Senior Project Officer – Land Reform
- Directorate: Operational Management
- Position: Senior Project Officer
- Reference No.: 3/1/1/1/2026/220
- Post No.: 31/38
- Centre: Free State – Bloemfontein
- Salary: R413,001 per annum (Level 08)
Job Overview
The Department is seeking a Senior Project Officer to support land reform and restitution programmes in the Free State. The successful candidate will investigate and validate restitution claims, conduct research, engage with claimants and stakeholders, facilitate negotiations and assist with the finalisation and settlement of land claims.
The role involves significant fieldwork, community engagement and travel, with candidates expected to work extended periods in the field and irregular hours when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate and validate restitution claims.
- Gather oral and documentary evidence relating to claims.
- Compile research reports and facilitate the gazetting of claims.
- Verify beneficiaries of lodged claims.
- Compile family trees and gather supporting documentation.
- Prepare verification reports.
- Negotiate the settlement of land claims.
- Consult with claimants regarding available options.
- Facilitate the resolution and finalisation of claims.
- Prepare Terms of Reference for valuations and consider Office of the Valuer-General (OVG) recommendations.
- Compile valuation spreadsheets.
- Conduct deeds research on properties.
- Compile offers based on OVG recommendations.
- Prepare Section 42D documentation on approved offers.
- Engage with stakeholders and manage land claims enquiries.
- Respond to enquiries from senior government officials and stakeholders, including the Minister, Director-General, Chief Land Claims Commissioner and Premier.
- Respond to Presidential enquiries.
Requirements
- Grade 12 Certificate.
- Bachelor’s Degree/National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in one of the following:
- Agriculture
- Development Studies
- Social Science
- Law
- Related equivalent qualification
- At least 2 years’ experience in a land reform environment.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Job-Related Knowledge
Candidates should have knowledge of:
- Development management, including strategic management.
- Research methods and techniques.
- Community facilitation.
- Business plans and their interpretation.
- Land reform and development-related issues.
- Restitution of land rights.
- Land reform processes.
- Rural development.
Skills & Competencies
- Project management.
- Negotiation skills.
- Contract management.
- Leadership ability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Ability to draft Terms of Reference for service providers.
- Ability to manage consultants.
- Excellent report-writing skills.
- Initiative and ability to take responsibility.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to produce detailed reports.
- Community meeting facilitation skills.
- Strong networking abilities.
- Willingness to travel and work in the field for extended periods.
- Ability to work irregular hours when required.
How to Apply
Hand Delivery:
136 Charlotte Maxeke Street
SA Eagle Building
Bloemfontein, 9300
Email: Post220@dlrrd.gov.za
Enquiries
Ms C. Wessels
Tel: 076 793 1597