Biodiversity Officer (Production): Cites: Durban at Border Management Authority

Description

The successful candidates will be expected to perform the following: 

• Conduct biodiversity compliance inspections of CITES-related consignments and verify associated permits and supporting documentation at Ports of Entry.
• Conduct verification of pre-booked CITES consignments and associated permits and supporting documentation.
• Endorse compliant CITES permits to facilitate the lawful release of consignments.
• Verify TOPS permits and supporting documentation where required as part of biodiversity compliance inspections and facilitate the endorsement of compliant permits.
• Identify and report non-compliant consignments, permits, supporting documentation and suspected biodiversity-related offences, and refer matters for further action in accordance with prescribed compliance and enforcement procedures.
• Support and participate in joint compliance and enforcement operations with relevant law enforcement authorities.
• Respond to enquiries from clients and stakeholders relating to CITES and TOPS permits, consignments and biodiversity compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of biodiversity inspections, permit endorsements, consignment verifications and identified non-compliance.
• Compile and submit required inspection and compliance reports within prescribed timeframes.
• Implement approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational directives relating to biodiversity compliance and enforcement.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Border Management Authority Act, 2020 (Act No. 2 of 2020) and its application to border management operations.
• Knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) and its associated regulatory framework applicable to biodiversity compliance.
• Knowledge of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the regulatory requirements governing the international trade in CITES-listed species.
• Knowledge of the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations and requirements relating to threatened or protected species.
• Knowledge of biodiversity compliance inspection procedures, including CITES and TOPS permit requirements, verification and endorsement procedures, and the inspection of consignments, permits and supporting documentation.
• Knowledge of biodiversity compliance and enforcement procedures, including the identification, reporting and referral of non-compliance.

Requirements

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12
• Undergraduate at NQF Level 6  recognised by SAQA in Biological Sciences, Botany, Zoology, Nature Conservation, Environmental Management or an equivalent qualification in the Biodiversity or Natural Sciences field.
• An Environmental Management Inspector (EMI) designation will be an added advantage.
• Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet the demands of the role.
• May be required to work overtime, including weekends and public holidays, where operational requirements dictate.
• May be required to travel to designated Ports of Entry and other locations.
• Ability to work effectively in a border-control, multidisciplinary and law-enforcement environment.

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in biodiversity management, environmental compliance, conservation or a related field.
• Experience in conducting compliance inspections in a biodiversity, environmental, conservation, regulatory or related field.
• Experience in CITES and/or TOPS permit administration, verification or compliance monitoring will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in the interpretation and implementation of environmental legislation, biodiversity governance, policy development, technical advisory services and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in developing and implementing environmental policies, strategies, frameworks, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical guidelines.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating biodiversity compliance activities/programmes, analysing compliance trends and preparing strategic technical reports for management.
• Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary projects, technical committees or stakeholder forums involving biodiversity management and environmental compliance.
• Experience in capacity building, mentoring and the provision of specialist technical support within an environmental regulatory environment.