Latest Roles at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Reference Number: GKBC/2023/020

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) requires the services of experienced and reliable individual to participate in the maintenance of the developed garden and natural estate areas in terms of mowing of lawn, the maintenance of wooden structures such as memorial benches and bridges and assist other teams when required, in order to help accomplish the overall goals and objectives of the National Botanical Gardens.

This position requires a  Grade 10, Job Specific Qualification, or equivalent qualification at NQF 2 with 3 years of work experience in the relevant field, OR Grade 12, Job Specific Qualification, or equivalent qualification at NQF 4 with 2 years of work experience in the relevant field.  A Higher Education Qualification, Job Specific Qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 5 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: computer training; occupational health and safety training; experience working with power machinery; extensive experience working with high standard for tidy and good maintenance of all areas of work in accordance with good health and safety policies; and ability to work under pressure whilst being safety and quality conscious including ability to work independently as well as with diverse team members; and good time management, interpersonal, planning, organizing, and verbal communication skills.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Perform estate development, maintenance and conservation;
• Maintain machines, tools and equipment effectively;
• Adhere to risk, health and safety standards and regulations; and
• Support internal and external client services.

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Reference Number: APR/2024/001

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and professional individual to develop, manage, coordinate, and facilitate SANBI’s Green Climate Fund project pipeline in partnership with the climate change adaptation sector.

This position requires a degree in Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. Postgraduate qualification or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 8 years’ experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in the first line management position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive knowledge and understanding Theory of Change and Logical Framework methodologies, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; strong leadership capabilities and management skills; strong writing and communication skills, and a track record of professional writing/editing skills; strong project management skills, and ability to successfully support and manage concurrent grant proposal processes; ability to manage high pressure and juggling with multiple stakeholders each with their own challenges whilst multi skilling across multi projects simultaneously; excellent verbal and interpersonal skills, and ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences; ability to work effectively and persuasively with individuals of authority; proven ability to think strategically, analyse information logically, and exercise sound judgement; ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team, the candidate must be flexible and reliable and be a clear-thinker who is able to solve problems and see all sides of a situation; extensive knowledge and experience in working with legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related project proposal development, funding, stakeholders, and clients; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook). The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership for SANBI’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) project pipeline process;
• Develop the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project proposal pipeline including concept note and full proposal development;
• Lead Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning activities; and
• Undertake project management activities.

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Reference Number: GKAR/2024/001

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individuals to provide horticultural and conservation services to the production nursery at Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden.

This position requires a national or advanced diploma or degree in Horticulture or equivalent and relevant qualification with NQF 6. Postgraduate qualification or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 7 or 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 2-3 years’ experience in relevant field with focus on the nursery.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: excellent knowledge and understanding of horticulture and conservation are essential; extensive knowledge of legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to horticultural and conservation services is essential; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; ability to work under pressure whilst being safety conscious; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Conduct garden planning and development;
• Coordinate the curation of living collections;
• Promote and conduct horticultural research and development; and
• Participate and promote plant conservation and to work in collaboration with other role players.

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Reference Number: BRAM/003/2024

SANBI is looking for two highly motivated individuals to improve the reproducibility and transparency of workflows used to generate maps, indices and products that underpin SANBI’s assessment and reporting requirements. The increasing volume and complexity of data requires improved data science capacity in SANBI’s teams that are responsible for summarising and presenting the state of biodiversity in changing climates and human use impacts. The successful candidates will strengthen data science applications within a multi-disciplinary team that generates the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) and reports on national and international biodiversity-related indicators. The successful candidates will have the unique opportunity to develop skills across marine, terrestrial and freshwater environment.

This position requires a Master’s Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Biological or Environmental sciences or equivalent qualification with NQF 9. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 10 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 2 years’ experience in relevant field.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: moderate training in Ecology; demonstrated experience in the use of programming languages (preferably R); version control; databases and mapping with relevant GIS software is required; proficiency with MS Office; evidence of scientific writing skill; good command of spoken and written English; ability to synthesise data would be advantageous. The possession of a valid drivers’ license with at least one-year practical driving experience.

Key Performance responsibilities include:

• Improving SANBI’s knowledge generation and dissemination, by strengthening the quality of data and analyses with improved methods of data collation, cleaning, curation and well-documented workflows.
• Collaborate with SANBI staff and partners for effective collation and curation of internal and external data, on research and policy projects relating to ecosystem mapping, monitoring and assessment, and in support of small grant applications when needed.
• Support generation of the National Biodiversity Assessment and its underlying products and supporting scientific outputs, via strengthened data science workflows and participating in relevant ecosystem classification, mapping, assessment and biodiversity indicator-related forum/committees with external stakeholders.
• Strengthen SANBI’s data science capacity by developing your own skills to improve ecosystem classification, mapping and assessment, automating workflows, as well as offering training opportunities and/or mentorship for interns and students.

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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.

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Reference Number: OCEO/001/2024

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to render a professional internal audit service to SANBI in accordance with International Standards of Professional Practice of Internal Audit and relevant legislation and provide overall  strategic management and leadership to SANBI’s Internal Audit Unit.

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Internal Auditing / Risk Management / Accounting or related field at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years work experience in the relevant field, with 5 years of which must be at middle management level. Furthermore, the position requires a Certified Internal Audit (CIA) or Chartered Accountancy qualification plus registration with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). 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 following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Advanced proficiency in the Institute of Internal Auditors( IIA) International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF); Knowledge of the COSO Framework, Code of Ethics and Standards, and other applicable frameworks; Understanding of Financial Reporting Framework (GRAP- Generally Recognised Accounting Practices); Knowledge of relevant legislation (Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations, King IV etc); Good strategic management and leadership skills; Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal communication, report writing, stakeholder management); Experience in project management; Proven ability to analyse information logically, and exercise sound judgement; ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team, problem solving skills; Advanced planning, organizing, people management skills; Experience in policy development; Computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential.  The successful candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to travel nationally.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Render a professional internal audit service to SANBI in accordance with International Standards of Professional Practice of Internal Audit, relevant legislation and applicable frameworks.
• Develop, implement and facilitate regular review of SANBI internal audit charter, annual internal audit plan, policies and standard operating procedures.
• Provide expert support on internal audit related matters to SANBI CEO, Management, Audit and Risk Committee and the Board.
• Provide SANBI Management and Board with progress reports on implementation of the annual internal audit plan and progress on all other internal audit activities.
• Provide strategic management and leadership  to  SANBI’s Internal Audit Unit, including management of Human and Financial Resources  of the Unit and the performance of internal audit service providers.
• Act as key relationship officer in respect of the Auditor General and develop links and reliance of external audit on internal audit function.
• Develop and maintain an Integrated Combined Assurance Model (CAM),
• Assist in the investigation of significant suspected incidents of fraudulent activities within SANBI and report to management and the Audit Committee of the findings;
• Promote a high level of control awareness in SANBI and assist in the deterrence of fraud by evaluating the adequacy of internal controls in mitigating fraud risks.

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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.