Director: Collections Management

Kone Staffing Solutions; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A national biodiversity institute is seeking a Director: Collections Management to lead strategy development for biodiversity collections. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, at least 10 years of relevant experience, and strong leadership skills. This role requires project management and communication expertise, as well as experience in plant conservation and biodiversity initiatives. Willingness to travel nationally and internationally is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years relevant working experience with 5 years in middle management.
• Record of original research and peer-reviewed publications in the field.
• Possession of a valid driver’s licence; willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction in management and strategy development.
• Develop and maintain appropriate infrastructure for biodiversity collections.
• Lead implementation of strategies and policies for biodiversity collections.

Skills

In-depth understanding of museum ethics standards

Experience in plant conservation and sustainability

Project management knowledge and skills

Excellent communication skills

Computer literacy and software application experience

Education

Postgraduate degree in Life Sciences or equivalent

Relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 and above

Tools

MS Word

MS Project

PowerPoint

Excel

Internet and Outlook

Job description

Overview

Director: Collections Management Salary Level 13 Pretoria/Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, highly-motivated, dedicated professional and responsible candidate for the role.

Qualifications

The position requires a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Botany and/or Zoology or equivalent and relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification at NQF 9 and above as well as a record of original research and peer-reviewed publications in the field, will be an added advantage. This position requires a minimum of 10 years’ relevant working experience, 5 years of which should be in middle management level. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre entry Certificate offered by National School of Government before assumption of duty.

Competencies

The following competencies are critical for the candidate to be successful in this position: An in-depth understanding and knowledge of museum ethics standards, Herbarium curation, experience in plant conservation and sustainability, digitization of botanical collections, imaging of collections, contemporary floristics and phytogeography, uses of plants, indigenous and local knowledge related to biodiversity, and proven record of successful grant applications and/or donor and sponsor development, ability to maintain confidentiality; have a passion in working with a diverse group of people; project management knowledge and skills, procurement and financial management policies are important; advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook). The possession of a valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel nationally and internationally is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction in management, strategy development and implementation of activities for SANBI biodiversity collections (Herbaria and Biobanks).
• Development and maintain appropriate infrastructure for biodiversity collections in SANB.
• Lead development and implementation of data, curation, staffing and capacity development strategies and policies relating to biodiversity collections in South Arica.
• Develop and execute research programmes relevant to enhance value and utility of natural science collections through collaborative programmes and projects involving multidisciplinary teams drawn from national and international stakeholders.
• Resource mobilisation to ensure long term financial sustainability of operations for SANBI mandate on biodiversity collections management.
• Manage the human and financial resources in line with applicable policy prescripts.
• Ensure proper governance, planning, reporting, performance management, effective risk management and compliance to applicable legislation.