Senior Specialist 2: Spatial Analyst Freshwater at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Reference Number: BRAM/002/2024

The South African National Biodiversity Institute requires a motivated, professional, and responsible team player to provide technical spatial data and climate-related freshwater analyses to support SANBI’s Freshwater Programme. The centrality of freshwater ecosystems and freshwater biodiversity vulnerability in climate change scenarios and considerations for nature-based solutions underscores the need for improved freshwater-related foundational data and up-to-date spatial analyses.

This position requires a degree in Natural, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Ecology, Geography, Biology or Botany or equivalent qualification at NQF 7.  A postgraduate qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 8 years of work experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in spatial and/or climate-related analysis or first line management of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Projects.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: advanced experience in working with freshwater-related or climate-related spatial data layers (such as the National Wetland Map, national river network layer, and climate-related data); comprehensive knowledge of spatial and non-spatial data analysis skills including data collection, data management, data flow, spatial analysis and cartography; clear evidence of experience in technical analysis skills in GIS or using spatial packages of R or python is essential; extensive experience in leading and managing spatial projects; understanding of research processes and outputs; advanced knowledge of the science-policy interface; comprehensive knowledge of biodiversity conservation priorities; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; advanced knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation; advanced project management knowledge, coordination and skills; ability to maintain sound interpersonal relations, and highly effective verbal and written communication capabilities; and be in possession of a valid unendorsed driver’s license, as well as be willing to travel and participate in research in the field.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Source, develop and manage spatial data for freshwater ecosystems, including data related to climate change analyses.
• Undertake advanced spatial analyses to support freshwater-related work at SANBI, including those analyses needed for the Red List of Ecosystems assessments that take pressures such as climate change and ecological condition into account.
• Execute Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technical support for SANBI’s freshwater programme related to data and database management, river and wetland-related spatial analyses, national wetland inventory update.
• Undertake mentoring and capacity building on spatial analysis and GIS data management for freshwater ecosystem mapping; and
• Interpretation of spatial information for science communication, particularly in relation to lessons for climate change adaptation.