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Deputy Director: Programme Management – Green Climate Fund

Salary Level 12

Fixed-Term Contract of Employment for five (5) years

SANBI offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1059 05.00

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Adaptation Policy and Resourcing Division

Reference Number: APR/2025/004

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. SANBI is looking for a self-motivated individual to develop, manage, coordinate, facilitate and support partnerships for SANBI’s Green Climate Fund programme of work according to the applicable legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, frameworks, and the funder’s aspirations.

This position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, Social Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF level 7. A postgraduate degree or equivalent 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 the first line management position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: advanced project management skills (work plans, monitoring & evaluation, etc.); certification in project management in the development field would be ideal; advanced knowledge on the management of donor-funded projects; in-depth understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; comprehensive knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation; advanced knowledge and skills on national and global policies on skills development; in-depth project management knowledge and skills to ensure deliverables are done according to contracts, work plan and budget; advanced knowledge on the management of organisational and project finance, including procurement and financial management policies; proven ability to handle financial management external to SANBI – budgeting for proposals, report to donors, budgeting and reporting, etc; comprehensive knowledge about public sector policies including Human Resources, including recruitment and performance management; understanding of government sector and partnership models to achieve goals; being highly organised and efficient; a clear-thinker able to solve problems and see all sides of a situation; ability to manage high pressure and juggling multiple stakeholders each with their own challenges whilst multi skilling across multi projects simultaneously; project content writing, reporting writing and minute-taking for high-level meetings; proven ability to perform monitoring & evaluation of multi projects; advance knowledge and experience for planning, organising, and report writing skills; exceptional organisational, analytical, interpersonal, and problem solving skills; outstanding communication skills (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook); The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key performance responsibilities include:

• Support effective planning, coordination and management of SANBI’s GCF programme;
• Effectively manage programme funds, assets & human resources;
• Support monitoring, evaluation and reporting as per set systems and procedures in SANBI, the GCF and other donors;
• Support stakeholder liaison, communication and management; and
• Facilitate human capital development, change and transformation within the scope of the GCF programme.

Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by a 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 skills 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.

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. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized 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.