The SAOSO Foundation and Voluntary Association (VA) support the development of organic and agroecological farming systems in South Africa through farmer networks, Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), training programmes, and sector coordination projects and initiatives.
To strengthen organisational operations and member support, the organisations seek to appoint a part-time Administrative and Logistics Support Officer to assist with membership administration, PGS coordination, training logistics and internal organisational processes.
The position is primarily operational and coordination-focused, ensuring that farmer networks remain functional, records remain up to date, and programmes run smoothly.
Duration and Remuneration
- Contract duration: 12 months (renewable subject to performance and funding), starting 1 April 2026 or earlier, depending on selected candidate’s availability
- Time commitment: Part-time
- Remuneration: R12,000 per month
- Reporting to: SAOSO Foundation Operations Manager, SAOSO VA Secretary & PGS working group convenor
Purpose of the Role
The support officer will provide administrative, communication and logistical support to SAOSO Foundation and the SAOSO VA activities, with a strong focus on:
- membership administration,
- support to Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) groups,
- organisational coordination,
- training and event logistics.
Approximately 50% of the role will focus on supporting PGS groups and farmer network administration.
Key Responsibilities
A. Membership Administration
- Maintain and update the national membership database (third-party certified farmers, PGS farmers and other stakeholders)
- Register new members and update membership records
- Generate and distribute invoices and payment reminders
- Track membership status and compliance
- Communicate regularly with members regarding membership requirements and updates
- Maintain databases, mailing lists and communication groups
B. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Support
- Actively engage with PGS groups to ensure compliance with membership and certification requirements
- Maintain database of PGS farmers and groups
- Compile and maintain records of PGS-certified land areas
- Collect and consolidate data required for IFOAM Organics International reporting
- Coordinate and issue customised marketing packs for the PGS groups
- Ensure PGS groups have access to guidance documents and standards (management of the Google rive)
- Support adoption of digital tools (Backstory farm-visit upload system)
- Maintain communication channels (including WhatsApp groups)
- Ensure important documentation is accessible to all PGS groups
- Other tasks as and when identified
C. Organisational Administration
- Set up meetings, record and circulate minutes of meetings (this includes curating AI generated minutes)
- Track follow-up actions and decisions
- Upload and organise documents on shared drives (minutes, reports, tools, templates)
- Maintain updated records of decisions and guidance notes
- Maintain organisational filing and document management systems
- Generate and maintain a roster of preferential service providers
D. Programme Support
- Support the establishment of the SAOSO Training Academy
- Assist with the establishment and consolidation of a SAOSO Alumni Network
- Assist with consolidation of a national organic and agroecological input database
- Assist with generating surveys, coordination of network engagement activities
- Assist with the establishment and consolidation of a preferred service provider database
- Assist with marketing and communications requests related to the PGS network from the SAOSO Communications Officer
E. Event and Logistics Coordination
- Support organisation of training events and workshops
- Coordinate participant communication and confirmations
- Arrange travel and accommodation logistics for staff and facilitators when required
- Provide logistical support during events
Required Competencies and Skills
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Ability to manage databases and spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets essential)
- Good written communication and record-keeping ability
- Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders remotely
- Familiarity with WhatsApp-based communication groups
- Ability to work independently and follow up proactively
- Basic event coordination skills
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience working with farmer organisations, NGOs, or community networks
- Exposure to Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) (strong advantage)
- Understanding of organic or agroecological farming systems
- Familiarity with certification processes or standards
- Experience in training or workshop coordination
- Comfort with digital tools and document management platforms
Location
The position is remote, and the candidate will need to have reliable internet access as well as his/her own laptop to work from, and must be able to travel occasionally for events when required.
8. Application Requirements
Please submit your application to: secretariat@saoso.org by 10 March 2026, by sending:
- a motivation letter, explaining why you are the right person for this position
- a curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum), including 3 references
- 2 recommendation letters