Manager Grade 2: EcoDRR Disaster Preparedness and Response Lead

The South African National Biodiversity Institute is seeking a Manager Grade 2: EcoDRR Disaster Preparedness and Response Lead in Pretoria. The role involves leading the Eco-DRR project, requiring a degree in relevant fields, 8 years of experience, and management skills. Key responsibilities include project coordination, supporting district teams, and ensuring compliance with policies. A competitive salary of R1,101,468 is offered.
Reference Number: Eco-DRR/2026/005


SANBI offers an all-inclusive annual salary of R1 101 468.00






TThe South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and professional individual to lead the development, management, coordination and facilitation of the Disaster Preparedness and Response Outcome of the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) project, in line with the applicable legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, frameworks, and the funder’s expectations.




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




The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Disaster Preparedness and Response: Technical experience working with sub-national government in the development, planning and implementation of policy relating to biodiversity, climate change and ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR); Working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of project management, process development and project execution skills, Ability to influence, motivate, and collaborate with others, Exercise judgment within broadly defined practices and policies to select methods and techniques to obtain results, Understanding of how to work with and into communities of practice especially in disaster management and preparedness; Understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation, climate change and disaster management policies and frameworks; project management skills; Excellent verbal and written English communication skills including interpersonal, presentation and workshop facilitation skills; Advanced knowledge of compliance and risk management techniques and effective people, budget and financial management skills; Proven ability to work under pressure with diverse teams whilst being cost, quality and safety conscious; Ability to develop partnerships and manage multi-faceted stakeholders from various backgrounds and cultures; Excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (GIS, Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential and 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.





Key Performance Responsibilities include:





Lead the technical design and coordinate the execution of Outcome 2 of the Eco-DRR project;
Provide guidance to district teams and implementing partners, and lead co-creation processes to ensure delivery of outputs and promote integration across the project outcomes;
Support knowledge generation, documentation, and adaptive management;
Coordinate with the Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting and safeguards functions on delivery and performance tracking; and
Contribute to capacity building, technical planning, and quality assurance.



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.



Contact Mr Steve Mahlangu on Tel: +27 (012) 002 5217 for any queries for purposes of clarity.