VACANCIES ANNOUNCEMENT

RESEARCH MANAGER

Eswatini Sugar is seeking a highly skilled Research Manager to lead agricultural research initiatives that drive innovation and sustainability in the sugar industry. This role oversees research projects and teams, ensuring activities are strategically aligned with industry needs. The successful candidate will design research strategies, manage budgets, coordinate cross-functional teams, and translate findings into actionable insights that support evidence-based decision-making. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is based at the Technical Services Offices in Simunye.

The Job: The responsibilities will include, amongst others, to:

1. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement research strategies aligned with grower and miller needs.
2. Budget Management: Formulate and control budgets to optimize resource allocation for maximum impact.
3. Leadership: Mentor and coordinate research teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.
4. Project Oversight: Manage the full lifecycle of agricultural research projects, ensuring timely delivery.
5. Data Analysis: Ensure quality control in data collection and interpretation, providing clear recommendations.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Present research proposals and results to ESA management, stakeholders, and at technical conferences.
7. Collaboration: Build partnerships with research institutions and universities, advancing industry R&D interests.
8. Governance: Manage intellectual property rights for Eswatini Sugar research outcomes.
9. Industry Support: Serve on committees and task teams as required, contributing to broader industry development.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field.
2. Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Agricultural Research, Plant Science, or related field preferred.
3. 5–10 years’ experience in:
4. Agricultural research methodologies and experimental design
5. Budgeting and resource allocation
6. Leadership and management
7. Project management and strategic planning
8. Presentation of research papers or reports
9. Strategic thinker with practical problem-solving skills.

Remuneration:

Commensurate with incumbent’s level of expertise and experience.

Applications:

Suitably qualified and experienced individuals are invited to apply. Please submit your CV to team@fusionsearch.co.za.

All applications should be received by 1 February 2026. The detailed Job Description is available on this link : https://esa.co.sz/wp-content/uploads/Manager-Research-JD.pdf

If you do not receive a response within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Fusion Consulting is an Executive Search firm who has been retained by Eswatini Sugar to manage this search process on their behalf.

HEAD OF EXTENSION & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Eswatini Sugar is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead its Extension & Technical Services Department. This pivotal role manages crop production research, extension, irrigation, pest and disease control, and primary seedcane production functions. The successful candidate will drive the adoption of improved agricultural practices to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability for industry sugarcane growers. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is based at the Technical Services Offices in Simunye.

The Job: The responsibilities will include, amongst others, to:

1. Coordinate the establishment of industry research needs.
2. Oversee the drafting and implementation of annual programs of work for Crop Production Research, Extension, Irrigation, Crop Protection, and Primary Seedcane Production together with related annual budgets.
3. Approve and communicate improved sugarcane production practices.
4. Develop, review and implement pest and disease control regulations with industry stakeholders.
5. Ensure efficient operation of offices, infrastructure, vehicles, equipment, and staff housing.
6. Manage industry extension programs through service level agreements with mills.
7. Develop strategies to meet industry extension needs and monitor grower performance.
8. Liaise with government ministries and stakeholders on pest control, water resources, and agricultural policies.
9. Investigate and promote alternative technologies and management practices for local growers.
10. Serve on Eswatini Sugar Committees and task teams as required.

Requirements:

1. MSc. in Agriculture or related qualification.
2. Senior Certificate in Sugarcane Production.
3. Formal Management Training.
4. At least 5 years of experience in sugarcane growing.
5. Strong leadership and coordination skills and excellent stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
6. Strategic thinker with practical problem-solving skills.

Remuneration:

Commensurate with incumbent’s level of expertise and experience.

Applications:

Suitably qualified and experienced individuals are invited to apply. Please submit your CV to team@fusionsearch.co.za.

All applications should be received by 1 February 2026. The detailed Job Description is available on this link : https://esa.co.sz/wp-content/uploads/Head-Extension-Technical-Services-JD.pdf

If you do not receive a response within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Fusion Consulting is an Executive Search firm who has been retained by Eswatini Sugar to manage this search process on their behalf.