Senior Specialist 2: NMSI Technical Lead - Cape Town/Pretoria

Salary Level 11

SANBI offers an all-inclusive package of R896436.00

Fixed-Term Contract of Employment until 31 March 2029

National Botanical Garden Pretoria/Cape Town

Biodiversity Research, Assessment & Monitoring Division

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self motivated individual to manage the National Monitoring Support Initiative project and provide technical leadership for the work on strengthening South Africa's national biodiversity monitoring framework; developing a system for reporting to the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) including the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP); coordinating and guiding the work of a team of people developing reproducible workflows for biodiversity indicators and overseeing the design and build of the indicators database to meet needs of the National Monitoring System.

This position requires a degree in Ecology, Biology, Geographic Information Systems or Data Science or equivalent qualification at NQF 7. A 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).

• Experience and knowledge of spatial and non spatial data analysis and data science methods and processes, including the use of programming languages (preferably R or Python), version control, relational databases, and statistical and spatial analysis methods.
• Experience in data science in the environmental sector - preferably working with biodiversity/environmental related indicators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 is essential.
• Understanding of research processes and outputs, ideally related to state of biodiversity assessment and reporting.
• Knowledge of international biodiversity related multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Project management experience, including coordinating teams of staff and external contributors, and managing donor funded project finances and reporting to donors.
• Knowledge about government, human resources, procurement, and financial management policies at project level would be an added advantage.

• Manage the donor funded National Monitoring Support Initiative project finances, governance and reporting.
• Design and implement the South African national biodiversity monitoring system to ensure effective reporting against the monitoring framework of the GBF and NBSAP.
• Oversee the sourcing, developing and management of data to be utilised for the national biodiversity monitoring system, and manage relationships with data providers.
• Oversee and manage development and implementation of indicator related data analyses and other workflows, ensure appropriate databasing and correct computation of indicators.
• Implement and drive change, human capital development and transformation.

Important Information

Only online applications will be accepted. Applications must be 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). 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.

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. 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.

Contact Ms K Bassier on Tel: (0)/8878 for any queries for purposes of clarity.

Previous candidates need not re apply.

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.