• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is leading the implementation of a project entitled “Scaling up Ecosystem-based Approaches to managing climate-intensified disaster risks in vulnerable regions of South Africa” (the Eco-DRR project). The USD 40.1 million project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with cofinancing from SANBI, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), for a period of 8 years from 2025 to 2033. The goal of the project is to improve the resilience of communities that are vulnerable to climate change-exacerbated floods, droughts and wildfires through the implementation of Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction measures. SANBI is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide support to all aspects of Eco-DRR project coordination, with emphasis on ensuring compliance with donor reporting requirements including monitoring and evaluation, relationship management, and project governance and oversight structures.
• This position requires a degree in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Management or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Management or equivalent qualification with NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field, 3 years of which should be in supervisory level.
• The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: well-developed project management and grant management skills; keen interest in Climate Change Adaptation and environmental/developmental issues, and passion for making a difference in vulnerable communities; flexibility and reliability; familiarity with South African regulatory environment for tracking Environmental and Social Safeguards policy implementation; extensive knowledge and understanding of project management techniques, tools, methodologies; and frameworks; comprehensive knowledge and understanding of public sector policies including Human Resources Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Management and Corporate Governance is essential; being highly organised and efficient; a clear-thinker able to solve problems and see all sides of a situation; ability to manage high pressure and be able to juggle with multiple stakeholders each with their own challenges whilst multi skilling across multi projects simultaneously; demonstrate outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationships management; attention to detail in dealing with budgeting, financial management, and reporting; systemic visualisation of various projects entailing a programme, advanced planning, organizing, problem solving skills; proven ability to perform monitoring & evaluation of multi projects; proven ability to work under pressure with diverse team while being quality, cost, compliance, and safety conscious; extensive knowledge and experience in working with legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to project management, donor funding, and stakeholder management; excellent communication skills at all levels (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook). The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.  

Key performance responsibilities include:

• Coordinate donor compliance, reporting and governance processes and requirements for the Eco-DRR project;
• Contribute to Eco-DRR project planning, and the drafting of project budgets, reports and other project documentation as required;
• Coordinate project level monitoring and evaluation, supporting the implementation of the Eco-DRR project’s knowledge management strategy; and
• Provide general support to the management of the Eco-DRR project.