Assistant Director: Policy and Compliance

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in South Africa seeks a self-motivated individual for policy support and compliance functions related to climate change adaptation. Ideal candidates hold a degree in Public Administration or Law and have significant experience. Knowledge of project management techniques and excellent communication skills are essential. This role offers a competitive salary and emphasizes equal opportunity in hiring.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of work experience, 3 years at supervisory level.
• Interest in Climate Change Adaptation and environmental issues.
• Flexibility, reliability, and strong organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Support governance and reporting for APR Division.
• Ensure compliance with donor policies and contract conditions.
• Provide policy and legal advisory support.

Skills

Project management

Grant management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Public Administration or Law (NQF 7)

Postgraduate qualification in relevant field (NQF 8)

Tools

MS Word

MS Project

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Overview

SANBI offers a basic annual salary of R582 444.00 plus 37% in lieu of benefits. Reference Number: APR/2025/002.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is leading the implementation of the Eco-DRR project: Scaling up Ecosystem-based Approaches to managing climate-intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa. The USD 40.1 million project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with co-financing from SANBI, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), for a period of 8 years from 2025 to 2033. The goal is to improve the resilience of communities vulnerable to climate change-exacerbated floods, droughts and wildfires through Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction measures. SANBI is seeking a self-motivated individual to provide policy support and compliance functions to SANBI in its capacity as an Accredited Entity of the GCF and Adaptation Fund.

This description reflects the information provided and does not modify the original context.

Qualifications

This position requires a degree in Public Administration, Law or an equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Public Administration, Law or an equivalent qualification with NQF 8 will be an added advantage. The position requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field, 3 years of which should be at a supervisory level.

Competencies

The following competencies are required: well-developed project management and grant management skills; interest in Climate Change Adaptation and environmental/developmental issues; flexibility and reliability; familiarity with South African regulatory environment for tracking Environmental and Social Safeguards policy implementation; knowledge of project management techniques, tools, methodologies, and frameworks; understanding of public sector policies including Human Resources Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Management and Corporate Governance; high organization, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement abilities; budgeting, financial management, and reporting attention; ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders; excellent communication skills (verbal and written); strong computer literacy (MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet, Outlook); valid driver’s licence with practical driving experience and willingness to travel.

Key responsibilities

• Support Adaptation Policy and Resourcing (APR) Division governance and reporting processes and ensure implementation of decisions.
• Support APR Division’s annual maintenance of accreditation status with GCF and Adaptation Fund.
• Support SANBI processes to fulfil compliance with donor policies and contract conditions.
• Provide APR Division with policy and legal advisory support function.
• Facilitate human capital development, change and transformation.

Application notes

Equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. Applications from designated groups will be preferred in line with SANBIs Employment Equity Plan.