Principal Specialist: Ecological Infrastructure

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 853 000 - 1 004 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biodiversity organization in South Africa is seeking a qualified candidate to lead the Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) program. The role requires a degree in Life Sciences or related fields, with extensive experience in ecological infrastructure, project management, and stakeholder collaboration. Ideal candidates should possess strong technical leadership and proven communication skills. A competitive salary package is offered, alongside an opportunity to work on significant environmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• 8 years of work experience in the relevant field, 4 years should be in a management position.
• Understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license with at least one year of practical driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate SANBI’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) programme.
• Manage and support project development and implementation.
• Provide policy advice and mainstream SWSAs into municipal planning.

Skills

Technical leadership on biodiversity mainstreaming

Project management skills

Excellent communication skills

Financial and budget management skills

Experience with GIS software

Education

Degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences

Postgraduate qualification at NQF 8

Tools

GIS

MS Word

MS Project

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

SANBI offers an all-inclusive salary package of R1 003 890.00

Reference Number: BIPA/001/2025

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated, professional and responsible person to lead the strategic program on our flagship ecological infrastructure, Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs), ensuring coherence, continuity, and collaboration across multiple stakeholders with a particular focus on municipalities.

This position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, qualification at NQF 7. A management postgraduate qualification at 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 first line management position(s).

Competencies

Experience working in the fields of ecological infrastructure and/or natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation; Technical leadership on biodiversity mainstreaming and policy advice across various strategic sectors; Working experience of biodiversity mainstreaming into local government; Understanding of how to work with and into communities of practice especially at catchment scale; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks; project management skills; knowledge of compliance and risk management; effective people management; proven ability to work with diverse teams, ability to develop partnerships and manage stakeholders and relationships, ability to effectively work under pressure, and effective financial and budget management skills; advanced planning, organizing, and problem solving skills; excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (GIS, Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential. Knowledge and understanding of spatial and other knowledge products that underpin work on SWSAs. The possession of a valid driver’s licence (minimum B) with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. SACNASP registration advantageous.

Key Performance Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate SANBI’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) programme;
• Provide technical leadership and foster collaboration and continuity to secure SWSAs;
• Manage and support project development and implementation;
• Provide policy advice and mainstream SWSAs into municipal planning and policy;
• Facilitate Human Capital Development and professional development.

Application Process

• Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by 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).
• A competency 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 references.
• 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. 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. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

Equal Opportunity

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.