Director: Research and Scientific Services

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide the strategic leadership, management and facilitation of foundational research and scientific services within SANBI and the dissemination of knowledge to the research community; represent SANBI in national and international forums; contribute to the planning and execution of SANBI research policies, programmes and research directives; formulate and set goals for biosystematics, as part of strategic and business planning for the zoological and botanical components; interpret, develop and implement government and SANBI policies and strategies, for example, National Biodiversity Framework, Performance Management, Health & Safety, Employment Equity, Transformation Action Plan and various other SANBI policies.

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences/Natural Sciences/Ecology/Biology/Botany or equivalent and relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience in the relevant field, 5 years of which should be at middle management level. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are critical for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive knowledge and understanding of Foundational Biodiversity Science policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks; strong leadership capabilities and management skills; professional writing and editing skills; strong project management skills; proven ability to think strategically, analyse information logically, and exercise sound judgement; ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member whilst being reliable, quality and cost conscious; a clear-thinker who is able to solve complex and challenging problems; advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); 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 license and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Deliver on the Directorate’s mandate of foundational research and services;
• Provide effective research business coordination, planning and management;
• Increase the profile of SANBI’s role in foundational research and services;
• Provide leadership for the development and implementation of tools and systems to promote foundational biodiversity research;
• Ensure effective coordination, production and dissemination of scientific outputs in the form of scientific manuscripts, reports, books, chapters in books and popular articles, and ensure that partnerships, stakeholders and collaborative relationships are established, maintained and expanded;
• Provide strategic inputs and leadership to scientific committees, forums, advisory bodies; including leadership on initiatives to secure research funding, and ensure credible financial management at directorate level; and
• Manage Human Capital Development, change and transformation within the Directorate including the provision of mentorship and coaching to staff members, ensure globally connectedness for research and innovation, provision of a quality research, technology, training, service infrastructure, platform, and entrench a service culture, employee engagement and reputation management within the Directorate.

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 and competency assessment 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 Tel: +27 (0)12 843 5295 for any queries. 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 Operations
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.