Reference number: OCEO/002/2022
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide high-level strategic support in planning, organising and executing functions in the Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
This position requires a relevant postgraduate degree at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years experience, 5 years of which should be at middle management level. Previous experience in providing strategic support and oversight to the executive will be a strong recommendation.
The incumbent will serve as a liaison between CEO, Executives, Divisional Heads and Directors across the Institute. He/she will organise and coordinate internal and external relations matters and oversee critical projects within the Office of the CEO. The incumbent must have the ability to work independently, exercise good judgement in a variety of situations, pay attention to detail, possess excellent organisational skills, maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities and have the ability to handle complex and highly confidential matters.
The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: in-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices related to the provision of high-level strategic support in planning, organising and executing functions in the Office of the CEO; proven ability to work under pressure with diverse team, quality, cost, and accuracy conscious; advance knowledge and experience for planning and report writing skills; exceptional organisational, analytical, interpersonal and problem solving skills; outstanding communication skills (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook).
The candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally.
Key performance responsibilities include:
- Establishing, developing, providing oversight and directing strategic matters in the office of the CEO;
- Driving the office of the CEO to function as a collaborative and integrated office;
- Defining a strategic framework for the operating model of the office of CEO, which include, governance, alignment of operations, organisational structure, people, systems, processes and technology to the overall SANBI business strategy;
- Ensuring that there are policies, procedures and standards regulating the key aspects in the office of the CEO;
- Monitoring and ensuring the implementation of EXCO decisions;
- Directing the leveraging of resources, information and enforcing synergies at a central level within the office of the CEO;
- Ensuring the provision of suitable staff training and development within the office of the CEO, enabling them to optimise their full potential to perform at the expected level, including initiating strategies for driving professional and customer centric behaviours within the office of the CEO; and
- Serving as a liaison between CEO, Executives, Divisional Heads and Directors, organising and coordinating internal and external relations and overseeing critical projects in the CEO’s office.
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:
Stephen Mahlangu
Cell: 079 408 7932