About the Role
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a dedicated individual for the role of Director: Biodiversity Risk Management, based in Pretoria. This pivotal role is essential for providing strategic leadership and technical guidance in biodiversity and climate change policy responses. Your work will directly impact the management of alien and invasive species as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring that South Africa’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations. By implementing effective bio-safety legislation and developing coordinated national response strategies, you will play a critical role in safeguarding our natural resources and enhancing resilience against climate change.
In this influential position, you will contribute to shaping environmental policies that resonate not only within the Department but also across various sectors. Your expertise will facilitate co-development projects and proposals for funding that align with government strategies, reflecting the Department’s commitment to sustainability and ecological governance. Joining the Department means becoming part of a team that is at the forefront of environmental conservation in South Africa, making a difference in the lives of communities and the natural world.
About the Department
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is dedicated to promoting sustainable environmental management and conservation in South Africa. It aims to protect our natural resources, support economic growth, and improve the quality of life for all South Africans through effective policy implementation. Working in this Department means being part of a mission to ensure that our ecosystems remain vibrant and productive, fostering a balance between development and conservation.
What You’ll Do
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for biodiversity and climate change policies.
- Oversee the implementation of bio-safety legislation regarding alien and invasive species.
- Develop national strategies for managing alien species and GMOs.
- Lead negotiations on thematic areas within the Biodiversity Risk Management Directorate.
- Create comprehensive reports for multilateral platforms on biodiversity decisions.
- Facilitate projects and proposals to secure funding for environmental resilience initiatives.
- Co-chair project steering committees on strategic biodiversity projects.
What You’ll Need
- An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or a related field.
- A minimum of five years of experience at a middle or senior managerial level in a relevant area.
- Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government.
- Knowledge of natural resource management planning and implementation.
- Advanced skills in financial and project management.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven leadership capabilities and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Environmental Science / Environmental Management or a relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at Middle/ 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) submitted prior to appointment.
Knowledge on Natural resource management planning and implementation; Natural resource management or Natural resource-based rural development; Programme-based natural resource, operational management and/or planning; Value-added industry experience and expertise.
Ability to develop and apply policies.
Advanced skills in financial management and project management.
Knowledge and understanding of the Public Finance Management Act.
Good Communication Skills (written and spoken).
Ability to gather and analyse information.
Proven leadership skills.
Ability to provide overall strategic guidance and lead multidisciplinary team.
Job Duties
Provide strategic leadership, technical guidance and oversight to the biodiversity and climate change policy responses.Provide strategic direction, technical guidance and oversight for the implementation of bio-safety legislation, ensuring effective guidance, monitoring, and governance of alien and invasive species.
Develop and coordinate a national response strategy for management of Alien and invasive species and GMOs in South Africa.
Develop and implement policies, legislation, regulations and risk assessment frameworks, including the provision of issuing authority functions for alien invasive species.
Develop positions and lead negotiations on thematic areas that are part of the Biodiversity Risk Management Directorate.
Develop reports for multilateral platforms on the implementation of decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties.
Oversee cross-functional mainstreaming resilience against global change challenges, including alien and invasive species, genetically modified organisms, and climate change, across all line functions.
Facilitate co-development projects and proposals for funding to implement sector strategies that enhance resilience to global change 20 challenges.
Serve/co-chair project steering committees of strategic projects that contribute towards the implementation of government strategies.
ENQUERIES : Mr B Kgope Tel No: (012) 399 9165 OTHER POSTS
