Manager 2: Eco-DRR Mainstreaming, Preparedness and Response
Salary Level 12
Fixed-Term Contract of Employment for five (5) years
SANBI offers an all-inclusive annual salary of R1 101 468.00
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Biodiversity Research, Assessment and Monitoring
Reference Number: Eco-DRR/2026/005
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and professional individual to provide strategic leadership, oversight and coordination for the delivery of Component 2 of the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) Project. Component 2, titled "The incorporation of Eco-DRR into transformative disaster preparedness and response reduces the adverse impacts of climate-induced hazards on built infrastructure and climate-vulnerable communities", aims to enhance the resilience of critical built infrastructure and communities at a District Municipality level by developing and implementing effective strategies, plans and responses, that are inclusive of Eco-DRR. The role includes oversight of the Disaster Preparedness and Response programme of work, that will be delivered in partnership with implementing partners including the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), quality assurance of all Component 2 outputs and ensuring effective coordination and delivery in line with applicable legislation, policies, procedures, systems, frameworks and funder requirements.
This position requires a degree in Environmental Science, Natural Sciences, Development Studies, Disaster Management, or an equivalent qualification at NQF 7. The position also requires eight (8) years of work experience in the relevant field, four (4) years of which must have been in a first-line management position(s). Demonstrated experience in managing external partners, MOA-based relationships, or inter-institutional delivery arrangements is essential.
The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental management, development planning or related fields; technical experience working with all spheres of government in the development, planning and implementation of policy relating to biodiversity, climate change and ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction; experience in mainstreaming environmental and climate resilience considerations into municipal and sector planning, policy and budgeting processes; understanding of global and national biodiversity conservation, climate change and disaster management policies and legislation; sound understanding of disaster management Early Warning Systems (EWS) and their role in disaster preparedness and response; project, financial and risk management skills; experience in managing formal inter-institutional agreements, including MOAs or equivalent arrangements, with national or provincial partners; familiarity with Green Climate Fund or equivalent international climate fund reporting requirements will be an advantage; excellent written and verbal English communication skills, including report writing, presentation, interpersonal and workshop facilitation skills; ability to influence, motivate and collaborate with others; advanced knowledge of compliance and risk management techniques, including budget and financial management skills; proven ability to work under pressure with diverse teams while remaining cost, quality and safety conscious; ability to develop partnerships and manage multi-faceted stakeholders from various backgrounds and cultures; and advanced planning, organising and problem-solving skills.
Key Performance Responsibilities include:
- Provide strategic leadership, partner management and overall Component 2 delivery;
- Manage and provide oversight of the disaster preparedness and early warning systems workstream under Component 2;
- Lead the mainstreaming of Eco-DRR interventions into municipal disaster risk management, asset risk management, environmental policy and spatial planning, while promoting coordination across project components;
- Coordinate and provide strategic oversight of the municipal capacity-building and institutional strengthening programme under Component 2 and beyond; and