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1 week ago
Join the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and help shape South Africa’s environmental, forestry and conservation future. This role involves research on environmental interactions.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Research
- Closing Date: 2026-09-14
Key Responsibilities
- This role involves research on environmental interactions.
Requirements
- Specific requirements and responsibilities are detailed in the full advert on the DFFE e-Recruitment Portal.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: erecruitment.environment.gov.za
About the Company
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is one of the departments of the South African government. It is responsible for protecting, conserving and improving the South African environment and natural resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Researcher role in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in Eswatini?
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Fisheries, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field is usually required. Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., Honours or Master’s) are strongly preferred, especially for research-intensive positions, and relevant field experience in Eswatini or Southern Africa is highly valued. Registration with the Swaziland Institution of Professional Engineers and Technicians (SIPE&T) or affiliation with the Eswatini National Council for Higher Education (ENCHE) may be advantageous for formal recognition.
What does a typical day look like for a Researcher in this department?
Daily tasks often include field data collection in forests, rivers, or protected areas across Eswatini — such as water quality sampling, biodiversity surveys, or community-based resource assessments. Researchers also spend time analysing data using locally accessible tools (e.g., Excel, QGIS), preparing technical reports aligned with national policies like the Eswatini National Development Plan, and collaborating with local communities and regional stakeholders like SADC environmental bodies.
How would you describe the work culture and expectations for researchers in Eswatini’s public sector?
Work culture emphasises respect for hierarchy, communal consultation, and alignment with national development priorities and traditional leadership structures. Punctuality, professionalism, and adaptability to rural field conditions — including limited infrastructure and variable transport access — are expected, alongside sensitivity to local customs and language (siSwati and English fluency is essential).
What realistic career progression paths exist for Researchers in this department?
Entry-level Researchers may progress to Senior Researcher or Team Leader roles after 5–7 years, particularly with postgraduate qualifications and demonstrated impact on policy or conservation outcomes. Further advancement can lead to technical advisory roles within the Ministry or secondment to regional bodies like the SADC Secretariat or FAO country offices, though promotions depend heavily on performance appraisals and availability of posts under the Public Service Commission framework.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) are typically offered to Researchers employed by the Government of Eswatini?
Researchers employed under the Public Service Act are entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per government regulations. Medical aid is provided through the Government Health Insurance Scheme (GHIS), and pension contributions are mandatory under the Eswatini Government Pension Scheme, administered by the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPPF).
How do I apply for this role, and what do employers in Eswatini specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted via the Public Service Commission (PSC) portal or advertised in the *Times of Swaziland* and on the Ministry’s official noticeboards; unsolicited applications are generally not accepted. Employers prioritise candidates with proven field experience in Eswatini’s ecosystems, strong report-writing skills in English and siSwati, familiarity with national legislation (e.g., Forests Act, Fisheries Act), and evidence of stakeholder engagement — especially with chiefdoms and local environmental committees.