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

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in Pretoria is seeking a Deputy Director for Project Management in a major disaster risk reduction initiative. The role involves managing a multi-year project, overseeing budgets and resources, and coordinating stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in project management and biodiversity conservation, with a relevant degree and strong leadership abilities. This position requires both strategic oversight and practical involvement in project execution.

Qualifications

• 8 years of work experience in a relevant field.
• 4 years in first line management positions.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Eco-DRR project effectively.
• Oversee project funds and human resources.
• Conduct project monitoring and evaluation.
• Manage stakeholder communications.

Skills

Project management skills

Knowledge of biodiversity conservation

Financial management skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Life Sciences or equivalent

Postgraduate qualification at NQF 8

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Internet skills

Outlook

Job description

Overview

Job title: Deputy Director : Project Management-Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction Project

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: October 19, 2025

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is leading the implementation of 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 develop, manage, coordinate and facilitate the Eco-DRR project in line with the applicable legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, frameworks, and the funder’s aspirations.

Qualifications

• This position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, Social Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF level 7. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.
• The 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).

Competencies

• Advanced project management skills (work plans, monitoring & evaluation, etc.)
• Certification in project management in the development field would be ideal
• Advanced knowledge on the management of donor-funded projects
• In-depth understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation
• Comprehensive knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation
• Advanced knowledge and skills on national and global policies on skills development
• In-depth project management knowledge and skills to ensure deliverables are done according to contracts, work plan and budget
• Advanced knowledge on the management of organisational and project finance, including procurement and financial management policies
• Proven ability to handle financial management external to SANBI – budgeting for proposals, report to donors, budgeting and reporting, etc
• Comprehensive knowledge about public sector policies including Human Resources, including recruitment and performance management
• Understanding of government sector and partnership models to achieve goals
• Being highly organised and efficient; a clear-thinker able to solve problems and see all sides of a situation
• Ability to manage high pressure and juggling multiple stakeholders each with their own challenges whilst multi skilling across multi projects simultaneously
• Project content writing, reporting writing and minute-taking for high-level meetings
• Proven ability to perform monitoring & evaluation of multi projects
• Advanced knowledge and experience for planning, organising, and report writing skills
• Exceptional organisational, analytical, interpersonal, and problem solving skills
• Outstanding communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook)
• The candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence and must be willing to travel

Key performance responsibilities

• Ensure effective planning, coordination and management of the Eco-DRR project;
• Ensure effective management of project funds, assets & human resources;
• Conduct oversight and project level monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning as per the project’s systems and procedures;
• Facilitate stakeholder liaison communication and management; and
• Facilitate human capital development, change and transformation within the scope of Eco-DRR project.

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