Senior Project Officer: Biological Risk Analysis

South African National Biodiversity Institute; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking a self-motivated professional to coordinate risk analyses for alien taxa and support the ASRARP secretariat. The role includes contributing to biodiversity risk projects and working across national programs with travel, meetings, and training logistics.

Candidates should have a Life Sciences degree (NQF 7), with 4 years of relevant experience; postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology or Botany (NQF 7).
• Postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) is an added advantage.
• 4 years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage information and document flow for risk analyses and developing risk analysis.
• Act as ASRARP secretariat, organizing meetings and communicating with ASRARP members.
• Provide logistical support for risk analysis training course.
• Conduct or assist with research on biological invasions.

Skills

Project management

Data management

Strategic planning

Organisational skills

Numeracy

Literacy

Driving licence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences/Natural Sciences/Ecology/Biology/Botany (NQF 7)

Job description

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R 413001.00 plus 37% in lieu benefits

Pretoria National Botanical Garden/ KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium

Reference Number: BRAM 2026/001

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is looking for a self-motivated individual to assist with the coordination of developing risk analysis for alien taxa especially those listed under national regulations, including facilitating the work of the Alien Species Risk Analysis Review Panel. The selected candidate will be required to contribute more broadly to the Directorate’s programme of work on the risks associated with biological invasions, in line with SANBI and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment responsibilities, including in relation to South Africa's commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (e.g. Aichi Target 9) and other agreements.

The position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 4 years of work experience in the relevant field.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: frequent travelling – field trips (sometimes after hours) and participation in meetings across the country and sometimes oversees; excellent skills in strategic planning, organisation, data management, project management, and presentation; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; excellent numeracy and literacy skills; high attention to details; and a valid driver’s license with at least one-year practical driving experience.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Manage information and document flow for risk analyses and developing risk analysis;
• Act as ASRARP secretariat, organising meetings and communicating with ASRARP members;
• Provide logistical support for risk analysis training course; and
• Conduct or assist with research on biological invasions.

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.