South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Manager 2: Eco-DRR Mainstreaming, Preparedness and Response Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is seeking a dedicated and professional individual to provide strategic leadership and oversight for Component 2 of its Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) Project. This fixed-term contract position for five years is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, within the Biodiversity Research, Assessment and Monitoring Division.

This role is crucial for enhancing the resilience of critical built infrastructure and climate-vulnerable communities at a District Municipality level. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of effective Eco-DRR strategies, plans, and responses, while also overseeing the Disaster Preparedness and Response programme in collaboration with partners such as the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

Minimum Requirements

• A degree (NQF Level 7) in Environmental Science, Natural Sciences, Development Studies, or Disaster Management, or an equivalent qualification.
• Eight (8) years of work experience in the relevant field.
• Four (4) years of the required experience must have been in a first-line management position.
• Demonstrated experience in managing external partners, MOA-based relationships, or inter-institutional delivery arrangements.
• Experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental management, or development planning.
• Technical experience working with all spheres of government in the development, planning, and implementation of policy related 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.
• 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.
• This position is only open to Employment Equity (EE) candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination for the delivery of Component 2 of the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) Project.
• Develop and implement effective strategies, plans, and responses, inclusive of Eco-DRR, to reduce the adverse impacts of climate-induced hazards on built infrastructure and climate-vulnerable communities.
• Oversee the Disaster Preparedness and Response programme of work, delivered in partnership with implementing organisations such as the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
• Ensure quality assurance of all Component 2 outputs.
• Ensure effective coordination and delivery in line with applicable legislation, policies, procedures, systems, frameworks, and funder requirements.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the steps below:

• Submit your application online through the SANBI recruitment portal.
• Click on the following link to access the application page: https://sanbi.simplify.hr/Vacancy/Apply/reakdt
• The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026.