SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI)

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Pretoria, Gauteng

Permanent

Closing Date 16 October 2026

Job Details

Division: Office of the CEO

Business Unit: Company Secretary

Minimum experience: Associate

Company primary industry: Government Administration

Job functional area: Administrative

Job Description

SANBI offers a basic annual salary of R338 106.00

Reference Number: OCEO/002/2026

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, competent and highly motivated individual to provide effective and efficient administrative and logistics support to the Divisions/ or Senior Managers within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.

This position requires a National Diploma in Office Management and Technology/Public Administration or equivalent qualification at NQF level 6 with 4 years of work experience in the relevant field or a Degree in Office Management and Technology/Public Administration at NQF level 7 with 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. A postgraduate qualification in Office Management and Technology/Public Administration with NQF level 8 and   experience within the public sector and working in the statutory, compliance environment and board matters would be an added advantage. 

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Attention to details; excellent business writing skills;  comprehensive knowledge and understanding of office administration/management principles, corporate governance and practices at high-level; extensive experience and understanding of legislation, procedures, processes, and systems related to office administration; Experience in financial administration and supply chain management processes; knowledge and experience in the implementation of policies, practices, systems, Standard Operating Procedures ; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; ability to work under pressure without compromising  quality, cost, and safety conscious; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); proven ability to handle, maintain, and keep highly confidentiality and sensitive matters, sound interpersonal relations, a self-starter, experience working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders at different levels; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including advanced Computer literacy skills in Microsoft Office (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook). A valid driver’s license.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Provide effective and efficient administrative support Divisions/ or Senior Managers within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer;
• Maintain efficient statutory record management and retrieval;
• Provide procurement and compliance support;
• Organize and maintain office diaries;
• Coordinate travel arrangements and logistics for officials and Board members;
• Prepare manual board packs, quality check and circulate them timeously
• Manage incoming correspondence and communication with internal and external stakeholders; and
• Provide all other administrative-related support services within the office of the CEO

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 skills 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 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

PLEASE APPLY HERE

SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER: BIOLOGICAL RISK ANALYSIS

Pretoria, Gauteng

Contract

Posted 29 September 2026 - Closing Date 15 October 2026

Job Details

Division: Biodiversity Research, Assessment and Monitoring

Business Unit: Biodiversity Assessments

Minimum experience: Entry Level

Company primary industry: Government Administration

Job functional area: Science

Job Description

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R 413 001.00 plus 37% in lieu benefits

Pretoria National Botanical Garden/ KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium

Reference Number: BRAM 2026/001

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is looking for a self-motivated individual to assist with the coordination of developing risk analysis for alien taxa especially those listed under national regulations, including facilitating the work of the Alien Species Risk Analysis Review Panel. The selected candidate will be required to contribute more broadly to the Directorate’s programme of work on the risks associated with biological invasions, in line with SANBI and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment responsibilities, including in relation to South Africa's commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (e.g. Aichi Target 9) and other agreements.

The position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 4 years of work experience in the relevant field.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: frequent travelling – field trips (sometimes after hours) and participation in meetings across the country and sometimes oversees; excellent skills in strategic planning, organisation, data management, project management, and presentation; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; excellent numeracy and literacy skills; high attention to details; and a valid driver’s license with at least one-year practical driving experience.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Manage information and document flow for risk analyses and developing risk analysis;
• Act as ASRARP secretariat, organising meetings and communicating with ASRARP members;
• Provide logistical support for risk analysis training course; and
• Conduct or assist with research on biological invasions.

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.

PLEASE APPLY HERE