Chief Executive Officer

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is a public entity under the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and has been established in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004.

SANBI leads and coordinates research, monitors and reports on the state of Biodiversity in South Africa, provides biodiversity knowledge and information, provides planning and policy advice, and pilots best practice management models in partnership with various stakeholders. SANBI also leads human capital development strategy for the Biodiversity sector, and manages the National Botanical and Zoological Gardens as “windows” to South Africa’s Biodiversity for enjoyment and education.

SANBI invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will be reporting to the SANBI Board through the Board Chairperson. The CEO will be primarily based at the National Botanical Garden campus in Pretoria.

This executive position calls for the following attributes: 

• Excellent leadership and vision
• Business Acumen
• Good people management
• Good understanding of corporate governance and requirements of the PFMA
• Drive to promote the Biodiversity and Environmental agenda of SA
• Passion to lead transformation of the Institute and the Biodiversity Sector.

The potential candidate must hold an appropriate postgraduate qualification at least at NQF level 9, coupled with 8 -10 years’ relevant experience at senior management level, of which at least three (3) years’ experience within any organ of state would be an advantage.

The appointee will be overall responsible to ensure that the Institute:

• Manages and unlocks benefits of the network of National and Zoological Botanical Gardens
• Provides scientific evidence to support policy and decision making relating to Biodiversity, Environmental Management including impacts of Climate Change
• Co-ordinates and provides access to biodiversity information and knowledge
• Provides biodiversity and climate change adaptation policy tools and advice in support of South Africa’s development
• Drives Human Capital Development, education and awareness in the sector in response to SANBI’s mandate
• Renders efficient and effective corporate services.

Please note:

• Interested candidates should submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae together with the names of at least three professional referees as well as certified copies of qualifications
• An application form must accompany the Curriculum Vitae together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position and confirming that the minimum requirements are met
• Reference checks, security clearance, credit checks, qualification checks, criminal record checks and a competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

This new position will be subject to annual evaluation and reviewed by the SANBI Board, and will be strictly performance-managed. The successful candidate will enter into an annual performance agreement with the Board Chair on behalf of the SANBI Board. He/she should furthermore disclose his/her financial interests.

Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Plan.

Applications are to be forwarded to:

SANBI Company Secretary
Pretoria National Botanical Garden,
Private Bag X101,
Pretoria,
0001.

Applications can be also faxed to 086 574 4318, or e-mailed to l.ralepeli@sanbi.org.za

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position.

Enquiries:
Lebogang Ralepeli
Tel.: 012 843 5243
E-mail: l.ralepeli@sanbi.org.za