Salary Level 10 – (5 Year Contract)
Fixed-Term Contract of Employment for five (5) years’
SANBI offers basic annual salary of R605 742.00 plus 37% in lieu of benefits
Pretoria National Botanical Garden, Pretoria
Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice Division
Reference Number: BIPA/2026/001
If you have applied before you need not apply again
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide specialised GIS technical support and knowledge to SANBI and partner institutions for the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) project, including the development of relevant ecosystem accounts and related indicators towards informing the development of policy and tools that support the ecosystem accounting work in South Africa. Technical spatial analysis support also includes: generating, sourcing and managing spatial data, mapping and georeferencing, undertaking spatial analyses, data management and curation, database design and integration, technical reporting, building capacity in GIS and spatial analysis, and interpreting and communicating the outputs through data visualisation and cartography.
This position requires a degree Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A post-graduate qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field, 3 years of which should be in supervisory level.
The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Proficiency in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) including applied experience in spatial mapping/analysis. Demonstrated technical expertise in natural capital accounting, especially working with Natural Capital Accounts spatial and non-spatial data; the ability to translate ecological data into decision-relevant policy insights; advanced capability in the spatial mapping of ecological infrastructure and ecological systems; Understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks . South African Council for Natural Scientific Profession (SACNASP) or South African Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors (Plato) registration advantageous. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills including interpersonal skills presentations and workshop facilitation skills. Exercise judgment within broadly defined practices and policies to select methods and techniques to obtain results. Understanding of how to work with and into communities of practice especially in GIS and related fields; project management skills.
The ability to develop partnerships and manage multi-faceted stakeholders from various backgrounds and cultures, advanced planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills. Excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (GIS, Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential. 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.
Key Performance Responsibilities include:
- Source (gather), generate (capture data, create secondary data) and manage (store, secure or disseminate) Eco-DRR spatial data for ecosystem accounts;
- Develop and review ecosystem accounts in the Eco-DRR project;
- Provide specialist technical expertise related to other spatial analysis for Eco-DRR;
- Report and communicate methods and findings from ecosystem accounts and other spatial analyses to support Eco-DRR project monitoring and evaluation; and
- Facilitate Human Capital Development within the Eco-DRR Project.
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Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted and 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). 2) A competency 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, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, 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 Innocent Maswanganyi on Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8651/8800 or [email protected] for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via the online portal.
Closing Date: 15 June 2026
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.
