Director: Green Climate Fund Programming

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide managerial leadership and strategic direction to SANBI’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) programme of work, with a primary focus of securing resources for implementing adaptation responses to climate change. This will include championing SANBI’s programme of work on climate change adaptation and associated resource mobilisation, leading GCF proposal development processes, securing and managing donor funds, developing and maintaining strategic national and international partnerships and supporting associated policy work.

The position requires a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences or an equivalent qualification with NQF 8. A postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification with NQF 9 will be an added advantage, at least 10 years’ experience in relevant field, 5 years of which should be in a middle management position(s).

The following competencies are also required: An excellent knowledge of climate change adaptation, nature based solutions and the associated policy environment; project management knowledge and skills and experience in handling large budgets; proven experience developing and managing foreign donor funded projects; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and experience working in the public sector, including with procurement and financial management processes.

Candidates should be in possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and be willing to travel nationally and internationally is essential.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction in strategy development and implementation.
• Manage the delivery of outputs for the Directorate.
• Facilitate human capital development, change and transformation with the Directorate.
• Ensure proper governance, effective risk management, and compliance to applicable legislation.

Please Note:
1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position and confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of 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 may 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 currently be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Ms Kaashiefa Bassier on (021) 799 8878/8800 or preferably, or forward the completed application form, a letter and concise CV via e-mail to recruitmentct@sanbi.org.za  or fax 0865899569. Postal applications are to be addressed to the Deputy Director: Human Resources, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, 7735.

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.