Director: Biodiversity Risk Management

About the role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hiring a Director: Biodiversity Risk Management, based in Pretoria. This is a permanent post, paying R1,317,384 a year. How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: BC23/2026 Closing date: 26 October 2026 at 16:00. No late applications will be accepted. Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, technical guidance and oversight to the biodiversity and climate change policy responses.
• Provide strategic direction, technical guidance and oversight for the implementation of bio-safety legislation, ensuring effective guidance, monitoring, and governance of alien and invasive species.
• Develop and coordinate a national response strategy for management of Alien and invasive species and GMOs in South Africa.
• Develop and implement policies, legislation, regulations and risk assessment frameworks, including the provision of issuing authority functions for alien invasive species.
• Develop positions and lead negotiations on thematic areas that are part of the Biodiversity Risk Management Directorate.
• Develop reports for multilateral platforms on the implementation of decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties.
• Oversee cross-functional mainstreaming resilience against global change challenges, including alien and invasive species, genetically modified organisms, and climate change, across all line functions.
• Facilitate co-development projects and proposals for funding to implement sector strategies that enhance resilience to global change challenges.
• Serve/co-chair project steering committees of strategic projects that contribute towards the implementation of government strategies.
• ENQUERIES: Mr B Kgope Tel No: (012) 399 9165.

Requirements

• An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Environmental Science/Environmental Management or a relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
• At least 5 years’ experience at Middle/Senior managerial level within the relevant field.
• Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) submitted prior to appointment.
• Knowledge on Natural resource management planning and implementation, Natural resource management or Natural resource-based rural development, Programmebased natural resource, operational management and/or planning, Valueadded industry experience and expertise.
• Ability to develop and apply policies.
• Advanced skills in financial management and project management.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Public Finance Management Act.
• Good Communication Skills (written and spoken).
• Ability to gather and analyse information.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Ability to provide overall strategic guidance and lead multidisciplinary team.