Senior Project Officer: Scientific Authority at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Reference number: BRAM/2024/003

• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires a motivated, professional and team player to provide administrative and project management support to the Scientific Authority technical support unit in realising the mandate of the Scientific Authority to advise government on the trade and sustainable use of South Africa’s wild fauna and flora, including in relation to South Africa's commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other legislative instruments such as the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004.
• This position requires the candidate to be in possession of a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Biology, Botany or Zoology, or relevant field or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 4 years’ experience in a relevant field (can include time spent on relevant research-based postgraduate degrees).
• The successful candidate will have the following competencies: Frequent travelling – field trips (sometimes after hours) and participation in meetings across the country and sometimes overseas; Excellent skills in strategic planning, organisation, data management, project management and presentation; Understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; Excellent numeracy and literacy skills; High attention to detail; A valid (unendorsed) Code B drivers’ license with at least one year’s practical driving experience.

Key performance responsibilities include:

• Manage information and document flow for procurement, asset management, and project management;
• Act as Scientific Authority secretariat, organising meetings and communicating with Scientific Authority members;
• Provide logistical support for the Scientific Authority technical support unit; and
• Conduct or assist with research on sustainable use or wildlife trade.

Please note:

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

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

4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.