SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI) VACANCIES - 29 APRIL 2026

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI)

SENIOR MANAGER: INTERNAL AUDIT

Ref No. OCEO/001/2026

Closes: Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Job type: Permanent

Salary: R1 266 714.00 per annum

Location: Tshwane

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual 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 Directorate.

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Internal Auditing / Risk Management / Accounting or equivalent and relevant field at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. The 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. Professional accreditation as a Certified Internal Audit (CIA) or Chartered Accountant is also required. 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 and corporate governance instruments (Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations, King V 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; 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 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
Provide expert support on internal audit related matters to SANBI Chief Executive Officer, Management, Audit and Risk Committee and the
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 Directorate, including management of Human and Financial Resources of the Directorate 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
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.
Provide and oversee Probity assurance for the organization

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 (012) 002 5295/082 453 0497 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 an e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org.za

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.

SENIOR MANAGER: CONSERVATION AND ANIMAL COLLECTIONS

Reference Number: NZG/001/2026

APPLICATION FORM

Closes: Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Job type: Permanent

Salary: R1 266 714.00 per annum

Location: Tshwane

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide managerial leadership and strategic direction to the Conservation and Animal Collections Directorate’s day-to-day operations and position the National Zoological Gardens as a strategic partner within networks, partnerships, zoos and aquarium associations and collaborations for wildlife conservation locally, nationally, in Africa and globally. The role will be responsible for driving both ex situ and in situ conservation programmes, including species breeding and reintroduction initiatives, and integrated conservation planning aligned with national and global biodiversity priorities (e.g. IUCN frameworks).

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Nature Conservation, Zoology, Environmental Management in Animal Conservation, Intensive Population Management or equivalent and relevant qualification at NQF 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. Experience within the wildlife, zoological, or biodiversity conservation sector and regulatory environment is essential. Demonstratable experience in conservation biology, wildlife management, or population sustainability will be highly advantageous. 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: Knowledge of risk management framework, Code of Ethics and Standards, and other applicable frameworks; Knowledge of relevant legislation (Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations, King V 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 and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

Lead integrated conservation and animal collection strategies, including ex situ and in situ conservation programmes aligned to SANBI’s mandate.
Oversee daily animal welfare and care, managing food procurement, kitchen operations, animal records and enrichment plans to meet the nutritional and health requirements set by veterinary teams.
Manage budgets, resources, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure efficient and high-performing operations.
Ensure effective governance, risk management, and compliance across all areas of responsibility.
Ensure compliance with local and international legislation and standards, including permits for animal transactions (acquisition, disposition and movement).
Build and maintain partnerships with local and international conservation bodies and associations.