BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
CHIEF DIRECTOR: BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND PERMITTING REF NO: BC01/2025
SALARY: R1 436 022 per annum, (all-inclusive salary package)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS:
An undergraduate qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or a relevant qualification on (NQF7) within the related field as recognized by SAQA. A minimum of five (5) years experience at a senior managerial level within the relevant field.
Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG).
Extensive experience in natural resource management planning and implementation, as well as natural resource-based rural development. Strong knowledge of program-based natural resource operational management and planning, as well as experience in the value-added industry.
A deep understanding of environmental policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks related to biodiversity conservation and permitting. In-depth knowledge of sustainable land management, wetland conservation, and species protection policies and programs.
Familiarity with international environmental conventions such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Proven ability to lead and manage large-scale conservation and biodiversity programs, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental coordination, and public entity oversight.
Strong financial and procurement management skills, with experience in budgeting, financial planning, and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations. Excellent program and project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at national and international levels.
Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities, as well as the ability to develop and implement strategic policies.
The candidate must be highly organized, proactive, and innovative, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
A commitment to service delivery innovation, people management and empowerment, and the ability to work under high-pressure situations are essential. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, conflict management and resolution abilities, and a dedication to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability are required.
DUTIES:
The incumbent will be responsible for managing and providing strategic leadership within the Chief Directorate: Biodiversity Management and Permitting.
This includes overseeing the development and implementation of national policies, legislation, strategies, and programs related to biodiversity conservation and management.
The successful candidate will lead the formulation and execution of biodiversity conservation policies aimed at curbing biodiversity loss and minimizing the adverse impacts of human activities on ecosystems.
This includes managing the implementation of legislation and regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable environmental conservation and protection.
A key responsibility will be to coordinate and oversee the development of sustainable land management strategies, wetland conservation initiatives, and species protection policies.
This includes ensuring the effective integration of these policies into provincial and sector strategies, as well as into local economic development plans and municipal integrated development plans (IDPs).
The Chief Director will serve as the national technical focal point for international environmental agreements, including UNCCD, the Ramsar Convention, CITES, CMS, and AEWA.
This involves representing South Africa’s interests at global forums, negotiating agreements, and ensuring the effective implementation of international commitments at a national level.
Additionally, the candidate will establish and act as the secretariat for institutional mechanisms that coordinate global environmental instruments at a national level.
The role includes leading and managing biodiversity program coordination and ensuring the effective execution of national biodiversity initiatives.
This includes working closely with intergovernmental structures to ensure policy alignment, program integration, and effective biodiversity conservation planning.
The candidate will also be responsible for overseeing stakeholder engagement processes and fostering collaboration with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector stakeholders, and international conservation bodies.
The incumbent will be responsible for managing the oversight of public entities related to biodiversity conservation.
This includes monitoring the performance and compliance of entities responsible for biodiversity protection and ensuring they align with national biodiversity objectives and regulations.
The role also involves providing strategic guidance to these entities, ensuring they contribute effectively to biodiversity conservation efforts.
In addition to overseeing biodiversity policy implementation, the Chief Director will manage financial systems within the Chief Directorate.
This includes budget planning, financial management, and ensuring the effective allocation and utilization of financial resources in alignment with the government’s strategic biodiversity objectives.
The successful candidate must ensure adherence to financial regulations and oversee the procurement processes related to biodiversity conservation initiatives.
Another critical component of the role involves managing human resource functions within the Chief Directorate. This includes overseeing recruitment, performance management, training, and development initiatives to enhance the skills and capacity of staff members.
The candidate must ensure effective team leadership, mentorship, and empowerment to drive high-performance results within the Chief Directorate.
The successful candidate will also oversee the implementation of innovative technologies and methodologies that enhance biodiversity management and conservation efforts. This includes leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing technologies, and data analytics to improve biodiversity monitoring, enforcement, and reporting mechanisms.
The Chief Director will also be responsible for ensuring the integration of biodiversity conservation efforts into broader environmental and economic development strategies.
This includes advocating for sustainable land use planning, promoting eco-friendly business practices, and integrating biodiversity considerations into national and sectoral development plans.
Furthermore, the candidate will play a key role in identifying and addressing emerging biodiversity conservation challenges. This includes staying informed about new scientific research, legislative developments, and international best practices in biodiversity management.
The Chief Director will be expected to anticipate potential policy and regulatory changes and develop strategies to address evolving conservation challenges.
The incumbent will work closely with national and international stakeholders to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts and ensure South Africa remains a leader in global biodiversity conservation initiatives.
This includes fostering partnerships with research institutions, academia, conservation organizations, and government agencies to promote collaborative approaches to biodiversity conservation.
Overall, the Chief Director will play a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s biodiversity conservation agenda. Their leadership and expertise will be instrumental in shaping national biodiversity policies, driving conservation initiatives, and ensuring the effective implementation of biodiversity permitting frameworks.
Through strategic planning, regulatory oversight, and stakeholder engagement, the incumbent will contribute to the sustainable management and protection of the country’s rich biodiversity resources.
ENQUIRIES :
Ms P Diphaha Tel No: (012) 399 9602
