SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI) VACANCIES

​PRINCIPAL SPECIALIST: ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Pretoria, Gauteng
Permanent
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Job Details
Division: Biodiversity Policy Advice
Business Unit: Biodiversity Policy Advice
Minimum experience: Mid-Senior
Company primary industry: Government Administration
Job functional area: Strategy/Planning
EE Status: Only open to EE candidates
Disability: Only open to candidates with a disability
 
Job Description
SANBI offers an all-inclusive salary package of R1 003 890.00

Reference Number: BIPA/001/2025

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated, professional and responsible person to lead the strategic program on our flagship ecological infrastructure, Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs), ensuring coherence, continuity, and collaboration across multiple stakeholders with a particular focus on municipalities.

This position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, qualification at NQF 7. A management postgraduate qualification at NQF 8, 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: Experience working in the fields of ecological infrastructure and/or natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation; Technical leadership on biodiversity mainstreaming and policy advice across various strategic sectors; Working experience of biodiversity mainstreaming into local government; Understanding of how to work with and into communities of practice especially at catchment scale; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks; project management skills; knowledge of compliance and risk management; effective people management; proven ability to work with diverse teams, ability to develop partnerships and manage stakeholders and relationships, ability to effectively work under pressure, and effective financial and budget management skills; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal 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. Knowledge and understanding of spatial and other knowledge products that underpin work on SWSAs. 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. SACNASP registration advantageous.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:
• Lead and coordinate SANBI’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) programme;
• Provide technical leadership and foster collaboration and continuity to secure SWSAs;
• Manage and support project development and implementation;
• Provide policy advice and mainstream SWSAs into municipal planning and policy; and
• Facilitate Human Capital Development and professional development.

1) Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by 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 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 references
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.

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​GARDEN MANAGER: FREE STATE NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Bloemfontein, Free State
Permanent
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Closing Date 07 February 2025
 
Job Details
Division: National Botanical Gardens
Business Unit: Free State National Botanical Garden
Minimum experience: Mid-Senior
Company primary industry: Environmental Services
Job functional area: Operations
 
Job Description
Reference Number: GFSG/001/2025

SANBI offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1 003 890.00

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to effectively ensure the conservation and appreciation of the natural, cultural and historic values of the Free State National Botanical garden through the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans and programs, consistent with statutory responsibilities and corporate policies.

This position requires a degree in Horticulture, Life Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany or equivalent qualification NQF 7. An Honours degree or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 8 years of work experience in relevant field, 4 years of which should be in first line management position(s) as a practising Horticulturist. Experience must also include management and supervising operational line management functions especially that of teams and support services.

The following competencies are required of the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive experience and knowledge of nature-based tourism, business management principles, conservation, horticulture, nursery infrastructure maintenance, business administration, and training and development; comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and experience in national and global biodiversity conservation including broad understanding of national and global botanical garden management; extensive knowledge about legislation, policies, procedures, process, practices, systems, and frameworks related to biodiversity conservation and botanical garden management; advanced knowledge on management of organisational finances and budgeting processes and principles, human resources requirements, policies, procedures and processes, corporate governance principles and corporate governance and compliance requirements; excellent project and programme management skills, proven ability to work with diverse team whilst under pressure being quality, cost, health, and safety conscious; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal 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 licence (minimum B) with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership in the development, implementation and maintenance of operations of the National Botanical Garden, their living collections, associated estates, facilities and infrastructure;
• Ensure that there is proper governance within the National Botanical Garden, effective budget management, project management, income generation and marketing of operations for the national botanical gardens;
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships;
• Ensure effective contract management;
• Improve workplace health, safety and security; and
• Drive Human Capital Development and Transformation within the Garden.

 
Please note:

• 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).
• A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
• 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.
 
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