Administration Officer: National Botanical Garden

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 326 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biodiversity research institution in South Africa is seeking an Administration Officer to provide administrative support and manage office operations at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications such as a national diploma in Office Administration and have at least four years of work experience. Critical skills include excellent communication, problem-solving, and computer literacy. This role offers a basic annual salary of R325,101.00 and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide garden administration.
• Assist with project, financial and administration duties.
• Ensure effective management of resources and assets.
• Manage human resources, marketing, communication, and customer services.
• Handle public relations, risk management, and customer service.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Computer literacy

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of public finance management

Interpersonal skills

Education

National diploma or advanced certificate in Office/Public Administration

Degree or equivalent at NQF 8 (added advantage)

Tools

MS Word

MS Project

PowerPoint

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Administration Officer: National Botanical Garden

Reference Number: GKBC/2025/002

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R325 101.00

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to render administrative support services to the operations of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

This position requires a national diploma or advanced certificate, in Office Administration, Public Administration or equivalent and relevant qualification with NQF 6. Advanced diploma or degree in Office Administration, Public Administration or equivalent with NQF 7. A degree or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. 4 year’s work experience in the relevant field when having a National Diploma or Advanced Certificate or equivalent with NQF 6- or 2-years’ work experience in the relevant field when having an Advanced certificate, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7 of which 1 year must be in office management and administration, procurement, logistics, projects and contract management, financial management, record keeping and report writing as well as various day to day planning and organising of tasks.

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 office administration, procurement, logistics, project and event management is essential; strict adherence to policies, procedures, processes, governance, compliance and confidentiality and an in-depth knowledge of Public Finance Management Act, and Treasury Regulations is essential; 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 with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Provide garden administration;
• Assist with project, financial and administration duties;
• Ensure effective management of resources, assets;
• Ensure effective management of human resources, marketing and communication and customer services; and
• Public relations, risk and safety; and customer service.

Application Process

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.

Contact Ms Naomi Essop on [phone]/ 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.