Director Biodiversity Finance Initiative BIOFIN
DIRECTOR: BIODIVERSITY FINANCE INITIATIVE (BIOFIN)
Ref No: BC03/2025
Contract Ending 31 December 2025
Position Overview
The Director of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) leads the project. This position focuses on managing, implementing, and supporting biodiversity finance. The role ensures the financial sustainability of biodiversity and conservation efforts. The director reports to both internal and external stakeholders on progress. The contract runs until December 2025, offering a competitive salary package. The role is based in Pretoria, South Africa, with a salary of R1,216,824. Responsibilities include overseeing the mobilization of resources and providing strategic leadership. Applicants need strong management, analytical, and leadership skills in environmental projects.
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Educational Requirements
An undergraduate qualification in Environmental Management is essential for the director. Alternatively, relevant qualifications at NQF Level 7 are also accepted. The educational background must align with environmental management and biodiversity conservation principles. The director will use this knowledge to guide the BIOFIN project effectively. A relevant degree ensures familiarity with environmental laws, regulations, and management practices. This academic foundation helps the director manage the project from a technical perspective. The director must have a solid understanding of environmental issues globally and locally.
Experience Requirements
A minimum of five years of experience in managerial roles is required. This experience must be within the environmental management or biodiversity conservation field. The director will need to demonstrate leadership in managing large-scale environmental projects. Experience in resource mobilization, strategy development, and policy application is necessary. Successful management of cross-disciplinary teams and stakeholders is essential for this role. The director will handle high-level coordination and management within the BIOFIN initiative. Proven experience in environmental finance and sustainability projects will be beneficial. The position requires managing complex projects with diverse stakeholders and objectives.
Completion of Senior Management Pre-entry Programme
Candidates must have completed the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme (NSG). The National School of Government (NSG) endorses this program for senior management roles. This program equips applicants with leadership, governance, and public sector management skills. Completion ensures readiness for handling high-level responsibilities within government departments. It provides the foundation needed for the director to navigate complex governmental structures. The director must be able to lead the BIOFIN project successfully. Candidates who have completed this program will be prioritized for the position.
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Knowledge and Skills
The director must possess extensive knowledge in biodiversity finance and resource mobilization. A deep understanding of environmental issues, policies, and strategies is critical. Knowledge of international and national environmental impact assessment frameworks is essential. The director should be familiar with environmental legislation and land-use planning. Strong technical knowledge in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development will be key. The director will apply these skills to develop sound, integrated strategies for biodiversity. The director will also need expertise in analyzing and interpreting policies, strategies, and legislation. Financial and resource mobilization skills are also essential for this position.
Duties and Responsibilities
The director will manage the BIOFIN project to ensure its successful implementation. The position requires consulting with the UNDP Country Office regularly for progress. The director will lead efforts to update work plans and monitor budgets. Regular reports on project activities, progress, and financial status will be required. The director will support the formulation and management of the National BIOFIN Committee. Effective communication will be essential when collaborating with various national stakeholders. The director will coordinate the national BIOFIN and NBSAP processes for mutual benefit. Ensuring the proper documentation and timely submission of reports will be critical.
Project Management
Managing the BIOFIN project includes providing overall leadership and coordination. The director will ensure that all project objectives are met within deadlines. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be required to track progress effectively. The director will ensure alignment between project workstreams and the overall objectives. Effective project management will require regular assessments and adjustments to work plans. Coordination with various partners will be necessary to ensure project success. The director will oversee the implementation of strategies and project milestones across departments. Ensuring consistent communication and coordination will help meet project goals.
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Resource Mobilization
Resource mobilization is a critical function for the BIOFIN Director. The director will attract alternative finance options to support biodiversity initiatives. This includes collaborating with international donors, national governments, and private sectors. Effective resource mobilization will help ensure financial sustainability for biodiversity conservation projects. The director will develop financial strategies to meet both short-term and long-term goals. Strong negotiation and strategic planning skills will be essential for successful resource mobilization. The director will assess potential funding sources and prioritize resource allocation effectively. Coordination with relevant stakeholders will be essential to attract and secure funding.
Stakeholder Engagement
The director must effectively engage with various stakeholders in the biodiversity sector. This includes collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and international partners. Stakeholder engagement ensures the alignment of project goals and activities. The director will manage relationships with national and international bodies like the UNDP. Effective communication with stakeholders is essential for gaining their support and resources. The director will provide regular updates and reports to stakeholders about project’s progress. They will also collaborate on data-sharing, information exchange, and expert review processes. This engagement helps ensure that all parties involved understand and contribute to project objectives.
Public Finance Leadership
The director will provide technical leadership in public finance for biodiversity. This includes managing funds effectively and ensuring accountability for allocated resources. The director will advise on best practices for managing public funds in biodiversity projects. Expertise in public finance management is necessary for the sustainability of conservation efforts. The director will guide the integration of finance strategies with environmental and conservation priorities. They will provide technical support to other departments working on biodiversity finance issues. The director must ensure that financial resources are used efficiently for biodiversity protection.
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Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation
The director will monitor the implementation of the BIOFIN project regularly. This includes evaluating progress against set objectives, targets, and timelines. The director will compile comprehensive progress reports for the UNDP and stakeholders. Monitoring activities will require assessing project milestones and adjusting strategies as needed. The director will oversee reporting on both substantive and financial aspects of the project. Reports will be submitted regularly to ensure transparency and accountability. The director will evaluate the impact of the project and make recommendations for improvement. Effective evaluation will ensure that the project meets national and international biodiversity goals.
Communication Support
The director will provide communication support for project outreach activities. This includes preparing publications, reports, and presentations for external audiences. The director will ensure that stakeholders are kept informed of project updates. Communication strategies will include press releases, presentations, and official documents. The director will coordinate public relations efforts to raise awareness about the project. They will ensure that all communication efforts align with the overall goals of the BIOFIN project. Effective communication will help garner support for the project and its goals.
Knowledge Management
The director will oversee knowledge management and reporting for the BIOFIN project. This includes gathering, organizing, and disseminating project information for stakeholders. The director will ensure that all project data is properly documented and accessible. Knowledge management will facilitate learning and knowledge sharing within the team. The director will ensure that all lessons learned are captured and applied in future initiatives. Effective knowledge management will help sustain the project’s impact beyond the contract period. The director will ensure that critical project information is stored and retrieved efficiently.
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Preparation for COP12 and Project End
As the project progresses, the director will prepare for COP12. This includes compiling results and impacts of the BIOFIN project. The director will ensure that the project’s achievements are highlighted and communicated effectively. They will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to prepare for the presentation at COP12. The director will provide detailed reports on the project’s national and international impact. Preparation for the project’s end will involve ensuring a smooth transition and continuation of efforts. The director will coordinate with partners to ensure long-term sustainability after the project concludes.
Inquiries and Application Process
For more information, contact Mr. S Malete at (012) 399 9511. Interested candidates should submit applications via email to BC03-2025@dffe.gov.za. Applications must include a cover letter, a detailed CV, and supporting documentation. The Department of Environmental Affairs values diversity and encourages all eligible candidates to apply. The closing date for applications will be specified by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and further assessments. The Department encourages proactive applicants who demonstrate leadership in biodiversity conservation finance.
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