Job Description

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Biodiversity Science and Policy Advice Branch, and drive implementation of SANBI's mandate through the cross-functional integration of value chain activities entailing biodiversity foundations, knowledge generation and management, policy support, and ecosystem-based adaptation.

This position requires a Master's degree in Life and/or Natural Sciences, Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology, Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences, Botany, Zoology or equivalent, related and relevant qualification at NQF level 9. A relevant postgraduate degree at NQF level 10 and professional registration will be added advantages. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years senior management experience, with at least 5 years at a higher/executive management level in dealing with biodiversity or related matters. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate offered by National School of Government, before assumption of duty.

The successful candidate should be self-motivated, innovative and results-oriented with knowledge of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act no. 10 of 2004 and other relevant legal frameworks that govern the public sector. The candidate must be in possession of a valid driver's licence and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally. Good leadership, interpersonal, problem solving, team work and networking skills are also essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer on strategic matters of the Biodiversity Science and Policy Advice Branch hereafter referred to as the Branch.
• Providing strategic leadership in biodiversity science information management, planning, mainstreaming biodiversity and science policy interface.
• Providing strategic leadership to the South African National Biodiversity Institute's (SANBI's) climate change and ecosystem-based adaptation programmes of work.
• Ensuring strategic management and leadership to the Branch to ensure its contribution to the fulfillment of SANBI's mandate.
• Providing strategic leadership on biodiversity science policy interface and evidence based decision support to effect legislative mandate of NEMA, NEMBA, NEMPAA and other relevant international obligations.
• Providing strategic leadership on biodiversity assessment and knowledge generation (i.e. biodiversity assessment, pressures, and knowledge/evidence required to inform priority biodiversity issues).
• Providing strategic leadership in global and national priorities related to Foundational Biodiversity Information and the development and implementation of appropriate strategic programmes and projects and matters related thereto;
• Providing strategic leadership to the Branch and overseeing effective implementation of the Corporate Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and SANBI Research Strategy.
• Ensuring proper governance, effective risk management, and compliance to applicable legislation related to the programme of work of the Branch.
• Ensuring that the Branch contributes to the financial sustainability of SANBI through resource mobilisation.
• Strategic support to the role of the Research, Innovation and Development Committee of the SANBI Board.

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 skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three referees.

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may 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 designated groups.

Contact Mr Maano Netshiombo on Tel: +27 (0)12 843 5295/082 453 0497 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

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.

Closes: Friday, 23 February 2024
Job type: Permanent
Salary: R1 663 581.00 - R 1 871 454 per annum
Location: Cape Town/Pretoria

ABOUT SANBI

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) contributes to South Africa's sustainable development by facilitating access to biodiversity data, generating information and knowledge, building capacity, providing policy advice, showcasing and conserving biodiversity in its national botanical and zoological gardens.

SANBI