Senior Specialist: Ecosystem Accounting - GIS at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Job Description

Salary Level 10 – (5 Year Contract)

Fixed-Term Contract of Employment for five (5) years’

• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide specialised GIS technical support and knowledge to SANBI and partner institutions for the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) project, including the development of relevant ecosystem accounts and related indicators towards informing the development of policy and tools that support the ecosystem accounting work in South Africa.
• Technical spatial analysis support also includes: generating, sourcing and managing spatial data, mapping and georeferencing, undertaking spatial analyses, data management and curation, database design and integration, technical reporting, building capacity in GIS and spatial analysis, and interpreting and communicating the outputs through data visualisation and cartography.
• This position requires a degree Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany or equivalent qualification with NQF 7.  A post-graduate qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.  This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field, 3 years of which should be in supervisory level.
• The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Proficiency in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) including applied experience in spatial mapping/analysis.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in natural capital accounting, especially working with Natural Capital Accounts spatial and non-spatial data; the ability to translate ecological data into decision-relevant policy insights; advanced capability in the spatial mapping of ecological infrastructure and ecological systems; Understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks .
• South African Council for Natural Scientific Profession (SACNASP) or South African Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors (Plato) registration advantageous. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills including interpersonal skills presentations and workshop facilitation skills.
• Exercise judgment within broadly defined practices and policies to select methods and techniques to obtain results. Understanding of how to work with and into communities of practice especially in GIS and related fields; project management skills. 
• The ability to develop partnerships and manage multi-faceted stakeholders from various backgrounds and cultures, advanced planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (GIS, Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential. The possession of a valid driver’s licence (minimum B) with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include: 

• Source (gather), generate (capture data, create secondary data) and manage (store, secure or disseminate) Eco-DRR spatial data for ecosystem accounts;
• Develop and review ecosystem accounts in the Eco-DRR project;
• Provide specialist technical expertise related to other spatial analysis for Eco-DRR; 
• Report and communicate methods and findings from ecosystem accounts and other spatial analyses to support Eco-DRR project monitoring and evaluation; and
• Facilitate Human Capital Development within the Eco-DRR Project.

Closing Date 15 July 2026