Border Management Authority (BMA) Biodiversity Specialist: CITES: Southern Region Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is a critical component of South Africa's security framework, established as an armed service under the Constitution and the Border Management Authority Act No 2 of 2020. It stands alongside the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in safeguarding national interests.

The BMA is inviting applications for a permanent position as a Biodiversity Specialist within its Specialised Functions - Environment department. This role is crucial for ensuring the proper implementation of biodiversity legislation and managing related compliance activities across the Southern Region, with the base in Centurion.

This vacancy presents an opportunity to contribute to the protection of South Africa's biodiversity, particularly concerning the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and related regulations.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must possess sound knowledge and understanding of the following:

• The Border Management Authority Act (BMA), 2020 (Act No. 2 of 2020).
• Environmental legislation and its associated regulatory framework, including the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations.
• Biodiversity management principles, species identification, CITES permit administration, wildlife trade regulation, biodiversity compliance systems, and environmental enforcement practices.
• Environmental compliance monitoring, quality assurance methodologies, compliance auditing, and biodiversity risk management principles.
• Strategic planning, performance management, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, information management, and reporting within the public sector.
• Intergovernmental relations and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing specialist technical advice and guidance on implementing biodiversity legislation, including the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, CITES, and TOPS Regulations.
• Coordinating and offering specialist technical support for biodiversity compliance across designated Ports of Entry within the Region, covering CITES permit administration, species identification, and compliance inspections.
• Delivering specialist technical advice and support on complex biodiversity compliance and enforcement matters, such as wildlife trade investigations, permit irregularities, and seizures.
• Promoting consistent implementation of biodiversity legislation, policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical standards, and operational directives through guidance and quality assurance.
• Monitoring and evaluating regional biodiversity compliance activities, analysing trends, and preparing technical reports and recommendations for management.
• Maintaining and utilising biodiversity compliance information and reporting systems for accurate reporting, performance monitoring, and informed decision-making.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), provincial conservation authorities, law enforcement agencies, and prosecuting authorities.
• Representing the Border Management Authority at relevant regional, national, and international technical forums and stakeholder engagements.
• Developing and facilitating regional technical training, mentoring, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance biodiversity management capabilities.
• Providing specialist technical input into regional planning and the implementation of national biodiversity strategies and policies.

What the Work Involves

As a Biodiversity Specialist, you will primarily operate from Centurion, focusing on the Southern Region, where you will be instrumental in upholding biodiversity legislation. Your daily tasks will involve providing expert technical guidance and support for compliance activities at various Ports of Entry, which includes overseeing CITES permit processes and conducting species identifications. You will handle complex enforcement issues, contributing to investigations into wildlife trade irregularities and supporting seizures.

The role requires a strong focus on ensuring that all biodiversity policies and standards are consistently applied across the region. You will spend time monitoring compliance activities, analysing data, and preparing detailed reports to inform regional management. Building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders like DFFE, provincial authorities, and law enforcement agencies will be crucial for effective enforcement and compliance. This role involves both technical oversight and active participation in strategic planning and capacity building across the region.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please use the official Border Management Authority (BMA) online application portal.

Application Link: https://bmajobs.mcidirecthire.com/Vacancy/Application?parameters=q4%2F37VDQTFWXnK7wNIeCPXSSDKXnWD7igt3jVxtUKjFSl3qpheANIMRC6u6Oo9kBIqYoEO7CRxmS3JamDan%2BDJyH5%2B99SQuyKHg8nI9hsAX%2BaNMAdvhYvByOPbp%2FEQZDqoZBcTrQPPTQg%2BbTRglNjtl2VVWFk8gdgH8WDCsTDkZi8x%2Fi3WkoHK%2BedTEw0w6I675Oa6ZzmwjSotN3UBIfnrkI338FBeeVbVBaDejjDbc%3D

The closing date for applications is October 15, 2026. Ensure your application is submitted before this deadline.