Senior Project Officer: Biological Invasions Risk Analysis

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is looking for a self-motivated individual to assist with the coordination of developing risk analysis for alien taxa especially those listed under national regulations, including facilitating the work of the Alien Species Risk Analysis Review Panel. The selected candidate will be required to contribute more broadly to the Directorate’s programme of work on the risks associated with biological invasions, in line with SANBI and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment responsibilities, including in relation to South Africa's commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (e.g. Aichi Target 9) and other agreements.

The position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 4 years of work experience in the relevant field.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:  frequent travelling – field trips (sometimes after hours) and participation in meetings across the country and sometimes oversees; excellent skills in strategic planning, organisation, data management, project management, and presentation; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; excellent numeracy and literacy skills; high attention to details; and a valid driver’s license with at least one-year practical driving experience.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Manage information and document flow for risk analyses and developing risk analysis;
• Act as ASRARP secretariat, organising meetings and communicating with ASRARP members;
• Provide logistical support for risk analysis training course; and
• Conduct or assist with research on biological invasions.

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 Ms Glynnis Webb on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8800 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to recruitmentct@sanbi.org.za.

Postal applications must be addressed to:

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 must consider their applications unsuccessful.