International Affairs Manager at South African Sugar Association
Job 2054386 | Ref 1268
The South African Sugar Association invites applications for the position of International Affairs Manager, based at its office in Pretoria.
The SASA International Affairs function is responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the potential and existing impact on the industry of the national trade negotiating agenda as pursued in bilateral, regional and multilateral trade engagements, and for the formulation and promotion of industry positions that seek to achieve trade arrangements that secure the sustainability of the South African sugar industry.
The International Affairs Manager plays a central role in driving and supporting SASA’s responsibilities in respect of international affairs policy development and implementation. The position calls for a highly accomplished strategic thinker, relationship builder and negotiator with excellent research, writing and presentation skills, preferably with experience in an agricultural commodity environment. The position reports to the External Affairs Director.
Qualifications and experience sought:
- A relevant tertiary education, preferably to post-graduate level, with major studies in economics, international trade, international affairs or related disciplines.
- A career to date that has equipped you to deliver your International Affairs expertise at a strategic level from the outset of your appointment.
- An ability to apply your expertise to trade-related negotiations in the context of an agricultural commodity.
- Sound understanding of the principles and mechanics of all relevant trade groupings.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong research skills with the proven ability to translate research into well written position papers.
- Proven ability to motivate and secure mandates through verbal and written presentations.
The ideal candidate will have the following competencies:
Ability
- Serve as a key industry representative in respect of a variety of international sugar bodies and trade forums
- apply your expertise to trade-related negotiations in the context of an agricultural commodity
- develop and evaluate issues and initiatives through the study of relevant policies, standards and reports
- undertake senior level engagement with relevant government departments
- draft and motivate positions aimed at securing sustainability of the industry
- facilitate effective communication and understanding between the industry and government on international affairs matters
Experience
- resolving conflict and facilitating agreement and solutions
- identifying and analyzing key trends, policies, and strategies
Duties
Key responsibilities include:
- Serving as a key industry representative in respect of a variety of international sugar bodies and trade forums including but not limited to the International Sugar Organisation and the Global Sugar Alliance.
- Undertaking senior level engagement with relevant government departments, notably the dti, with a view to facilitating effective communication and understanding between the industry and government on international affairs matters.
- Drafting and motivating positions aimed at securing the sustainability of the South African sugar industry.
- Motivating agreed negotiating positions in respect of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations.
Application procedure
Only applications submitted via SASA’s online job portal will be considered. Start by logging in to www.sasa.org.za, navigate to “Careers @ SASA” and follow the relevant link to lodge your application. Please note that short-listed candidates will be required to participate in pre-selection competency and psychometric assessments and have a clear credit and criminal record.
Aspects of SASA’s Recruitment Policy applicable to vacancies
SASA recognises the need for employers in South Africa to contribute to transformation through active support for the provisions of the Employment Equity Act and Black Economic Empowerment legislation, and recognises the high level of unemployment in our country. Accordingly, our first priority is the provision of employment opportunities to South African nationals. Applications for employment by foreign nationals are considered only in the event that a comprehensive recruitment process has failed to result in the appointment of a suitable South African candidate.
In terms of our employment equity plan the following designated groups are currently underrepresented at certain levels of our organisation, as assessed against the official economically active population of South Africa, and will be given preference when shortlisting for this position: African Females, Coloured Females, African Males, Coloured Males and African and Coloured male and female applicants with disabilities.
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