Assistant Director 2: Eco-DRR Data Management Specialist
Fixe-Term Contract of Employment for Five (5) years
Reference Number: Eco-DRR/2026/001
SANBI Offers Basic Annual Salary of R582 444.00 plus 37% in lieu of benefits

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and professional individual to ensure biodiversity data is accurate, organised, standardised, accessible, and sustainably maintained. The focus of the work will be on data governance, quality, systems, pipelines, and long-term management and security of the Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) project’s biodiversity data.

This position requires a degree in Biodiversity Informatics, Environmental Science, Information Science, or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A post-graduate qualification in Biodiversity Informatics, Environmental Science, Information Science, or equivalent qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage.  This position also requires 6 years of work experience in the relevant field of biodiversity data management, informatics, or environmental data systems of which 3 years should be in supervisory position(s).

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Demonstrated experience with: Ingestion, cleaning, validation, and QC of biodiversity or spatial datasets; GIS systems (especially ESRI tools) and spatial data workflows; Coordinating data contributions from researchers, institutions, field teams, or citizen scientists and supporting users in a data or technical environment (helpdesk-style role). ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, Survey123, Field Maps, Spreadsheet tools (Excel), scripting (Python/R), an advantage; Metadata and documentation tools and valid driver’s licence with at least one year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Oversee ingestion, validation, quality control, and curation of biodiversity and spatial datasets;
• Ensure metadata standards are applied (e.g., Darwin Core, SANBI metadata standards);
• Maintain data infrastructure reliability, versioning, backups, and access control;
• Support data contributors, citizen scientists, and internal users, working closely with the BIM Team on hosting, security, user access and system stability; and
• Coordinate data lifecycle management from collection, processing to publication.

Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted and applications must be accompanied by a CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered). 2) A competency test will be conducted as part of the selection process. 3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorised verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Contact Ms. Innocent Maswanganyi on (021) 799 8561/ 8800 for any queries related to seeking clarity on this position. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications must be submitted online portal.