Description:
Senior Specialist 2: Biodiversity Monitoring System Technical Lead - Salary Level 11
SANBI offers an all-inclusive package of R849 702.00
Fixed-Term Contract of Employment until 31 March 2029
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - Cape Town
Reference Number: BRAM/001/2025
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to manage the National Monitoring Support Initiative (NMSI) 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).
The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position : 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; and knowledge of government, human resources, procurement, and financial management policies at project management level would be an added advantage.
Key Performance Responsibilities include:
- 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; ensure correct computation of indicators.
- Implement and drive change, human capital development and transformation.
- 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).
- 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.
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.
Requirements:
- 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; ensure correct computation of indicators.
- Implement and drive change, human capital development and transformation.