Indigenous Knowledge Researcher

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to contribute towards achievement of SANBI’s mandate by gathering indigenous knowledge from traditional healers for use in the National Biodiversity Assessment.

This position requires an Honours Degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany or equivalent qualification at NQF 8. There is no work experience required for this position. A postgraduate qualification in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany or equivalent qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: experience in participatory methodologies and community engagement; knowledge of priority medicinal plants and the cultural practises required to respect indigenous knowledge holders; workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills; project and time management knowledge and skills; engaging and mentoring students and interns; basic Geographical Information System (GIS) skills. must be responsible, self-motivated, proactive and able to work with minimal supervision; ability to work well independently, as well as effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, and as part of a team; well-developed relationship-building skills; good time management skills with the ability to deliver on deadlines; effective verbal and written communication capabilities are essential; computer literacy will be an advantage; and 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:

• Interview traditional healers to ascertain availability of priority medicinal plants, and feed data into the red list assessment process;
• Engage traditional authorities and traditional healers on knowledge sharing of the location of sacred sites and key medicinal plant resource zones;
• Document spatially the location of scared sites and key medicinal plant resource zones using appropriate spatial software;
• Co-ordinate a team of national experts on medicinal plants; and
• Distribute cultivated medicinal plant materials to traditional healers to help alleviate pressure on wild populations of threatened medicinal species.

Salary commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for scientists.

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.

Contact Mr Stephen Mahlangu on 012 583 5217 for any queries related to seeking clarity on this position. 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 If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.