SAPO Trust, the Plant Improvement Organization of the South African deciduous fruit industry with their office based in Stellenbosch, has a vacancy available for an individual with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and report writing skills, as well as the ability to work independently. Responsibilities will include: *Manage technical functions related to intellectual property (IP) agreements *Guide and oversee processes related to the testing-, evaluation-and semi-commercialization of new varieties/ selections *Manage planting of new test- and evaluation trees/vines *Marketing and promotion of SAPO managed varieties (field days, websites, etc.) *Technical liaison and support to internal- and external stakeholders *Relationship management (regular interaction with variety owners, growers, nurseries) *Supporting Senior Manager with specific IP related functions *Administration, cross functional support, and report writing *Budget management including outsourcing of test trees and independent evaluations *All other tasks related to the role. Essential qualifications, skills and experience: • BSc Agric Honours degree required, MSc degree preferred; • Post-graduate qualification in Viticulture/Horticulture is strongly recommended; • Minimum 3 year’s experience in new fruit variety development; • Background and experience in viticulture and/or horticulture, fruit quality parameters and production practices will be highly advantageous; • A relevant qualification in intellectual property management will be advantageous; • Valid drivers' license. Please apply online at www.m3online.co.za before 09:00 on 24 January 2023. For general enquiries, contact our team at M3 Human Capital Management on 021 863 1444. Please note that only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.