Director: Climate Change Adaptation

The South African National Biodiversity Institute; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A national biodiversity organization in South Africa seeks a strategic leader to lead climate change adaptation efforts. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate degree related to social or natural sciences and over 10 years of relevant experience, including middle-management roles. Responsibilities include developing institutional capacity and supporting resource mobilisation initiatives. This permanent position is based in Pretoria, aiming to enhance collaboration across sectors and strengthen climate resilience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of work experience in a relevant field.
• At least 5 years at middle-management level.
• Must acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the development of SANBI’s strategy for climate change adaptation.
• Lead proposal development for resource mobilisation.
• Bridge the science-policy interface for climate change adaptation.

Skills

Technical expertise in biodiversity

Leadership and management skills

Strong communication

Project management

Education

Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, or equivalent

Relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8

Tools

MS Word

MS Project

PowerPoint

Excel

Internet

Outlook

Job description

Job Summary

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide strategic leadership and direction, and champion SANBI's programme of work on climate change adaptation. The role will include providing technical leadership for bridging science, policy and practice at the biodiversity‑climate change nexus, and supporting resource mobilisation efforts associated with SANBI's accreditation with the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund.

Qualifications

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany or equivalent and a relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. A qualification at NQF level 9 is an added advantage. The candidate must also have a minimum of 10 years of work experience in the relevant field, with at least 5 years at middle‑management level, and must acquire a Senior Management Service Pre‑entry Certificate offered by the National School of Government before assumption of duty.

Competencies

The following competencies are critical: technical expertise in biodiversity and climate change adaptation; comprehensive knowledge and experience in developing and overseeing large donor‑funded projects in a multidisciplinary context; experience engaging with government and non‑government stakeholders and a track record of building and managing stakeholder relationships; understanding of policies, procedures and frameworks related to climate change adaptation in South Africa and internationally; strong leadership and management skills; professional writing and editing; project management; strategic thinking and logical analysis; sound judgement; ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong communication; computer literacy with MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel nationally and internationally is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction in the development of SANBI’s strategy and building of institutional capacity for climate change adaptation and provide strategic inputs into SANBI‑wide processes and procedures;
• Lead the development of SANBI’s proposal‑development pipeline in support of resource mobilisation for climate change adaptation, and processes to strengthen the institutional and enabling environment for this work;
• Provide strategic leadership for SANBI’s and South Africa’s programme of work in ecosystem‑based adaptation across the science, policy and implementation interface;
• Facilitate climate‑change or ecosystem‑based adaptation for sustainable development, reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience to climate change in multiple sectors such as human settlements, health, water and biodiversity, disaster risk reduction and early warning systems;
• Bridge the science‑policy interface for climate change adaptation;
• Support the coordination and implementation of SANBI climate‑change adaptation programmes;
• Maintain relationships with national and international partners;
• Facilitate team management, human capital development, change and transformation within the Directorate;
• Ensure proper governance, effective risk management and compliance to applicable legislation.

Application Procedure

1. An application form must accompany 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 skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.
3. Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e‑mail addresses of at least three referees.
4. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered.

Data Protection

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.

Additional Information

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 Mr Maano Netshiombo on Tel: for any queries.
Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e‑mail to …
Postal applications must be addressed to:
Assistant Director: Human Resources Operations
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Private Bag XP, Pretoria.

Job Details

Job type: Permanent
Salary: R per annum
Location: Pretoria
Closes: Friday, 3 May ****