Project Leader Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1 267 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization is seeking a Project Leader for the Eco-DRR project aimed at enhancing community resilience to climate change. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate degree and 10 years of relevant experience in project management, with strong leadership and communication skills. Responsibilities include providing strategic oversight and managing partnerships to deliver project benefits. A commitment to biodiversity conservation and experience with donor-funded projects are essential. A valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in the relevant field with 5 years in middle management.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written.
• Valid driver’s license with at least one-year practical driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic vision for the Eco-DRR project.
• Facilitate governance and partnerships for project benefits.
• Ensure operational management of the Eco-DRR project.
• Capture the value of biodiversity in disaster risk reduction.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Postgraduate degree in Natural Sciences or Social Sciences

Project management qualification

Tools

MS Word

MS Project

PowerPoint

Excel

Internet

Outlook

Job description

Reference Number: BRAM/01/2025

SANBI offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1266714.00

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. The Project Leader will provide effective and efficient strategic leadership and management of the implementation of the Ecosystem based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR project).

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, or equivalent qualification with NQF Level 8. A qualification in project management will be an added advantage. This position also requires 10 years’ experience in the relevant field and preferably in project management and managing partnerships, 5 years of which should be in middle management. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate offered by the National School of Government, before assumption of duty.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Keen interest in Climate Change Adaptation and environmental/developmental issues; experience in managing large-funded donor projects; extensive project management experience including results-based management, monitoring and evaluation; knowledge and familiarity with the GCF funding modality is an added advantage; strong team leadership capabilities; ability to work under pressure, in a team and individually; experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development and relationship management; understanding of government procedures, policies, and legislation; excellent communication (Fluency in English) both verbal and written and interpersonal skills; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous. 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

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and strategic vision for the overall Eco-DRR project;
• Facilitate cooperative governance, collaboration, and partnerships to strengthen institutions in order to deliver project benefits
• Ensure strategic oversight and effective operational management of the implementation of the Eco-DRR project;
  
• Capture and demonstrate the value and contribution of biodiversity and ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction in advancing the national development agenda.
• Facilitate the reporting of request for proposal (RFP), request for quotation (RFQ) and inventory activities, and
• Facilitate implementation of cross-cutting organization priorities and contribute to effective risk management, improved internal controls, compliance, and effective Human Resources management
  

Please note:

1. Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by 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 referees.
4. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

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.

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.