Full Job Description:
Head of Strategic Water Source Areas Program
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is proud to offer a highly competitive and all-inclusive annual salary package of R1,003,890.00 for this pivotal leadership role. This comprehensive compensation reflects the strategic importance of this position and SANBI’s commitment to attracting and retaining top-tier talent.
Reference Number: BIPA/001/2025 – Please ensure this reference number is clearly stated in all application correspondence.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is a leading conservation and research organization dedicated to exploring, revealing, celebrating, and safeguarding South Africa’s rich biodiversity for the benefit of all. We are currently seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, professional, and highly responsible individual to take the helm of a crucial strategic program. This dynamic leader will be entrusted with leading the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of our flagship ecological infrastructure initiative: the Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) Program.
This role is at the very heart of SANBI’s commitment to water security and ecological resilience. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring coherence, continuity, and robust collaboration across a complex network of multiple stakeholders. A particular emphasis will be placed on fostering strong, productive relationships with municipalities across the country, recognizing their vital role in water management, land use planning, and community engagement. This individual will be instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific understanding, policy development, and on-the-ground implementation, driving impactful change for South Africa’s most critical water-providing landscapes.
To successfully navigate the complexities of this role, candidates must possess a strong academic foundation. A degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences, or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7, is a mandatory requirement. This foundational knowledge will provide the necessary theoretical understanding of ecological principles, social dynamics, and environmental management that are central to the SWSAs program.
Furthermore, a management postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8 will be considered a distinct and highly advantageous asset. This advanced qualification will demonstrate a proven capacity for strategic thinking, organizational leadership, project management, and a deeper understanding of governance and policy frameworks, all of which are essential for guiding such a high-profile national initiative.
Beyond academic credentials, this position demands a wealth of practical experience. A minimum of 8 years of demonstrable work experience within the relevant field is required. This extensive experience should ideally encompass environmental management, natural resource conservation, water resource management, stakeholder engagement, or related disciplines. Crucially, at least 4 years of this experience must have been gained in a first-line management position(s), where you were directly responsible for leading teams, managing projects, and achieving strategic objectives. This practical leadership experience is vital for effective program delivery and stakeholder coordination in this demanding role.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a comprehensive skill set crucial for navigating complex environmental conservation initiatives. Foremost among these are the proven abilities to cultivate and lead diverse teams, recognizing that a multitude of perspectives enriches problem-solving and innovation. This includes not only internal team management but also the critical capacity to develop partnerships and effectively manage stakeholders and relationships across various sectors – government agencies, community groups, private organizations, and academic institutions. The nature of this work often involves high stakes and tight deadlines, necessitating a robust ability to effectively work under pressure, maintaining composure and productivity in challenging circumstances. Furthermore, sound fiscal stewardship is paramount, requiring effective financial and budget management skills to ensure resources are allocated judiciously and projects remain within financial parameters.
Beyond team and financial acumen, strong operational and analytical capabilities are indispensable. This includes advanced planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills, allowing for proactive identification of challenges, strategic development of solutions, and methodical execution of project timelines. Exceptional communication is foundational, encompassing excellent verbal and written communication to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, from technical experts to general publics. Complementing this is a requirement for excellent interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration, building consensus, and resolving conflicts constructively. In today’s digitally driven world, excellent computer literacy and extensive experience in the application of a range of software tools is essential. This explicitly includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and mapping, alongside a proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite – specifically MS Word for documentation, MS Project for intricate project scheduling, PowerPoint for impactful presentations, Excel for data analysis and management, and Outlook for efficient communication and scheduling. A solid understanding of internet resources and research is also a given.
A deep contextual understanding of the subject matter is also critical. Candidates must possess knowledge and understanding of spatial and other knowledge products that underpin work on Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs). This implies familiarity with hydrological data, ecological mapping, socio-economic indicators, and policy frameworks relevant to water resource management and conservation. Practical mobility is also a non-negotiable requirement, evidenced by the possession of a valid driver’s licence (minimum B) with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. The geographical spread of SWSAs and the need for stakeholder engagement necessitates frequent on-site visits and outreach activities. Finally, while not strictly mandatory, SACNASP registration is advantageous, signaling a commitment to professional standards and ethical practice within the natural sciences field.
The Key Performance Responsibilities for this role underscore a multifaceted leadership position. The individual will be tasked with providing overarching direction and strategic oversight to lead and coordinate SANBI’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) programme. This involves setting the vision, defining priorities, and ensuring the program aligns with national conservation objectives. A core responsibility will be to provide technical leadership and foster collaboration and continuity to secure SWSAs. This involves leveraging scientific expertise, engaging with research institutions, and building enduring partnerships that contribute to the long-term protection of these vital ecological assets. The role also demands strong project management capabilities to manage and support project development and implementation, from conception through to monitoring and evaluation. Beyond direct program implementation, the incumbent will play a crucial advisory role, working to provide policy advice and mainstream SWSAs into municipal planning and policy. This requires engaging with local government, advocating for the integration of SWSAs considerations into land-use planning, environmental impact assessments, and development strategies. Finally, a commitment to capacity building is central, with a responsibility to facilitate Human Capital Development and professional development within the team and among key stakeholders, ensuring a sustained and knowledgeable workforce dedicated to SWSAs conservation.
Leave a Reply