The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to lead, manage, and direct teams undertaking research and development activities to provide evidence that can inform decisions and actions relating to priority biodiversity issues. These issues include biological invasions, wildlife trade and the biodiversity economy.

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences/Natural Sciences/Ecology/Biology/ Botany, or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF level 8. A postgraduate qualification in Life Sciences/Natural Sciences/Ecology/Biology/Botany, or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in the field, 5 years of which should be at middle management level.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: proven ability to lead monitoring and assessment activities; strong leadership and people management skills; advance experience in developing and implementation of strategy related to biological invasions, wildlife trade, and biodiversity economy; proven excellent ability to work with government and international organisations; comprehensive experience for management of donor funded projects involving collaborators from a number of institutions, substantial budgets and several project staff/students/interns would be highly advantageous; in-depth understanding of relevant legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices related to biological invasions, wildlife trade and the biodiversity economy; ability to develop and maintain partnerships; advance knowledge for planning and organising, and report writing skills; excellent organisational, analytical, and problem solving skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook).  The candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally.

Key performance responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and direction in strategy development and implementation, particularly for the SANBI Research Strategy, the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy and any strategies relating to biological invasions;
• Manage the delivery of outputs for the Directorate, including for the Annual Performance Plan for the Division as agreed by SANBI and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for ring fenced funding for alien and invasive species, reporting on research undertaken by other Directorates through the ring-fenced funding on biological invasions and manage the programme of work on the biodiversity economy;
• Lead SANBI’s Biological Invasions Cross Functional Steering Committee and related Committees; and establish strong networks and relationships with key players in biological invasions and biodiversity economy sector by networking and corresponding with a large number of diverse groups of science, government, industry, and NGO stakeholders;
• Participate and contribute to relevant International platforms or Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and contribute to SANBI’s strategic policy level engagement on biological invasions, wildlife trade and the biodiversity economy related topics;
• Manage Human Capital Development and Transformation, including staff performance management and employee development for the Directorate, students and interns and other various initiatives for human capital development and transformation; and
• Manage risk, compliance and monitoring by ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols, development of risk management plans, compliance with financial and supply chain management procedures.

Please note:

1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for  the position, and certified copies of qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of relevant experience will not be considered).

2) A competency assessment and skills test will be conducted as part of the selection process

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, telephone numbers and, e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information may result in your application not being considered.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Mr Maano Netshiombo on 082 453 0497 or preferably forward the completed application form a motivational letter, certified copies of qualifications, ID, driver’s licence  and concise CV via e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org.za.

Postal applications are to be addressed to:

Assistant Director: Human Resources,
South African National Biodiversity Institute,
Private Bag X101,
Pretoria,
0001

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful.