Senior Project Officer: Biological Risk Analysis

South African National Biodiversity Institute

Pretoria, Gauteng

Contract

Posted 1 hour ago

Contract Admin & Office Support

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Job Description

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R 413 001.00 plus 37% in lieu benefits

Pretoria National Botanical Garden (1)

KwaZulu Natal Herbarium (1)

Reference Number: BRAM 2026/001

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is looking for a self-motivated individual to assist with the coordination of developing risk analysis for alien taxa especially those listed under national regulations, including facilitating the work of the Alien Species Risk Analysis Review Panel. The selected candidate will be required to contribute more broadly to the Directorate’s programme of work on the risks associated with biological invasions, in line with SANBI and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment responsibilities, including in relation to South Africa's commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (e.g. Aichi Target 9) and other agreements.

The position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification or equivalent degree at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 4 years of work experience in the relevant field.

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: frequent travelling – field trips (sometimes after hours) and participation in meetings across the country and sometimes oversees; excellent skills in strategic planning, organisation, data management, project management, and presentation; understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; excellent numeracy and literacy skills; high attention to details; and a valid driver’s license with at least one-year practical driving experience.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

Manage information and document flow for risk analyses and developing risk analysis;
Act as ASRARP secretariat, organising meetings and communicating with ASRARP members;
Provide logistical support for risk analysis training course; and
Conduct or assist with research on biological invasions.

Please note:

Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by 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).
A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

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.

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.

Interested in this role?

You'll apply on South African National Biodiversity Institute's own site before 15 October 2026. Put your most relevant experience at the top of your CV first.

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