Sustainable Fisheries Practices

Director: Small Scale Fisheries Management Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) invites applications for the Director: Small Scale Fisheries Management position, with Reference Number FIM02/2025. This role offers a salary of R1 216 824 per annum, inclusive of all benefits. The position is based in Cape Town.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must have an undergraduate qualification in Natural or Environmental Science, or a relevant qualification at NQF 7 level. The qualification must be recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Experience and Senior Management Skills

Candidates must have at least five years of experience at a middle/senior management level in a related field. This includes relevant work in marine environments and fisheries sectors. Additionally, candidates must have successfully completed the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG).

Knowledge of Relevant Legislation

A key requirement for this role is knowledge of the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), as well as other applicable legislation like the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury regulations, and government policies. An understanding of government priorities and legislative frameworks is critical for the role.

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Understanding of Public Service Transformation

The successful candidate should have knowledge of the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service, including the Batho Pele principles. These principles guide the delivery of public services in South Africa, focusing on improving accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness to citizens.

Leadership and Management Skills

The Director should demonstrate strategic capability, leadership, and program/project management skills. Strong people management and empowerment abilities are essential to support and develop staff in the small-scale fisheries sector. Good interpersonal relations skills are required to manage diverse teams and stakeholders effectively.

Ability to Handle Pressure

The role demands an individual who can work long hours voluntarily and under extreme pressure. The successful candidate will need to be resilient and focused to meet demanding targets and deadlines in this high-stakes environment.

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Duties and Responsibilities

As the Director: Small Scale Fisheries Management, the successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of duties. This includes the administration and support of the small-scale fisheries sector in alignment with relevant legislative requirements.

Compliance with Legislative Requirements

One of the primary duties is to ensure compliance with the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) in areas such as permitting, licensing, and other necessary regulations. The Director will oversee the enforcement of these requirements to maintain the sector’s legal integrity.

Leadership in Small-Scale Fisheries Development

The Director is expected to provide leadership and support for the continued development of the small-scale fisheries sector. The role includes guiding the sector to ensure that it grows sustainably while adhering to legislative standards and ensuring equitable participation from all stakeholders.

Promoting Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs)

A core responsibility of this role is to promote the active participation of Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) in the small-scale fisheries sector. This will be achieved by ensuring that HDIs have opportunities for involvement, skill development, and leadership within the sector.

Strengthening Co-Management Structures

The Director will be tasked with devising strategies for the establishment and strengthening of local co-management structures across all four coastal provinces. These structures are crucial for ensuring effective collaboration between the government, fishing communities, and other stakeholders.

Representation at National and International Forums

The Director will represent the department at national, regional, and international forums related to small-scale fisheries management. These forums are vital for sharing knowledge, establishing partnerships, and contributing to global discussions on sustainable fisheries management.

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Managing Product Flow Verification

A key responsibility is managing the verification of product flow through the fishing value chain. This ensures that the sector operates efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with legal requirements. Accurate verification is crucial for maintaining sector credibility and reducing illegal fishing practices.

Sector Support for Goal Achievement

The Director will provide ongoing support to the sector to ensure that the objectives of the small-scale fisheries sector are achieved. This includes working with stakeholders to overcome challenges, implementing necessary interventions, and driving continuous improvement.

Collaborating with Enforcement Stakeholders

The Director will collaborate closely with other stakeholders involved in the enforcement of legislative and regulatory requirements. This includes liaising with law enforcement agencies, fishing industry representatives, and governmental bodies to uphold the sector’s standards.

Operational Planning and Implementation

The Director will be responsible for developing the operational plan for the Directorate. This includes setting clear goals, defining measurable outcomes, and ensuring the plan is executed effectively. Regular reviews will be necessary to track progress and address any challenges that arise.

Financial Planning and Budget Management

The Director will also conduct financial planning for the Directorate, ensuring that the allocated budget is managed effectively. This includes ensuring that resources are allocated in line with priorities and that funds are used efficiently to support the sector’s growth and compliance.

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Human Resources Management

Managing and developing the human resources within the Directorate is another key responsibility. The Director will oversee recruitment, training, and development initiatives to build a strong and capable team that can effectively manage the small-scale fisheries sector.

Reporting and Accountability

The Director will be expected to provide regular reports on the progress of the sector’s initiatives, as well as any challenges or achievements. These reports will be submitted to senior management and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Effective stakeholder engagement is essential for the success of this role. The Director will work with fishing communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to foster collaborative relationships, share information, and ensure the sector’s goals are met.

Addressing Sector Challenges

The Director will be responsible for identifying and addressing challenges within the small-scale fisheries sector. This includes finding solutions to regulatory, economic, and environmental issues that may hinder growth or sustainability.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Promoting sustainable fishing practices is a key focus of the role. The Director will work to implement policies that protect marine resources while ensuring that small-scale fisheries thrive and remain a viable livelihood option for coastal communities.

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Environmental Conservation and Fisheries Management

The Director will ensure that environmental conservation efforts are integrated into fisheries management practices. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations designed to protect marine ecosystems and fish stocks for future generations.

Working with Various Stakeholders

The Director will collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and local communities, to ensure that the small-scale fisheries sector remains sustainable and inclusive.

Role in Policy Development

In addition to managing the small-scale fisheries sector, the Director will contribute to the development of policies that support the long-term growth of the sector. This includes reviewing existing policies and proposing new initiatives to enhance sector performance.

Conclusion

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries in South Africa. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that the sector meets its objectives while adhering to legislative requirements and fostering the participation of marginalized communities.

Contact and Application Details

For more information, please contact Mr. S Pheeha at 082 558 5837. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications to FIM02-2025@dffe.gov.za.

This role presents an exciting opportunity for candidates with a strong background in marine science, fisheries management, and policy development. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the sustainability and growth of the small-scale fisheries sector in South Africa.

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