Deputy Director: Financial Management – Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction Project

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,060,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in Gauteng is seeking a self-motivated individual for financial management of projects including Eco-DRR. Applicants should have a degree in Financial Management, 8 years of experience, and expertise in stakeholder engagement. The role requires knowledge of Financial Management and the Public Finance Management Act, offering a salary package of R1,059,105 annually.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in relevant financial management.
• 4 years in first-line management positions.
• Advanced knowledge of Public Finance Management Act.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial management advice for Eco-DRR project.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting of projects.
• Oversee compliance with financial management regulations.

Skills

Financial Management

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Education

Degree in Financial Management

Postgraduate qualification in Financial Management

Tools

MS Excel

SAGE 300

Job description

Overview

SANBI offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1059105.00. Reference Number: BRAM/2025/003.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is leading a project entitled “Scaling up Ecosystem-based Approaches to managing climate-intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa” (the Eco-DRR project). The USD 40.1 million project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with cofinancing 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 of the project is to improve the resilience of communities that are vulnerable to climate change-exacerbated floods, droughts and wildfires through the implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction measures. SANBI is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide a project financial reporting and information service to the Eco-DRR project, and other foreign donor funded projects in the Biodiversity Science and Policy Advice Branch, in the execution of project administration and financial reporting and to enforce project compliance in accordance with the Project Management Policy for Externally-funded Projects, Eco-DRR project agreement, SANBI’s mandate, the Public Finance Management Act as well as SANBI’s accounting policies and procedures, addressing and managing all audit-related matters, including coordinating responses, providing necessary documentation, and ensuring compliance with audit requirements.

This position requires a degree in Financial Management or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Financial Management or equivalent qualification with 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 the first-line management position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive knowledge and understanding of Financial Management, Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, and Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) is essential; extensive knowledge and understanding of project management techniques, tools, methodologies, and frameworks; proven ability and experience in managing finances, budget and funding for multiple projects from multiple funders; advanced knowledge of financial management external to SANBI, including budgeting for proposals, reporting to donors, budgeting and reporting, etc; comprehensive knowledge about public sector policies including Human Resources Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Management including Corporate Governance policies, procedures, and processes is essential; being highly organised and efficient; clear-thinking with problem-solving abilities; ability to manage high pressure and juggle multiple stakeholders across multiple projects; outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship management; attention to detail in budgeting, financial management, and reporting; systemic visualization of various projects entailing a programme, advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; proven ability to perform monitoring & evaluation of multi-projects; ability to work under pressure with a diverse team while being quality, cost, compliance, and safety conscious; extensive knowledge and experience in working with legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to project management, donor funding, and stakeholder management; excellent financial report writing and communication at all levels (verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience with software tools including MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook; working knowledge of an accounting package (e.g. SAGE 300) will be advantageous. A valid driver’s license with at least one year of practical driving experience and willingness to travel is essential.

Key performance responsibilities

• Provide effective financial management and financial risk management advice to the Eco-DRR and other project leaders;
• Ensure effective financial administration of the Eco-DRR project;
• Ensure accurate financial reporting of the Eco-DRR project and other projects;
• Oversee and enforce financial management compliance in the Eco-DRR project and other projects;
• Facilitate human capital development and transformation within the scope of Eco-DRR project;
• Address and manage all audit-related matters, including coordinating responses, providing necessary documentation, and ensuring compliance with audit requirements;
• Implement / develop controls for the overall funding governance in line with the finance division; and
• Assist the finance division as and when required.

Application information

Note: Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by a 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). A skills 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.

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. By applying, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information to conduct background screening and related checks. For more information, 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 preference given to candidates from designated groups as per SANBI’s Employment Equity Plan.