Chief Director: Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to to lead, manage and develop policy and provide strategic direction in order to render policy advice on matters pertaining to biodiversity, planning information and mainstreaming.

This position requires a  postgraduate degree at NQF level 8 in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or an equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate degree at NQF level 9 or equivalent qualification will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience and at least 5 years must be in Senior Management, at Director or equivalent level.

The successful candidate should be self-motivated, innovative and must have in-depth understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation and knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation. The candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate offered by National School of Government, before assumption of duty.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:  

• Provide direction in the development and implementation of strategy for the Division, aligning it to SANBI’s overall Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) and SANBI’s mandate in terms of legislation.
• Providing science policy advice on global and national priorities related to biodiversity policies, planning, and decision making.
• Provide leadership on mainstreaming and information management for contribution to/or the development of national biodiversity priorities, strategic programmes, projects and matters incidental thereto.
• Provide policy advice and strategic input to enable the implementation of national and international biodiversity strategies and frameworks.
• Champion the transformation and implementation of Human Capital Development (HCD) Strategy for the Division contributing to organisational coherence.
• Deliver on the targets of Division’s Annual Performance Plan (APP) and lead the Biodiversity Agenda within the Division.
• Ensure effective partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure proper governance, effective risk management and compliance to applicable legislation.
• Facilitate Resource mobilisation and support for the Biodiversity Information and Policy Advise Division.

Application procedure:

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 skills test, competency assessment, qualifications and criminal record  checks 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 authorized 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. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

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 (+27) 12 843 5295/082 453 0497 for any 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      

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.