Assistant Director: NRM Organisational Learning

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual with a strong social learning facilitation orientation to support the overall implementation of the programme of work by coordinating the development, implementation and evaluation of project activities. The position is located within a small SANBI-DFFE partnership team, a broader circle of organisational learning champions in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Natural Resource Management Programmes (DFFE-NRM) and a peer network in BIPA’s learning facilitation forum. The position is also expected to support ongoing relationship development and accountability for programme activities.

This position requires a degree in Natural Sciences / Social Sciences / Project Management OR equivalent qualification at NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Natural Sciences / Social Sciences / Project Management or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 6 years’ experience in relevant field, 3 years of which should be in supervisory position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive knowledge and experience in providing strong social learning facilitation and orientation to support overall implementation of the programme of work by coordinating the development, implementation, and evaluation of project activities; extensive knowledge and understanding of project management techniques, tools, methodologies; and frameworks; ability to demonstrate a strong leadership, teamwork, stakeholder engagement and management skills; ability to demonstrate advanced planning, organizing, time management, and problem solving skills; must have proven ability to work under pressure with diverse team while being quality, cost, and safety conscious; extensive knowledge and experience in working with legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to coordination and provision of NRM organizational and social learning programme; excellent report writing, and communication skills at all levels (both verbal and written); 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: 

• Co-ordinate all team processes for work planning and drafting of budgets, reports and other documentation as required for the NRM organisational learning programme of work, including the team’s quarterly reflection, learning and reporting processes;
• Co-ordinate and report on activities required to implement the NRM organisational learning programme of work, including related human resource and procurement processes;
• Co-ordinate and/or provide secretariat support for relevant learning forums;
• Facilitate aspects of learning processes that form part of the NRM organisational learning programme of work, and support other team members to improve their productivity; and
• Share learning obtained out of this programme of work in BIPA, SANBI and DFFE more broadly with related forums.

Application procedure

1) An application form (obtainable from our offices 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 skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.

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

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

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks.

In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorised verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks.

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.

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 Operations,
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.

Enquiries:
Mr Stephen Mahlangu
Cell: 079 408 7932