​​​Basic Details 

Job title: Agricultural Officer 
Organisation: Netherlands Embassy in Pretoria
Unit/mission: LAN-PRE 
Job Grade: 07
Number of hours/week: 37.5

Description of the job

The Netherlands Agricultural Network in South Africa is looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and motivated colleague to join our team. You will be posted at the Dutch embassy in Pretoria with primary working area in South Africa. The diversity of tasks and responsibilities will require a willingness to learn, accuracy, flexibility and a structured and result-oriented approach. You have analytical skills, you can work independently and you are a good communicator. You are a team player. Willingness to travel is essential as several visits and activities take place outside Pretoria.

General features of the Netherlands Agricultural Network

The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) represents the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN in Dutch). LAN consists of 59 teams stationed at Dutch embassies and consulates-general and they are active in 75 countries. LAN also represents the Netherlands in multilateral organisations; EU in Brussels, FAO/WFP/IFAD in Rome and OECD in Paris. 

LAN is established in regions that can offer viable chances for Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and societal organisations in the domain of agriculture, fisheries, food and nature. This way, LAN strengthens and contributes to the implementation of the LVVN Europe strategy and the LVVN International strategy aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

LAN supports agricultural development, dialogue and (bilateral and multilateral) cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture, nature / biodiversity, food safety, food security and fisheries. Trade promotion, stimulating Dutch investments abroad, promoting market access for Dutch agri-food products and knowledge, innovation and technology in the country of representation also belong to its core tasks.

LAN adopts a proactive approach, seeking out opportunities for Dutch agribusiness and establishing direct contact with the relevant stakeholders via newsletters, social media, the international LVVN website www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl and the website of the Dutch embassy.

Description of tasks

•    Accurately applies the ministerial administrative and procedural rules, regulations, guidelines and working agreements;
•    Ensures that accounting records are accurate and well-coordinated; is responsible for budget management within the LAN, making interim reports and is responsible for the financial administration of the activity plan of the LAN;
•    Provides support for official visits, trade missions, seminars, workshops, exhibition activities, networking meetings and other LAN activities;
•    Makes active use of the LAN network contacts, maintains regular contact with the network and extends this network in cooperation with the Agricultural Counsellor;
•    Collects, organizes and manages data about market info, relevant meetings, events, interested companies, news articles etc.;
•    Gathers relevant market information on request (e.g. Euromonitor, Eurostat, etc), compiles ‘light’ sector overviews and reports;
•    Supports preparation of speeches and presentations and compiles information files;
•    Deals independently with basic trade requests by Dutch and local stakeholders, in cooperation with the Agricultural Counsellor;
•    Coordinates the registration within Achilles (system of trade registration) of the LAN team;
•    Independently prepares monthly reports, processes, analyses and interprets data;
•    Draws up contracts for contractors for major events and/or projects; 
•    Makes up drafts and publishes articles for www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl, newsletters and social media channels 
•    Drafts and manages the LAN part of the digital ‘cooperation space’ for the archive;
•    Provides support to the Agriculture Counsellor & Advisor with policy activities, such as projects related to sustainable trade, innovation, biodiversity and youth. 
•    Work closely with other teams at the embassy when needed, including economic affairs and communications.
•    Reports directly to the Agricultural Counsellor who carries final responsibility and is responsible for policy related support for the entire LAN team;

Knowledge & skills requirements

Level of education: higher professional level; Degree in agriculture, economics or social science is an advantage. 
Level of working experience: 3-4 years of relevant experience.

Knowledge

•    General knowledge and understanding on economics and agriculture topics;
•    General knowhow and experience with financial and administrative procedures
•    Experience in writing (policy) reports;
•    Good verbal and written command of English [and another official South African languages is an advantage];
•    Familiarity with Dutch culture and customs is an advantage

Skills

•    Strong communication skills, both written and orally;
•    Good social media skills;
•    Flexible and proactive;
•    Knowledge of common software such as Windows and Microsoft Office
•    Good networking;

Competencies

•    Integrity
•    Result oriented
•    Detail oriented
•    Customer focus
•    Ability to work with others
•    Ability to plan and organise
•    Able to handle stress

Working environment

LAN falls within the organisational structure of the Dutch Embassy in Pretoria. The agricultural support officer will be part of the LAN team that consists of the Agricultural Counsellor -  who is the overall manager of the LAN-  Agricultural Advisor and Management Assistant. There is close cooperation between LAN and the Economic Cluster and other departments within the Embassy and with the Consulate General in Cape Town.

Terms of employment

The appointment will be effectuated on the basis of a local contract according to the Mission Condition of Employment (PUW) and Locally Employed Staff Council (LESC) rules and regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. 

The contract will be for fixed term for a period of one year with the possibility of extension. The position has been approved for scale 7, according to the Dutch Local Staff scales. Scales are dependent upon education and experience of the candidate and gross minimum salary will start at ZAR 42,213.

There is a probation period of 2 months from the start date of employment. 

Diversity and inclusivity

The Netherlands Government is an inclusive employer with a focus on diversity. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organizational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other category protected by law. 

Important contacts

•    With LAN HQ (homebase) at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) in The Hague 
and with other Netherlands Agricultural Networks worldwide;
•    With the Ministry of LVVN in The Hague and other ministries and governmental agencies (like NVWA, RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency, responsible for implementation of policy of the NL government) whenever possible;
•    With Dutch exporters and investors, local companies, importers and key business figures, local ministries and other authorities, government representatives and other authorities, business organizations, professional organizations, and diplomatic representations;
•    With independent societal organisations and NGO’s; 
•    With news media for public information, PR and press releases.

Contact person and application

Interested candidates can apply before 31 July 2026 by sending a motivation letter and a recent CV to Evert Jan Krajenbrink, Agricultural Counsellor, by email to pre-lvvn@minbuza.nl mentioning as subject “Application Agricultural Support Officer Pretoria - surname”.