Head of Branch: Biodiversity Science and Policy Advice at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Reference Number: BRNCH/001/2024

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.