Principal Specialist: Ecological Infrastructure

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated professional to lead a strategic program focused on ecological infrastructure and water source areas. This role involves ensuring collaboration among stakeholders, particularly municipalities, and requires a strong background in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. The ideal candidate will possess excellent project management and communication skills, along with a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences. Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and offers a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in ecological infrastructure or biodiversity conservation.
• Degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences required.
• Management experience in first-line positions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate SANBI's Strategic Water Source Areas programme.
• Provide technical leadership and policy advice for SWSAs.
• Manage project development and implementation effectively.

Skills

Ecological infrastructure experience

Natural resource management

Biodiversity conservation

Project management

Financial and budget management

Effective communication skills

Stakeholder management

People management

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Degree in Life Sciences

Degree in Natural Sciences

Degree in Social Sciences

Management postgraduate qualification (NQF 8)

Tools

GIS

MS Word

MS Project

PowerPoint

Excel

Internet

Outlook

Job description

SANBI offers an all-inclusive salary package of R1.00. Reference Number: BIPA. 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, or Social Sciences, with a 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). The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:

1. Experience working in the fields of ecological infrastructure and/or natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation.
2. Technical leadership on biodiversity mainstreaming and policy advice across various strategic sectors.
3. Working experience of biodiversity mainstreaming into local government.
4. Understanding of how to work with and into communities of practice, especially at catchment scale.
5. Understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks.
6. Project management skills.
7. Knowledge of compliance and risk management.
8. Effective people management.
9. Proven ability to work with diverse teams.
10. Ability to develop partnerships and manage stakeholders and relationships.
11. Ability to effectively work under pressure.
12. Effective financial and budget management skills.
13. Advanced planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
14. Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
15. Excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including GIS, MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet, and Outlook is essential.
16. Knowledge and understanding of spatial and other knowledge products that underpin work on SWSAs.
17. 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.
18. SACNASP registration is advantageous.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

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

1) 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).

2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.

3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses, and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three references.

4) 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. 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.