Assistant Director: Project Management

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is looking for a self-motivated individual to administer, coordinate, manage, and facilitate projects for the National Department of Tourism and Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme (EPIP) specifically with regard to compliance, reporting requirements and governance processes related to Medium Term Expenditure Framework funds allocated to SANBI.

This position requires an Advanced Diploma or Degree in Financial Accounting/Financial Management, or equivalent and relevant qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Financial Accounting/Financial Management or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience, 3 of which should be in supervisory position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive experience in working with public finances is essential; advanced knowledge for the implementation of relevant legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, and the regulatory framework relevant to project management; extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management; excellent project management skills and systemic visualisation of various projects entailing a programme; attention to detail in dealing with budgeting, analysis of information, financial management, procurement, and reporting; advance knowledge for planning and organising, and advanced report 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:

• Attend to project administration, coordination, and management;
• Attend to budget and financial management matters;
• Attend to Asset Management, and Unit staff supervision on project facilitation and delivery;
• Ensure effective stakeholder liaison and management; and
• Attend to Management of Health and Safety standards matters related to the project.

Application process

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.