Deputy Director: Biodiversity Stewardship

PLEASE NOTE THAT CANDIDATES WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THIS POSITION, NEED NOT RE-APPLY

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide effective and efficient strategic leadership and management for the implementation of SANBI-led components of the new GEF 7 project, titled ‘Catalysing Financing and Capacity for the Biodiversity Economy Around Protected Areas Project’; and to lead and implement SANBI’s biodiversity stewardship program of work, strengthening linkages with wildlife economy initiatives.

This position requires a degree in Natural Sciences, Resource Economics, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development Studies or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. Honours or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 8 years’ work experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in first line management position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: in-depth knowledge of biodiversity stewardship and linkages to rural development; legislation and programmes geared towards protected area expansion and biodiversity conservation; biodiversity economy policies and their application; sound knowledge of the relevant environmental and conservation legislation, and the science-policy interface in the field of landscapes and livelihoods; knowledge of institutional arrangements and key challenges in the biodiversity stewardship and biodiversity economy fields; understanding of multilateral environmental agreements; project management knowledge and skills; experience working with communities in and around protected areas; excellent stakeholder facilitation, community engagements and conflict resolution skills; working knowledge of government human resources, procurement, and financial management policies at an operational level; advanced planning, organising, and interpersonal skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written including of scientific outputs); 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:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the SANBI-led components of the GEF 7 project as well as the overall SANBI biodiversity stewardship programme;
• Ensure effective operational management of the implementation of the biodiversity stewardship programme;
• Lead on SANBI’s policy advice related to biodiversity stewardship implementation, protected area expansion and biodiversity economy initiatives, , including legal and technical aspects;
• Lead on knowledge sharing, learning, and training for the GEF 7 project as well as the overall SANBI biodiversity stewardship programme; and
• Implement and drive change, Human Capital development and transformation within the team.

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 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. 

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. 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.

Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications must 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 must consider their applications unsuccessful.

Enquiries:
Vusumuzi Mncwango
Cell: 082 737 2125