Assistant Director: Collections Management

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 583 000; Full time

Job summary

A national biodiversity organization is seeking an Assistant Director for Collections Management in Cape Town. This role involves overseeing curation activities, developing policies, and managing a team. Ideal candidates have a degree in relevant sciences and significant supervisory experience. The position offers a competitive salary of R582,444.00 per annum, plus benefits. Applications are encouraged from diverse candidates, including persons with disabilities.

Benefits

37% additional benefits

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field with NQF 7.
• Six years of work experience in relevant field, including postgraduate research.
• Three years in a supervisory role.
• Knowledge of natural science collection management policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate curation and collection management.
• Provide strategic input for policy development.
• Drive implementation of collection management standards.
• Execute research duties within the unit.
• Plan and report targets for collection management.

Skills

Computer literacy

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, or equivalent

Honours degree or equivalent at NQF 8

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) – Assistant Director: Collections Management. Region: Cape Town. Employment Type: Full time. Deadline: 17 November 2025. Reference Number: NSCF/2025/003. Contract term: 17 months. Salary: R 582.444.00 per annum plus 37% benefits.

Job Description

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self‑motivated individual to co‑ordinate curation and collection management standards and procedures at the Compton Herbarium, drive implementation of policies, standards, and processes, and to provide strategic input, planning and reporting for targets.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate curation and collection management;
• Provide strategic input towards development of policies, standards, and processes for curation and collection management;
• Drive implementation of policies, standards, and processes for curation and collection management;
• Execute research duties within the unit;
• Planning and reporting for targets for curation and collection management.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. An honours degree or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.
• Six (6) years of work experience in relevant field (including time spent during relevant postgraduate research), 3 years of which should be in supervisory position(s).
• Proficient in computer literacy with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of natural science collection curation and management policies, procedures and standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and a proactive approach to managing tasks.
• Possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one year of practical driving experience and willingness to travel.

Persons with Disabilities

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.

How to Apply

• Only online applications will be accepted and must be accompanied by a CV, a letter motivating why the applicant should be considered, 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 skills test may 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 will result in your application not being considered.

Personal information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

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 Mr William Mahlangu on [phone] for any queries related to seeking clarity on this position.