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South Africa: Chief Director Climate Change & Bio-adaptation, SANBI
The services of a recognised expert in the field of Climate Change are required to provide strategic direction, management, and co-ordination of activities to achieve SANBI’s goal to lead the country’s research, policy development and communication on the bio-impact of climate change. A PhD degree in a relevant discipline, a strong, proven track record in climate change research and policy, as well as the ability to build and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, are specific requirements to be considered for this position. Self-motivated individuals with the above skills, who are able to work with limited supervision, and who have at least ten years’ relevant working experience (five years in a managerial position) are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities include overseeing a cross-cutting function to strengthen the response to climate change through identifying strategic priorities, synchronising and co-ordinating activities within SANBI’s various divisions, developing partnerships with other organisations, and providing a framework for policy inputs and communication.

The successful candidate will be required to provide scientific and strategic leadership to a scientific team, undertaking research on climate change and bio-adaptation related issues (with specific focus on climate change and variability). This includes acquisition of external funding, and facilitating transformation objectives within a scarce-skills arena, in order to ensure sustainable participation in key research activities and policy-relevant synthesis of climate change research nationally and internationally, specifically with relevance to biodiversity.

The ideal candidate will have the credibility to provide a nationally and internationally recognised hub for research activities as outlined above, not only through co-ordinating SANBI activities, but also by integrating and leading these nationally. The proven ability to communicate key research findings and their implications will be a prime requirement, especially to governmental stakeholders, but also to all relevant stakeholders nationally and internationally, including the public media.

The successful incumbent will advise and lead collaborators on climate change related issues and other interacting climate change drivers, and their implications for biodiversity in South Africa.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel extensively, both nationally and internationally.
A high degree of computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.

Please Note: 1) Applications must be accompanied by a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position and confirming that the minimum qualifications are met. 2) A competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.

All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will currently be given to candidates from the designated groups.

Applications submitted by employment agencies will not be considered.
SANBI reserves the right not to fill these positions.

Contact Ms Jessica Sims on 011 804 0635 or, preferably, forward a letter and concise CV to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or fax 086 635 9931. Postal applications are to be addressed to Ms Jessica Sims, LR Strategic Placement,
P.O. Box 98, The Woodlands 2080.

Closing Date: Friday 18 April 2008

Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI.

Visit www.sanbi.org for more information on the South African national Biodiversity Institute.

If no response has been received within 21 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.
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