Chief Director: Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Reference Number: BIPA/001/2024
 
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to lead, manage and develop policy and provide strategic direction in order to render policy advice on matters pertaining to biodiversity, planning information and mainstreaming.
 
This position requires a postgraduate degree at NQF level 8 in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or an equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate degree at NQF level 9 or equivalent qualification will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience and at least 5 years must be in Senior Management, at Director or equivalent level.
 
The successful candidate should be self-motivated, innovative and must have in-depth understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation and knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation. The candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally. 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.
 
Key Performance Responsibilities include:  

• Provide direction in the development and implementation of strategy for the Division, aligning it to SANBI’s overall Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP) and SANBI’s mandate in terms of legislation.
• Providing science policy advice on global and national priorities related to biodiversity policies, planning, and decision making.
• Provide leadership on mainstreaming and information management for contribution to/or the development of national biodiversity priorities, strategic programmes, projects and matters incidental thereto.
• Provide policy advice and strategic input to enable the implementation of national and international biodiversity strategies and frameworks.
• Champion the transformation and implementation of Human Capital Development (HCD) Strategy for the Division contributing to organisational coherence.
• Deliver on the targets of Division’s Annual Performance Plan (APP) and lead the Biodiversity Agenda within the Division.
• Ensure effective partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure proper governance, effective risk management and compliance to applicable legislation.
• Facilitate Resource mobilisation and support for the Biodiversity Information and Policy Advise Division.