Job Description

Chief Veterinarian
Salary Level 13
National Zoological Garden in Pretoria
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to develop, implement veterinary service strategies, policies and procedures. He/she will be required to maintain total animal health and welfare services at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria and in Mokopane by ensuring that these are aligned with SANBI strategic objectives and are in compliance with applicable legislation and policies. Furthermore, the successful candidate will manage the provision of specialist zoological veterinary services (diagnosis and treatment, capture support, research support, training and consultation) in support of the National Zoological Gardens objectives and strategic plan. The successful candidate will also ensure the registration and compliance of the animal hospital, dispensary unit and veterinary services team with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and other applicable South African legislation, regulatory frameworks, and relevant policies. He/she will represent SANBI in intergovernmental forums, technical working groups, and veterinary advisory committees to influence policy and ensure regulatory alignment.
Please Note:
1) An application form (obtainable from our Offices or SANBI website www.sanbi.org 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 skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.
3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may 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 SANBIs 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 SANBIs 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 Mr Maano Netshiombo 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 an e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org.za
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 may consider their applications unsuccessful.
This position requires a postgraduate qualification in Veterinary/Natural Sciences/ or equivalent postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience in the relevant field, 5 years of which should be at middle management level. Ideally the successful candidate must have extensive experience in engaging with government bodies, regulatory compliance, and intergovernmental processes. The successful candidate must have a valid car drivers license and must be willing to travel nationally and internationally. Registration with South African Veterinary Council is mandatory. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate offered by National School of Government, before assumption of duty.
The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: demonstration of comprehensive knowledge of wildlife management, animal health legislation, and veterinary medicine regulations, including the Animal Diseases Act, Medicines and Related Substances Act, CITES, and NEMBA; possess in-depth expertise in the management of animal hospital and veterinary medicine dispensary, animal disease control, and wildlife protection frameworks; proven track record in stakeholder engagement, such as representation in welfare committees, regulatory forums, and advisory groups; ability to lead diverse teams and to work under pressure while prioritising quality, cost-efficiency, and safety; advanced planning, organizing, problem solving and interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication abilities for reporting, negotiations, and policy advocacy, technical proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and project management tools (e.g., MS Project) is required;
Key Performance Responsibilities include:
Lead animal health management for all National Zoological Gardens animal collections, ensuring welfare, disease prevention, and emergency care aligned with relevant standards.
Ensure accreditation and compliance of hospital facility and dispensary unit to SAVC regulations, national legislation, and international wildlife regulations.
Implement preventative medicine programmes (vaccinations, biosecurity) and add value to SANBIs research and conservation programmes.
Manage hospital budgets, teams, and resources cost-effectively while fostering staff development, succession planning professional accountability and operational excellence.
Represent SANBI in government forums, international committees, and public engagements to advance policy and partnerships.
Manage veterinary service providers and suppliers and lead supply chain processes, contracts and optimize medicine/drug inventory procurement and stock control.