Manager, Grade 1: Spatial Analyst

Salary Level 11

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

All-inclusive remuneration package of R 932 292.00 per annum

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Biodiversity Information & Policy Advice  

Reference Number: Eco-DRR/2026/0010

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated and professional individual to oversee and provide advanced spatial analysis and GIS technical support across the three components of the Eco-DRR project, ensuring the delivery of high-quality geospatial outputs that inform planning, reporting, and decision-making.

This position requires a degree in Environmental Science, Geoinformatics, Natural Sciences, Geography, Ecology, or equivalent qualification at NQF 7. A relevant post-graduate qualification at NQF 8 will be an added advantage. This position also requires 8 years of work experience in the relevant field, 4 years of which should be in spatial analysis or first line of management of GIS projects.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:

Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience in GIS, spatial analysis including data collection, management and flow, and environmental spatial planning. Extensive experience in leading and managing spatial projects. Proven experience in the development and application of spatial decision-support tools, vulnerability and risk mapping, landscape and ecosystem assessments, and spatial prioritization approaches. Demonstrated ability to interpret and translate complex spatial information into accessible technical products, maps, reports, and science communication outputs to support planning, decision-making, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting processes. Strong leadership and ability to supervise, mentor, and build the technical capacity of employees and project partners in spatial planning and GIS applications. Expected to have advanced knowledge of compliance and risk management techniques and effective people, budget and financial management skills. South African Council for Natural Scientific Profession (SACNASP) or Plato registration will be advantageous and the candidate must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence with one year practical driving experience.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Lead the sourcing, validation and governance of high-quality spatial datasets for the Eco-DRR project;
• Guide and undertake advanced spatial analyses for ecological infrastructure mapping and site prioritization across target districts;
• Coordinate spatial inputs across partners to ensure aligned, integrated, and consistent GIS outputs;
• Oversee capacity development in spatial analysis, ecological infrastructure mapping and GIS data management; and
• Manage the interpretation of spatial information into accessible knowledge products for diverse audience

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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.

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.