Senior Environmental Specialist - Biodiversity - Cities at Border Management Authority

Description

The successful candidates will be expected to perform the following: Provide strategic and specialist support on biodiversity management and implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) within the Border Management Authority (BMA). Coordinate and oversee CITES compliance inspections, permit verification, endorsements, and environmental control measures at Ports of Entry. Lead and support compliance monitoring activities relating to the import, export, transit, and possession of regulated wildlife specimens and products. Facilitate implementation and monitoring of compliance with the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), TOPS Regulations, CITES requirements, and related environmental legislation. Develop, review, and implement environmental policies, standard operating procedures, operational frameworks, and compliance systems relating to biodiversity management and environmental governance. Support and participate in joint inspections, enforcement operations, and compliance initiatives with relevant government departments and law enforcement agencies. Provide specialist advisory services and technical guidance to operational officials, management, and stakeholders on biodiversity compliance and environmental risks within the border environment. Coordinate environmental awareness programmes, stakeholder engagements, and capacity-building initiatives for officials operating at Ports of Entry. Monitor developments in environmental legislation, international conventions, and regulatory frameworks and ensure institutional alignment and compliance. Analyse environmental compliance trends, operational risks, and inspection outcomes to support strategic decision-making and operational improvements. Oversee environmental data management, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and record-keeping systems relating to biodiversity compliance. Compile and review inspection reports, compliance reports, briefing notes, submissions, and strategic recommendations for management and stakeholders. Coordinate the management and referral of non-compliance cases to relevant authorities and support enforcement processes where required. Build and maintain effective working relationships with government departments, regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and international organisations. Represent the BMA in relevant committees, forums, task teams, workshops, and stakeholder engagements relating to biodiversity and environmental compliance matters. Identify environmental and operational risks and implement mitigation measures to strengthen governance and compliance within the border environment. Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, policies, governance frameworks, and audit requirements relevant to environmental management and biodiversity protection. Support organisational planning processes, Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets, and strategic environmental initiatives within the BMA.

Requirements

• Undergraduate qualification at NQF 7 as recognised by SAQA in Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, Biological Sciences, Conservation.
• Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) qualification will serve as an added advantage.
• 5 years experience (Specialist) in environmental management, biodiversity compliance, environmental enforcement, CITES implementation, or related specialised environmental function.
• Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet demands of the role.
• May be required to work overtime.
• Valid driver’s License