BIODIVERSITY OFFICER (PRODUCTION): CITES: DURBAN

The successful candidates will be expected to perform the following: 

• Conduct biodiversity compliance inspections of CITES-related consignments and verify associated permits and supporting documentation at Ports of Entry.
• Conduct verification of pre-booked CITES consignments and associated permits and supporting documentation.
• Endorse compliant CITES permits to facilitate the lawful release of consignments.
• Verify TOPS permits and supporting documentation where required as part of biodiversity compliance inspections and facilitate the endorsement of compliant permits.
• Identify and report non-compliant consignments, permits, supporting documentation and suspected biodiversity-related offences, and refer matters for further action in accordance with prescribed compliance and enforcement procedures.
• Support and participate in joint compliance and enforcement operations with relevant law enforcement authorities.
• Respond to enquiries from clients and stakeholders relating to CITES and TOPS permits, consignments and biodiversity compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of biodiversity inspections, permit endorsements, consignment verifications and identified non-compliance.
• Compile and submit required inspection and compliance reports within prescribed timeframes.
• Implement approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational directives relating to biodiversity compliance and enforcement.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Border Management Authority Act, 2020 (Act No. 2 of 2020) and its application to border management operations.
• Knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) and its associated regulatory framework applicable to biodiversity compliance.
• Knowledge of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the regulatory requirements governing the international trade in CITES-listed species.
• Knowledge of the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations and requirements relating to threatened or protected species.
• Knowledge of biodiversity compliance inspection procedures, including CITES and TOPS permit requirements, verification and endorsement procedures, and the inspection of consignments, permits and supporting documentation.
• Knowledge of biodiversity compliance and enforcement procedures, including the identification, reporting and referral of non-compliance.

Minimum requirements

• Grade 12
• Undergraduate at NQF Level 6  recognised by SAQA in Biological Sciences, Botany, Zoology, Nature Conservation, Environmental Management or an equivalent qualification in the Biodiversity or Natural Sciences field.
• An Environmental Management Inspector (EMI) designation will be an added advantage.
• Flexibility in working hours will be required to meet the demands of the role.
• May be required to work overtime, including weekends and public holidays, where operational requirements dictate.
• May be required to travel to designated Ports of Entry and other locations.
• Ability to work effectively in a border-control, multidisciplinary and law-enforcement environment.

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in biodiversity management, environmental compliance, conservation or a related field.
• Experience in conducting compliance inspections in a biodiversity, environmental, conservation, regulatory or related field.
• Experience in CITES and/or TOPS permit administration, verification or compliance monitoring will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in the interpretation and implementation of environmental legislation, biodiversity governance, policy development, technical advisory services and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in developing and implementing environmental policies, strategies, frameworks, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical guidelines.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating biodiversity compliance activities/programmes, analysing compliance trends and preparing strategic technical reports for management.
• Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary projects, technical committees or stakeholder forums involving biodiversity management and environmental compliance.
• Experience in capacity building, mentoring and the provision of specialist technical support within an environmental regulatory environment.

The BMA is an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity and workforce diversity preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with the BMA employment equity plan. The BMA reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised positions

• It is the applicant's responsibility to have all foreign qualifications evaluated by South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) confirm the appropriate NQF level and to provide proof of such evaluation.
• Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to an interview and technical assessment (s) which assesses the candidate's demonstrated professional and technical competency against the job requirements and duties).
• Candidates potentially considered suitable after the interview and technical test(s) for senior positions, will be subjected to a competency assessment (which tests the candidate's demonstrated proficiency in the professional dimensions attached to the level of the post):
• Employment suitability check will be conducted on the shortlisted candidates (credit, criminal, citizenship, employment references and qualification verifications):
• Appointment will be subjected to a mandatory vetting/security clearance appropriate to the level of the position.