant field
• 3- 5 years of working as a supervisor in the asset management field.
• 1– 2 years’ experience in a Senior asset management role.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Regional Director x 2

Task Grade Level : 17
Location : 1 Umtata and 1 in Queenstown/ Cradock
Reporting line: Executive: Stakeholder Relations and Regional Coordination
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The Regional Director is responsible for the implementation of ECRDA projects, strategy, identifying potential development opportunities in the region and stakeholder facilitation in the region.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Honours degree in Development Studies, Economics / Agric economics / Public Administration or Business Management
• MBA/ Master’s qualification in the relevant field will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience.
• 5 -7 years’ experience in management, managing project implementation/ business development/ rural development/

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
OHS Health & Safety & Security Specialist

Task Grade Level : 14
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Manager Integrated Facilities Management
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of this role is to ensure a safe, secure and healthy environment by developing, implementing, and maintaining occupational health and safety (OHS) programs, policies and procedures.

The incumbent will serve as a key advisor and enforcer of safety standards to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and security breaches.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Bdegree in Environmental Health and/ or Occupational Health and Safety Management or relevant qualification on a NQF 7.Honours qualification will be an added advantage
• Registration as an OHS Practitioner will be an added advantage

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• Minimum of 8 years working experience.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in OHS management, preferably in a public sector or multi-site environment.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Manager Communication Services

Task Grade Level : 16
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Corporate Services
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The Communications Manager is responsible for shaping and executing strategic communication initiatives that advance ECRDA’s mission, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and safeguard the organisation’s reputation and public image

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Honours degree in Marketing/ Communication
• Master’s qualification in the relevant field will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience.
• 5 -7 years’ experience in the marketing/ communications role.
• 2 – 3 in management role within marketing/ communications.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Management Accountant

Task Grade Level : 11
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Manager: Management Accountant
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of this job is to provide accurate financial analysis, planning, and reporting that supports management in making informed strategic and operational decisions. It acts as the financial navigator of ECRDA, ensuring resources are used efficiently, risks are managed, and performance is optimized.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• National Diploma in Cost and Management, Accounting, Finance, or related field or an NQF L6 qualification.
• A bachelor qualification will be an added advantage.
• Articles will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 5- 7 years of working experience in the finance field
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in management accountant field/ position.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Financial Accountant Revenue, Expenditure & Payroll (X2)

Task Grade Level : 12
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Senior Financial Accountant: Revenue & Expenditure
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of this job is to ensure accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of the ECRDA’s financial transactions, safeguarding compliance with accounting standards and regulations, while providing reliable information to support decision-making and financial sustainability

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• National Diploma in Financial Accounting, Finance or relate field or an NQF L6 qualification
• A Bachelor qualification and/or honours and/or professional certification will be an added advantage
• SAICA or SAIPA articles will be an added

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 5-7 years working experience in the finance field
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in the financial reporting role.
• 1 – 2 years’ experience of working with payroll systems

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Financial Accountant: Accounting & Reporting

Task Grade Level : 12
Location : East London (Head office)
Reporting line: Senior Financial Accountant: Accounting & Reporting
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

To perform financial accounting and reporting function of the organizational, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulatory requirements and internal policies. The role is critical in producing accurate financial statements, supporting audits and providing financial insights.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
•National Diploma in Financial Accounting, Finance or relate field or an NQF L6 qualification
•A Bachelor qualification and/or honours and/or professional certification will be an added advantage BCom Accounting (NQF level 7)
•SAICA or SAIPA articles will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 5-7 years working experience in the finance field
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in the financial accountant role.

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Communication Officer

Task Grade Level : 11
Location : Head Office East London
Reporting line: Manager Communication Services
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of this position is to ensure effective internal and external communication, strengthen stakeholder relationships and safeguard the ECRDA’s reputation.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• National Diploma in Communication or marketing
• Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 5-7 years working experience.
• 2-3 years in the communications or marketing field

CLOSING DATE: 24 March 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Executive Integrated Programme Management

Task Grade Level : 20
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Office of the CEO
Duration : Five-year Fixed Term Contract

Main purpose of the position

To provide strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight for the planning,implementation, monitoring of integrated agricultural programmes across theAgricultural cluster, including rural enterprise development hubs, field crops,animal fibre, technology mainstreaming, forestry and timber processing, grainfodder, vegetable crops, livestock commercialisation, and fisheries. The Executivewill drive sustainable agricultural development, enhance rural livelihoods, andensure alignment with national and regional development priorities. This role ispivotal in fostering cross-sector collaboration, optimizing resource utilization, anddelivering impactful, inclusive and scalable agricultural interventions that contributeto economic growth, food security and rural transformation.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Agriculture/ Rural Development,/Development Studies/ Agricultural Economics,/Business Administration/Commerce.
• Certification in Project Management (e.g. PMP, Prince 2) will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10-15 years working experience.

CLOSING DATE: 13 February 2026 before 16h30, Late applications will not be accepted.
Sector Head Livestock Commercialization and Fisheries

Task Grade Level : 17
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Executive: Integrated Programmes Management
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of the position is to facilitate and deliver on livestock commercialization, provide technical advice on the development activities of smallholder livestock famers as well as aquaculture/fisheries projects.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Honors degree in Agricultural / Agribusiness/ Animal Science and Nutrition/ Fisheries or Aquaculture.
• A master’s qualification will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience.

CLOSING DATE: 06 February 2026, before 16h30, late applications will not be accepted.
Project Manager: Infrastructure / Engineering

Task Grade Level : 16
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Executive: Integrated Programme Management
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

To lead, plan, and manage infrastructure and engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring delivery within scope, budget, and timelines.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Honours degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture or a relevant NQF L8 qualification.
• Master’s qualification will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience.

CLOSING DATE: 06 February 2026, before 16h30, late applications will not be accepted.
Manager: Infrastructure and Business Development

Task Grade Level : 17
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Corporate Services
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of the job is to strategically lead ECRDA’s digitalization agenda through implementation of modernised ICT infrastructure and integrated systems in support of a connected and efficient ECRDA

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Honours degree in either Computer Science, Information Technology, Information systems, ICT Management, MSc IT Management, ISACA Certifications, M+4 in IT governance and/ or information security.
• Master’s qualification will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience.

CLOSING DATE: 06 February 2026, before 16h30, late applications will not be accepted.
Investment and Portfolio Manager

Task Grade Level : 17
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Executive Structured Rural Finance
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of the position is to lead, develop, and implement innovative investment strategies that drive the commercialization of rural agriculture in the Eastern Cape.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Honors degree in Finance, Business, Accounting or Economics
• A post graduate qualification (CA, CFA, MBA or similar) would be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience.

CLOSING DATE: 06 February 2026, before 16h30, late applications will not be accepted.
Head of Strategy, Capital Raising and Partnerships

Task Grade Level : 18
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Chief Executive Officer
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

The purpose of the position is to lead the development and execution of the organization’s long-term strategy and growth initiatives, ensuring full alignment with the mission to increase funding for rural enterprises. The position is to further drive the identification, evaluation, and securing of diverse funding opportunities, oversees project development, packaging, and investor pitching, and establishes clear KPIs to measure strategic, fundraising, and partnership outcomes, reporting progress, risks, and opportunities to the CEO and Board.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• Master’s degree in Finance, Commerce, Business Administration (MBA), Economics, or Strategy.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 10 years working experience.

CLOSING DATE: 06 February 2026, before 16h30, late applications will not be accepted.
Graphic Designer / Audio Visual Communications

Task Grade Level : 12
Location : East London (head office)
Reporting line: Manager Communication Services
Duration : Permanent

Main purpose of the position

To provide professional graphic design and audio-visual communication services that support the organisation’s internal and external communication strategies.

Minimum requirements

Educational Qualification
• National Diploma in graphic Design, Multimedia Design or relevant NQF Level 6 qualification.
• A bachelor's qualification in graphic design will be an added advantage.

Driving
• Code 08 driver’s license

Experience
• 5 years’ working experience

CLOSING DATE: 06 February 2026, before 16h30, late applications will not be accepted.

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About Us

Vision and mission of the ECRDA

Guiding Principles

The values that underpin the
vision and mission of ECRDA

Mandates

ECRDA’s policy and legislative mandates

Organisational Structure

The leadership structure of
the ECRDA

Board of Directors

Board charged with guiding the ECRDA’s overall plans

Executives

The leadership team that ensure execution of the boards plans

Grain, fodder and vegetable (food) crops

Grain, fodder, and vegetable crop production is a catalytic intervention that transforms underutilised rural land into commercially viable agricultural production hubs.

Horticulture development, forestry and timber processing

The forestry, timber processing, and horticulture intervention expands commercial production in these sectors while deliberately integrating small-scale producers and millers into the mainstream economy.

Livestock commercialisation

The livestock commercialisation initiative transforms the Eastern Cape’s substantial livestock resources into sustainable, competitive, and export-oriented commercial

Agri-clusters and rural enterprise development hubs

Rural enterprise development hubs are strategically designed geographic interventions that target specific rural areas to create economically viable clusters anchored on local commodities and comparative advantages.

Technology Mainstreaming for Field Crops and Animal Fibre

This strategic initiative identifies and develops fibre-based opportunities derived from both crop and animal resources within the province.

Structured Finance Services

Finance that stimulates vibrant economic activity.