Assistant Director: Living Catchments

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide support to the overall management of the Living Catchments project by ensuring compliance with donor reporting requirements including coordinating the development, implementation and evaluation of project activities, relationship management, as well as supporting project governance and oversight structures.

The project intends to create a more resilient, resourced, and relational communities at both catchment and national scales, with the ultimate goal to strengthening of an enabling environment for catchment governance. This project is managed by the Water Research Commission, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation and implemented by SANBI.

This position requires a Degree in Natural Sciences / Social Sciences or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 7. A Degree in Natural Sciences / Social Sciences or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management; advanced experience in the implementation of relevant legislation, policies, procedures, processes, and regulatory framework relevant to project management; systemic visualisation of various projects entailing a programme; attention to detail in dealing with budgeting, financial management and reporting; advance knowledge for planning and organising, and statistical reports writing skills; in-depth 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, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook). The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate all donor compliance, reporting and convening processes and requirements for the Living Catchments Project;
• Coordinate all supply chain management, human resource and procurement processes and documentation for the Living Catchments Project across all components;
• Contribute to project planning, and the drafting of project budgets, reports and other project documentation as required;
• Coordinate the implementation of the Living Catchments Project’s knowledge management strategy, including the monitoring and evaluation framework, and facilitate activities related to lessons and learning, as well as communications; and
• Provide general support to the management of the Project.

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

2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

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

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall 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 Stephen Mahlangu on Tel: +27 (0)12 843 5217 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org.za Postal applications must 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