Control Biodiversity Officer Grade A: World Heritage Convention Governance

Requirements

• A four-year Degree (NQF8) in Natural / Environmental Sciences or relevant qualification as recognized by SAQA plus a minimum of six (6) years’ post qualification experience in the relevant field.
• Knowledge of Environmental Legislation (WHCA, NEMPAA, NEMA, NEMBA).
• Understanding of cultural heritage legislation.
• Knowledge of UNESCO related Conventions.
• Knowledge of World Heritage Nominations and proclamation process;
• Scientific principles governing World heritage sites management and Relevant law, norms and standards, planning and organizing.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop, interpret and apply policies.
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Good Interpersonal skills, Sound organizing and planning skills Interpersonal skills;
• Technical report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure.

Duties

• Enhance international cooperation supportive of SA’s Biodiversity priorities.
• Facilitate SA’s (National) preparatory meetings for the World Heritage Committee, General Assembly Session and any other ad hoc Committee sessions.
• Coordinate participation of the SA delegation in these international meetings including the Africa preparatory meeting to the World Heritage Committee.
• Enhance sector education and awareness.
• Develop concept document to guide process plan including national and international Stakeholder mapping, Partners, Content to be covered and overall project deliverables.
• Develop outcomes reports.
• Ensure Equitable and sound corporate governance.
• Facilitate the development and review of agreements with relevant stakeholders.
• Conserve, protect and mitigate biodiversity threats.
• Liaise with Countries in cases of potential transboundary or serial World Heritage to discuss the governance and legislation, policies and other applicable tools on the implementation of the Convention in South Africa.

How to apply

New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.

Enquiries

Notes from the department

• Interested applicants must submit their applications via the above link.
• Applicant must ensure that they complete all sections on the online Z83 and attached a detailed CV with at least three (3) contactable references.
• Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant.
• No late applications will be accepted Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, Senior Certificate, identity document and driver’s license on or before the day of the interview.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
• The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
• Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the Department’s equity plan.
• Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only.
• Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment, including but not limited to:
• Criminal records;
• Citizenship status;
• Credit worthiness;
• Previous employment (reference checks); and Qualification verification.
• Short-listed candidates will be expected to avail themselves at the Department’s convenience.
• Entry level requirements for SMS posts:
• In terms of the Directive on Compulsory Capacity Development, Mandatory Training Days & Minimum Entry Requirements for SMS that was introduced on 1 April 2015, a requirement for all applicants for SMS posts from 1 April 2020 is a successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) prior to appointment.
• The course is available at the NSG under the name Certificate for entry into SMS and the full details can be obtained by following the below link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme.
• Furthermore, Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the course.
• All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
• One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.
• Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process.
• Following the interview and the technical exercise of all SMS posts, the Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on the implementation of competency-based assessments.
• Persons appointed will be subjected to a security clearance, the signing of performance agreement and employment contract.
• The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• If you have not been contacted within three 3 months after the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
• By submitting the employment application form, you agree and consent in terms of Section 11(1) of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (Act 4 of 2013), for your personal information which you provide to the DFFE to being processed by the department and its employees, agents, Cabinet committees, and subcontractors for recruitment purposes, in accordance with the POPIA of 2013.