Deputy Director: Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning – Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction Project

Salary Level 12

Fixed-Term Contract of Employment for five (5) years

SANBI offers an all-inclusive annual salary package of R1 059 105.00

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Biodiversity Research Assessment & Monitoring Division

Reference Number: BRAM/2025/004

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is leading the implementation of a project entitled “Scaling up Ecosystem-based Approaches to managing climate-intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa” (the Eco-DRR project). The USD 40.1 million project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with cofinancing from SANBI, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), for a period of 8 years from 2025 to 2033. The goal of the project is to improve the resilience of communities that are vulnerable to climate change-exacerbated floods, droughts and wildfires through the implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction measures. SANBI is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide leadership and coordination of the monitoring, evaluation, reporting, learning and social process facilitation programme of work for the Eco-DRR project.

This position requires a degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Botany, Social Sciences or equivalent qualification at NQF 7. A postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 in a relevant field will be added advantage. This position also requires 8 years of work experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in the first line management position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: keen interest in Climate Change Adaptation and environmental/developmental issues; extensive project management experience including results-based management, monitoring and evaluation; certification in project management in the development field would be ideal; experience in project content writing, reporting writing and minute-taking; knowledge and familiarity with the GCF funding modality is an added advantage; strong team leadership capabilities; proven ability to work with diverse teams and individually whilst under pressure but being quality, cost, compliance and safety conscious; experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development and relationship management; understanding of government procedures, policies, and legislation; excellent communication (Fluency in English) both verbal and written and interpersonal skills; excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) will be advantageous. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.  

Key performance responsibilities include:

• Advise on and support organisational learning and monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning across the Eco-DRR project;
• Advise on and support social process facilitation and organisational learning capacity across the Eco-DRR project;
• Develop and lead the Eco-DRR project’s monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning processes;
• Lead the development of the organisational learning function within the Eco-DRR project; and
• Facilitate human capital development and transformation within the scope of the Eco-DRR project.

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Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted accompanied by a CV together with 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). 2) A skills test will be conducted as part of the selection process. 3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

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.