SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 2: ECO-DRR DATA MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Cape Town, Western Cape

Contract

Closing Date 14 July 2026

Job Details

Division: Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice

Business Unit: Biodiversity Policy Advice

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Government Administration

Job functional area: Data Analyst

Contract term: 60 months

Job Description

Assistant Director 2: Eco-DRR Data Management Specialist

Fixe-Term Contract of Employment for Five (5) years

Reference Number: Eco-DRR/2026/001

SANBI Offers Basic Annual Salary of R582 444.00 plus 37% in lieu of benefits

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and professional individual to ensure biodiversity data is accurate, organised, standardised, accessible, and sustainably maintained. The focus of the work will be on data governance, quality, systems, pipelines, and long-term management and security of the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) project’s biodiversity data.

This position requires a degree in Biodiversity Informatics, Environmental Science, Information Science, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A post-graduate qualification in Biodiversity Informatics, Environmental Science, Information Science, or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.  This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field of biodiversity data management, informatics, or environmental data systems of which 3 years should be in supervisory position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Demonstrated experience with: Ingestion, cleaning, validation, and QC of biodiversity or spatial datasets; GIS systems (especially ESRI tools) and spatial data workflows; Coordinating data contributions from researchers, institutions, field teams, or citizen scientists and supporting users in a data or technical environment (helpdesk-style role). ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, Survey123, Field Maps, Spreadsheet tools (Excel), scripting (Python/R), an advantage; Metadata and documentation tools and valid driver’s licence with at least one year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Oversee ingestion, validation, quality control, and curation of biodiversity and spatial datasets;
• Ensure metadata standards are applied (e.g., Darwin Core, SANBI metadata standards);
• Maintain data infrastructure reliability, versioning, backups, and access control;
• Support data contributors, citizen scientists, and internal users, working closely with the BIM Team on hosting, security, user access and system stability; and
• Coordinate data lifecycle management from collection, processing to publication.

Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a 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 competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process. 3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall 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 authorised 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 Ms. Innocent Maswanganyi on (021) 799 8561/ 8800 for any queries related to seeking clarity on this position. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications must be submitted online portal.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

HORTICULTURIST – 2XPOSITIONS

Cape Town, Western Cape

Permanent

Closing Date 15 July 2026

Job Details

Division: National Botanical Gardens

Business Unit: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Government Administration

Job functional area: Other

Job Description

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town  

National Botanical Gardens Division

Reference Number: GKBC/2026/006

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for passionate and self-motivated individuals to fulfill a key horticultural and conservation role by leading the development and maintenance of the General Gardens and herbaceous perennials display garden areas and associated living collections, as well as the Succulent displays in both the garden and conservatory areas and associated living collection at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

These positions require a national diploma in Horticulture or relevant and equivalent qualification at NQF 6 with 4 years of work experience in the relevant field or an advanced diploma or degree in Horticulture or relevant and equivalent qualification with NQF 7 with 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. A postgraduate qualification in Horticulture or relevant and equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. 

The position is responsible for curating and cultivating  a wide range of Succulent genera or South African plants and herbaceous perennials with the following key competencies for the candidate to be successful in these positions: excellent knowledge and understanding of indigenous horticulture maintenance and conservation are essential; knowledge of propagation procedures, protocols and processes, practical experience and knowledge of propagation facilities, knowledge of field collecting and plant introduction and care, competent in long term curation and maintenance of living plant collections, understanding landscaping using fynbos and natural design elements, leading and managing a team of conservation workers in the garden and nursery collections, knowledgeable and experience with working with conservation stakeholders, 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 with MS tools 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 display and living collections operations planning, maintenance and development;

·        Lead the management of people and maintain high levels of performance;

·        Manage the coordination of curation of living collections in both the garden and collections nursery;

·        Promote & participate in horticultural, plant conservation, and research projects; and

·        Conduct planning, coordination and implementation of projects to promote the mission of SANBI and Kirstenbosch.

 Salary commensurate with a range of inputs and outputs in terms of the SANBI career ladder for horticulturists.

Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a 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 competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.  3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall 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 authorised 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 Ms Innocent Maswanganyi on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8651/8800 or email – i.maswanganyi@sanbi.org.za for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via the online portal.

Closing Date: 15 July 2026

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 must consider their applications unsuccessful.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

SENIOR SPECIALIST: ECOSYSTEM ACCOUNTING - GIS

Pretoria, Gauteng

Contract

Closing Date 15 July 2026

Job Details

Division: Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Government Administration

Job functional area: Other

Contract term: 60

Job Description

Salary Level 10 – (5 Year Contract)

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

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R605 742.00 plus 37% in lieu of benefits

Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Pretoria

Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice Division

Reference Number: BIPA/2026/001

If you have applied before you need not apply again

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.

Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a 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 competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.  3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall 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 authorised 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 Ms Innocent Maswanganyi on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8651/8800 or i.maswanganyi@sanbi.org.za for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via the online portal.

Closing Date: 15 July 2026

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 must consider their applications unsuccessful.

PLEASE APPLY HERE

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT OFFICERS – 2X POSITIONS

Pretoria, Gauteng

Contract

Closing Date 16 July 2026

Job Details

Division: Supply Chain and Asset Management

Business Unit: Supply Chain Management: Contract Management

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Government Administration

Job functional area: Supply Chain

Contract term: 9 months

Job Description

Reference Number:

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide support and professional advice to all SANBI Business Units with regard to SCM policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks which are governed by the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, and other Legislation.

These positions require a national diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or equivalent qualification at NQF 6 with 4 years of work experience in the relevant field or a degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or equivalent qualification at NQF 7 with 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. A postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or equivalent qualification with NQF 8 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive knowledge of legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to supply chain management is essential; in-depth knowledge of Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, Generally Recognised Accounting Practice is essential; advanced planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; report writing skills, people management 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 license with at least one year of practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. 

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Attend procurement matters in line with Supply Chain Management policies
• Attend to an end to end administration matters related to evaluation, and awarding processes
• Attend to briefing sessions
• Provide professional service to suppliers and other related stakeholders; and
• Provide assistance to improve governance, manage risk, and attend to compliance matters within the business unit

Please note:

1. Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by 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 competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.
3. Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
4. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

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.

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 must consider their applications unsuccessful.

Contact Ms Lehlohonolo Mbele on Tel: +27 (0)12 002 5350 for any queries for purposes of clarity.

PLEASE APPLY HERE