South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Administrative Officer Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is offering a permanent position for an Administrative Officer based in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role is crucial for providing effective and efficient administrative and logistics support to various divisions and Senior Managers within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.

This opportunity at SANBI requires a dedicated and highly motivated individual to contribute to the smooth operation of key administrative functions, ensuring support for the institute's leadership. It's a chance to apply your administrative skills in a governmental administration environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Education & Experience:
• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Office Management and Technology/Public Administration or an equivalent qualification, with 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Alternatively, a Degree (NQF Level 7) in Office Management and Technology/Public Administration, with 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent business writing skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of office administration/management principles, corporate governance, and practices at a high level.
• Extensive experience and understanding of legislation, procedures, processes, and systems related to office administration.
• Experience in financial administration and supply chain management processes.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing policies, practices, systems, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Advanced planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure without compromising quality, cost, and safety.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Proven ability to handle, maintain, and keep highly confidential and sensitive matters.
• Sound interpersonal relations, a self-starter.
• Experience working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders at different levels.
• Excellent computer literacy and advanced skills in Microsoft Office (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet, and Outlook).
• A valid driver’s license.
• Added Advantage:
• A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Office Management and Technology/Public Administration.
• Experience within the public sector and working in a statutory, compliance environment, and with board matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective and efficient administrative support to Divisions and Senior Managers within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Maintain efficient statutory record management and retrieval.
• Provide procurement and compliance support.
• Organise and maintain office diaries.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and logistics for officials and Board members.
• Prepare manual board packs, quality check them, and circulate them timeously.
• Manage incoming correspondence and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide all other administrative-related support services within the Office of the CEO.

What the Work Involves

As an Administrative Officer in the Office of the CEO, you will be deeply involved in the day-to-day administrative operations that support the institute's leadership and various divisions. Your role will include managing diaries and coordinating complex travel logistics for officials and Board members, ensuring their schedules and arrangements are seamless.

You will handle crucial administrative tasks such as maintaining statutory records, ensuring their accurate management and retrieval, and providing essential support for procurement and compliance processes. A significant part of your work will involve preparing and circulating sensitive board packs, requiring meticulous quality checks, and managing all incoming correspondence and communication with both internal SANBI teams and external stakeholders.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026.

• Prepare your documents:
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A letter motivating why you should be favourably considered for this position.
• Certified copies of all qualifications confirming that you meet the minimum educational requirements.
• Full names, addresses, telephone numbers, and if possible, e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
• Apply online:
• Visit the application portal: https://sanbi.simplify.hr/Vacancy/Apply/qbb8gd
• Ensure to quote the Reference Number: OCEO/002/2026 in your application.

Please note that a skills test will be conducted as part of the selection process. Applications lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number will result in your application not being considered.