Vacancies at South African National Biodiversity Institute

• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide scientific leadership for the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) and Biodiversity Monitoring Framework for South Africa to ensure that national and international biodiversity reporting commitments are met. To advise on the monitoring and research activities required to support the National Biodiversity Assessment and Biodiversity Monitoring Framework. To lead the maintenance and development of the national ecosystem classification system and maps.
• This position requires a relevant degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany or equivalent qualification at NQF 7.
• A postgraduate qualification in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 or above 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 first-line management position(s). 

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:

• In-depth understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation, to the level where one can engage on complex reporting requirements; having an international scientific reputation will be an added advantage. In-depth knowledge of South African national, provincial and local biodiversity assessment and planning products and processes. Demonstrable experience of leading and convening biodiversity processes; with strong workshop facilitation, convening, coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrable experience (e.g. authorship) in at least two of the following: biodiversity planning products, key biodiversity areas maps or management plans, critical biodiversity areas mapping or plans, species red listing, ecosystem red listing, biodiversity-related indicators, national-level biodiversity reporting. Strong Geographical Information System (GIS) Spatial analysis expertise. Sufficient data science knowledge to drive ongoing innovation for the transparent and repeatable online NBA. Experience in managing staff and performance management; building teams; human capital development.
• Knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation. Knowledge on the management of organisational finance Project management knowledge and skills; experience raising donor funds would be an advantage. Knowledge about Government Human Resource (HR), procurement and financial management policies.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Champion project co-ordination and management;
• Provide leadership and direction to the National Biodiversity Assessment;
• Development of projects and or research programmes for the National Biodiversity Assessment;
• Lead ecosystem classification, mapping and description for National Biodiversity Assessment; and
• Facilitate human capital development and transformation within the business unit.

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• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide strategic leadership, oversight and coordination for the delivery of Component 3 of the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) Project. Component 3, titled "An enabling environment is created for investment in Eco-DRR through a strengthened evidence base and improved learning and knowledge management", aims to establish an evidence base to inform processes to enhance private and public sector investment in Eco-DRR; support learning, adaptive management and ultimately scaling; and contribute to ensuring a viable exit strategy for the project. The role includes oversight of the Business Development and Natural Capital Accounting programmes of work and relevant teams, quality assurance of all Component 3 outputs prior to submission as project evidence and ensuring coherence across the enabling environment and knowledge management workstreams.
• This position requires a degree in Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, Social Science, Disaster Management, Development Studies, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. This position also requires 8 years of work experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in first line management position(s), including demonstrated experience overseeing complex, multi-workstream programmes or projects with diverse technical teams is essential.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: 

• technical experience in disaster risk reduction, natural resource management and evidence generation; experience in facilitating social learning processes and translating evidence and lessons into knowledge products; experience working with all spheres of government in the development, planning and implementation of policy relating to biodiversity, climate change and ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction; working knowledge of project management concepts, practices and procedures, including process development and project execution skills; and an understanding of how to work with and support communities of practice, particularly in the evidence, learning and knowledge management fields.
• The candidate must have excellent written and verbal English communication skills, including report writing, presentation, interpersonal and workshop facilitation skills. The ability to influence, motivate and collaborate with others is essential, as is an understanding of global and national biodiversity conservation policies and legislation. Project management skills, advanced knowledge of compliance and risk management techniques, and effective people, budget and financial management skills are also required. Familiarity with GCF or equivalent international climate fund reporting requirements, including results frameworks, annual performance reports, and mid-term and final evaluation processes, will be an advantage.
• The candidate must have a proven ability to work under pressure with diverse teams while remaining cost, quality and safety conscious. The ability to develop partnerships and manage multi-faceted stakeholders from various backgrounds and cultures is essential. Advanced planning, organising and problem-solving skills are required. Excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools, including MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook, are essential. Possession of a valid driver’s licence, minimum Code B, with at least one year of practical driving experience and a willingness to travel, is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership, programme management and oversight of Component 3 delivery;
• Provide strategic leadership and coordination for the project's evidence, knowledge management and social learning strategy;
• Technical Leadership, Co-creation, Communication and Capacity Development;
• Provide strategic oversight for technical delivery led by the Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice Division; and
• Strengthen post-project sustainability, governance and institutional learning.

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• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to effectively assist the general garden and estate teams to ensure that all projects and maintenance requests are completed according to specification, using quality assurance standards within the time frames and to maintain garden flower beds, support teams with general garden maintenance operations, provide a wide range of support and services to all customers at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
•  This position requires a Grade 10 or equivalent qualification at NQF 2 with 2 years’ work experience in the relevant field, or Grade 12 or equivalent qualification at NQF 4 with 1 year experience in the relevant field of irrigation, horticultural or construction maintenance.  A Higher Education 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: the ability to work in a team and under pressure, to accept responsibility for the quality of work produced, to be reliable and experience working with irrigation, construction or plumbing training; knowledge of any garden related maintenance work; use of pesticides and insecticides will be an advantage, Showing initiative,  good interpersonal relations and communication and being able to plan and execute work against specific goals would be applicable.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Assist with water and construction services;.
• Maintain infrastructure in the garden and estate – e.g. assistance to teams in repairing of irrigation (digging/ trenching);
• Assist in garden sections and estate with various tasks including weeding and pollution control;
• Assist with maintaining paths, trail, roads, drains, ponds and streams; and
• Participate in the adherence and execution of Health & Safety risk controls.