The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide strategic leadership and direction, and champion SANBI’s programme of work on climate change adaptation. This will include providing technical leadership for bridging science, policy and practice interface associated with the biodiversity climate change nexus, and supporting resource mobilisation efforts associated with SANBI’s accreditation with the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund.
This position requires a postgraduate degree in Social Sciences/ Life Sciences/Natural Sciences/Ecology/Biology/Botany or equivalent and relevant postgraduate qualification 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 of work experience in the relevant field, 5 years of which should be at middle management level. 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 critical for the candidate to be successful in this position: technical expertise in biodiversity and climate change adaptation, comprehensive knowledge and experience in the development and oversight/ implementation of large donor funded projects, in a multi-disciplinary context that includes natural resource management, biodiversity and or climate change adaptation, knowledge and experience in engaging with government and non-government stakeholders and a track record of building and managing stakeholder relationships, an understanding and experience of policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to climate change adaptation in South Africa and internationally will be advantageous. Strong leadership capabilities and management skills; professional writing and editing skills; strong project management skills; proven ability to think strategically, analyse information logically, and exercise sound judgement; ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member whilst being reliable, quality and cost conscious; a clear-thinker who is able to solve complex and challenging problems; advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); 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 and willingness to travel nationally and internationally is essential.
Key Performance Responsibilities include:
Provide leadership and direction in the development of SANBI’s strategy and building of institutional capacity for climate change adaptation and provide strategic inputs into SANBI-wide processes and procedures; Lead the development of SANBI’s proposal development pipeline in support of resource mobilisation for climate change adaptation, and processes to strengthen the institutional and enabling environment for this work; Provide strategic leadership for SANBI’s and South Africa’s programme of work in Ecosystem based Adaptation, across the science, policy and implementation interface; Facilitate climate change or ecosystem based adaptation for sustainable development, reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience to climate change in multiple sectors as human settlements, health, water and biodiversity, disaster risk reduction and early warning systems; Bridge the science policy interface for climate change adaptation; Support the coordination and implementation of SANBI climate change adaptation programmes; Maintain relationships with national and international partners; Facilitate team management, Human Capital Development, change and transformation within the Directorate; and Ensure proper governance, effective risk management and compliance to applicable legislation.Application procedure:
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 skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.
3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered.
Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.
Contact Mr Maano Netshiombo on Tel: +27 (0)12 843 5295 082 453 0497 for any queries. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org.za
Postal applications must be addressed to:
Assistant Director: Human Resources Operations
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Private Bag X101
Pretoria
0001
Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful.
Application formCloses: Friday, 3 May 2024
Job type: Permanent
Salary: R1 162 200.00 per annum
Location: Pretoria