Job Description

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for self-motivated individual to provide strategic administrative and project management support to Division-level matters such as Human Capital Development, facilities management and infrastructure procurement.

Provide administrative and logistical oversight to the Directorate: Biodiversity Assessments through the supervision of two junior administration clerks and through the writing and processing of motivations for procurement and recruitment processes.

Provide a project coordination service to scientists or specialist who have simple externally funded projects under supervision of experienced project managers. Provide back-up administrative support to units in the Division when primary administrators are on leave or there is a backlog of administrative requirements.

Provide advice on procurement, project coordination, travel, meetings and events to students, interns and staff members of the Biodiversity Research, Assessment and Monitoring Division, ensuring successful, efficient and smooth day-to-day operations are administered.

This position requires a national diploma in Office Management, Public Administration or equivalent qualification at NQF 6 with 4 years of work experience in the relevant field or a degree in Office Management, Public Administration or equivalent qualification at NQF 7 with 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. Postgraduate qualification in Office Management, Public Administration or equivalent qualification with NQF 8 will be an added advantage.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: extensive experience and exposure to office administration; basic project coordination and management skills and some experience in handling queries from partners and collaborators; advanced fleet management skills; proven ability to manage administrative staff and provide mentorship; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation, research, and laboratory processes; knowledge of management of organisational finance; extensive knowledge and understanding of legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to office administration, procurement, logistics, project and event management will be advantageous; ability to work under pressure with diverse team whilst being quality, cost, and safety conscious; advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal, and problem solving skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook).

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Render divisional office support and the administration of assets and fleet resources;
• Attend to financial administration and project coordination matters;
• Oversee events and workshop management matters and the processing of travel claims and organising of travel logistics;
• Participate in environmental education and management of logistics associated with training and internship programmes; and
• Assist in human capital management, engagement and development.

Application procedure:

1) An application form must accompany the 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.

Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to

Postal applications must be addressed to:

Deputy Director: Human Resources
South African National Biodiversity Institute
Private Bag X7
Claremont
7735

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.

Enquiries
Ms Innocent Maswanganyi
Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8651/8800

Closes: Friday, 1 September 2023
Job type: Permanent
Salary: R294 321.00 per annum
Location: Cape Town

ABOUT SANBI

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) contributes to South Africa's sustainable development by facilitating access to biodiversity data, generating information and knowledge, building capacity, providing policy advice, showcasing and conserving biodiversity in its national botanical and zoological gardens.

SANBI