Senior Specialist 2: Spatial Analyst Freshwater

The South African National Biodiversity Institute requires a motivated, professional, and responsible team player to provide technical spatial data and climate-related freshwater analyses to support SANBI’s Freshwater Programme. The centrality of freshwater ecosystems and freshwater biodiversity vulnerability in climate change scenarios and considerations for nature-based solutions underscores the need for improved freshwater-related foundational data and up-to-date spatial analyses.

This position requires a degree in Natural, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Ecology, Geography, Biology or Botany or equivalent qualification at NQF 7.  A postgraduate qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 8 years of work experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in spatial and/or climate-related analysis or first line management of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Projects.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: advanced experience in working with freshwater-related or climate-related spatial data layers (such as the National Wetland Map, national river network layer, and climate-related data); comprehensive knowledge of spatial and non-spatial data analysis skills including data collection, data management, data flow, spatial analysis and cartography; clear evidence of experience in technical analysis skills in GIS or using spatial packages of R or python is essential; extensive experience in leading and managing spatial projects; understanding of research processes and outputs; advanced knowledge of the science-policy interface; comprehensive knowledge of biodiversity conservation priorities; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; advanced knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation; advanced project management knowledge, coordination and skills; ability to maintain sound interpersonal relations, and highly effective verbal and written communication capabilities; and be in possession of a valid unendorsed driver’s license, as well as be willing to travel and participate in research in the field.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Source, develop and manage spatial data for freshwater ecosystems, including data related to climate change analyses.
• Undertake advanced spatial analyses to support freshwater-related work at SANBI, including those analyses needed for the Red List of Ecosystems assessments that take pressures such as climate change and ecological condition into account.
• Execute Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technical support for SANBI’s freshwater programme related to data and database management, river and wetland-related spatial analyses, national wetland inventory update.
• Undertake mentoring and capacity building on spatial analysis and GIS data management for freshwater ecosystem mapping; and
• Interpretation of spatial information for science communication, particularly in relation to lessons for climate change adaptation.

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 assessment 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 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 Ms Kaashiefa Bassier on Tel: +27 (021) 7998800 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 Operations
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 may consider their applications unsuccessful.