Project Leader Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1 267 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in Pretoria is looking for a Project Leader for an Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction initiative. The role involves strategic leadership and operational management to enhance community resilience to climate-related disasters. Candidates must have a postgraduate degree, substantial project management experience, and skills in stakeholder engagement. This is a full-time position with a five-year contract, offering a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Requires a postgraduate degree in relevant fields.
• 10 years’ experience in project management.
• Experience in managing large-funded donor projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Eco-DRR project.
• Ensure effective operational management.
• Capture value and contributions of biodiversity in project.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Communication

Climate Change Adaptation

Education

Postgraduate degree in Natural or Social Sciences

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

Project Leader: Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Reference Number: BRAM/01/2025

Employment Type: Full time (5‑year fixed term contract)

Salary: R1 266 714.00 per annum

Location: Pretoria

Application Deadline: 06 February 2026

Project Overview

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 co‑financing from SANBI, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), for a period of eight 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.

Roles and Responsibilities

• 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 organisation priorities and contribute to effective risk management, improved internal controls, compliance, and effective Human Resources management.

Qualifications and Requirements

• This position requires a postgraduate degree in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, or an 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, five 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.

Required Competencies

• 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.

Persons with Disabilities and EEO

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.

How to Apply

All applications must be online and 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.

• 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 referees;
• Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Application Availability

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.

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