Salary Level 10

Fixed-Term Contract of Employment for five (5) years

SANBI offers basic annual salary of R582 444.00 plus 37% in lieu of benefits

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Finance Division

Reference Number: FIN/2026/002

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 ensure compliance with all mandatory financial matters related to GCF projects and other donor funded projects with a view to ensure proper financial management, financial risk management and financial reporting, including the preparation of budgets, forecasting and monitoring of expenditure and contracts, preparation of financial reports, and submission of financial management reports and deal with audit requests.

This position requires a degree in Financial Management or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Financial 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: extensive knowledge and understanding of Financial Management, Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, and Generally Recognised Accounting Practice is essential; extensive knowledge and understanding of project management techniques, tools, methodologies; and frameworks; proven ability and experience in managing finances, budget and funding for multiple projects from multiple funders; advance knowledge of financial management external to SANBI, that is, budgeting for proposals, report to donors, budgeting and reporting, etc; comprehensive knowledge about public sector policies in Human Resources Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Management including Corporate Governance policies, procedures, and processes 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 financial report writing, and communication 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); working knowledge of an accounting package (e.g. SAGE 300) will be advantageous. 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:

Assist to:

• Provide effective financial management and financial risk management advice to GCF and other projects;
• Ensure effective financial administration of GCF and other projects;
• Ensure accurate financial reporting of GCF and other projects;
• Oversee and enforce financial management compliance in GCF and other projects; and
• Facilitate human capital development and transformation within the scope of GCF and other projects.

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Please Note: 1) Only online applications will be accepted 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 skills 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 authorized 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 Glynnis Webb on Tel: +27 (021) 799 8635 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted online.