Senior Specialist 1: Curation and Collection Management

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and meticulous individual to co-ordinate collection management and curation activities across the network of institutions participating in the Natural Science Collections Facility (NSCF), in particular, facilitate sharing of knowledge and experience across the network, provide guidance to staff at institutions, and monitor the status of collection management and curation.

This position requires a degree in  Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. Honours degree or equivalent qualification in Biological Sciences at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. Training courses completed in collection management/curation and project management will also be an added advantage. This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field of natural science collections management and curation and experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: knowledge of natural science collection curation and management policies, procedures and standards; excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent analytical skills; highly motivated individual that has an ability to work with a diverse team and under pressure whilst being quality and safety conscious, and advanced computer literacy. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage collection management and curation engagement sessions including facilitating a community of practice , discussion forums, webinars and tutorials;
• Provide guidance to participating institutions for development and revision of policies, procedures and standards documents;
• Monitor status of collection management and curation and provide guidance to participating institutions on implementation of policies, standards and processes for collection management and curation;
• Contribute to NSCF activities, including planning, reporting, transformation and organizational development; and
• Conduct capacity development, research relevant to collection management and curation.

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
Mr Steve Mahlangu
Tel.:(012) 843 5217