South African National Parks (SANParks) General Manager: Strategic Finance Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

South African National Parks (SANParks) is seeking a skilled General Manager: Strategic Finance. This crucial position will be based at the Groenkloof National Park in Pretoria, serving from the organisation's Head Office.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and play a key role in implementing financial sustainability initiatives. This opportunity is central to SANParks' long-term financial resilience and its strategic Vision 2040 and Mega-Living Landscapes (MLL) priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• NQF Level 8 in Finance Management, Economics, or Business Management.
• An NQF Level 9 MBA will be considered an added advantage.
• 8 – 10 years of experience in financial strategy and implementing financial sustainability initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working with senior stakeholders.
• Experience in both non-profit and/or corporate financial strategy.
• Understanding of financial sustainability frameworks.
• Knowledge of the tourism and conservation industry.
• Familiarity with regulatory developments and sustainable finance instruments.
• Knowledge of South Africa’s public finance and environmental policies.
• Proficiency in Project Management, Financial, Governance, and Risk Management.
• Understanding of financial analysis, materiality assessments, and the integration of ESG factors into investment decisions.
• Knowledge of organisational ethics, vision, and mission.
• Understanding of the Mega-Living Landscapes strategy.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning, reporting, and data analytics skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven analytical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership abilities.
• South African citizens will receive priority in the selection process.
• Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit evaluated results from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the coordinated implementation of the five pillars of the Financial Sustainability Strategy (FSS): Revenue Generation, Operational Efficiency, Sustainable Investing, Mobilising/Diversifying Funding, and Alternative Funding.
• Develop a comprehensive FSS implementation plan, detailing timelines, responsibilities, resource requirements, and key milestones.
• Track progress of key initiatives across various divisions, identifying any bottlenecks, overlaps, or gaps.
• Develop and maintain a central dashboard and reporting mechanism for FSS operationalisation.
• Facilitate cross-divisional alignment and prioritisation of FSS initiatives to achieve Vision 2040 outcomes and MLL priorities.
• Establish robust governance structures for the oversight of FSS initiatives.
• Define and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of FSS initiatives.
• Monitor performance, financial risks, and investment outcomes.
• Provide regular strategic reports and recommendations to the CFO, Executive Committee, and Board.
• Liaise effectively with internal divisions and external partners to maintain FSS alignment.
• Represent SANParks in strategic forums relevant to the implementation of the FSS.
• Ensure that the operationalisation of FSS contributes directly to Vision 2040, MLLs, and institutional priorities.
• Advise on organisational resource allocation and strategies for long-term financial resilience.
• Identify opportunities for innovative funding mechanisms, partnerships, and investment models.
• Support divisions in building the necessary capacity and knowledge to implement FSS initiatives effectively.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications via email.

• Email Address: careers1@sanparks.org
• Application Deadline: August 10, 2026