Job Description

Reference Number: FBS/001/2025
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, highly-motivated, dedicated professional and responsible individual to provide leadership, guidance, and to coordinate biodiversity collections in South Africa. SANBI's botanical collection is world-class and comprises of more than 2.2 million specimens across three Herbaria (Compton Herbarium, KZN Herbarium, and Pretoria National Herbarium) representative of the southern African flora and these are used regularly by local and international researchers, naturalists, and biologists seeking to document and understand plant diversity. SANBI works collaboratively with a network of partners to achieve its mandate on documenting animal diversity. In addition, SANBI holds and curates biomaterials (Biobank) of strategic value in support of compliance and enforcement efforts against illegal wildlife trade and harvesting of biodiversity.
The position requires a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Botany and/or Zoology or equivalent and relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification at NQF 9 and above as well as a record of original research and peer-reviewed publications in the field, will be an added advantage. This position requires a minimum of 10 years' relevant working experience, 5 years of which should be in middle management level. 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 critical for the candidate to be successful in this position: An in-depth understanding and knowledge of museum ethics standards, Herbarium curation, experience in plant conservation and sustainability, digitization of botanical collections, imaging of collections, contemporary floristics and phytogeography, uses of plants, indigenous and local knowledge related to biodiversity, and proven record of successful grant applications and/or donor and sponsor development, ability to maintain confidentiality; have a passion in working with a diverse group of people; project management knowledge and skills , procurement and financial management policies are important; advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal skills; excellent communication skills (both verbal and written); computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook). The possession of a valid driver's licence and willingness to travel nationally and internationally is essential.
Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide leadership and direction in management, strategy development and implementation of activities for SANBI biodiversity collections (Herbaria and Biobanks);
• Development and maintain appropriate infrastructure for biodiversity collections in SANBI;
• Lead development and implementation of data, curation, staffing and capacity development strategies and policies relating to biodiversity collections in South Arica;
• Develop and execute research programmes relevant to enhance value and utility of natural science collections through collaborative programmes and projects involving multidisciplinary teams drawn from national and international stakeholders;
• Resource mobilisation to ensure long term financial sustainability of operations for SANBI mandate on biodiversity collections management;
• Manage the human and financial resources in line with applicable policy prescripts; and
• Ensure proper governance, planning, reporting, performance management, effective risk management and compliance to applicable legislation.

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 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 SANBI's 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 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 Mr Maano Netshiombo on (012) 002 5295/082 453 0497 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
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.

Skills Required