Overview
Senior Manager: Conservation and Animal Collections Jobs in Pretoria, South Africa at Hashtag Nonprofit NPC
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide managerial leadership and strategic direction to the Conservation and Animal Collections Directorate’s day‑to‑day operations and to position the National Zoological Gardens as a strategic partner within networks, partnerships, zoos and aquarium associations and collaborations for wildlife conservation locally, nationally, in Africa and globally. The role will drive both ex situ and in situ conservation programmes, including species breeding and reintroduction initiatives, and integrated conservation planning aligned with national and global biodiversity priorities (e.g. IUCN frameworks).
Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead integrated conservation and animal collection strategies, including ex situ and in situ conservation programmes aligned to SANBI’s mandate.
- Oversee daily animal welfare and care, managing food procurement, kitchen operations, animal records and enrichment plans to meet the nutritional and health requirements set by veterinary teams.
- Manage budgets, resources and multidisciplinary teams to ensure efficient and high‑performing operations.
- Ensure effective governance, risk management and compliance across all areas of responsibility.
- Ensure compliance with local and international legislation and standards, including permits for animal transactions (acquisition, disposition and movement).
- Build and maintain partnerships with local and international conservation bodies and associations.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A postgraduate degree in Nature Conservation, Zoology, Environmental Management in Animal Conservation, Intensive Population Management or equivalent at NQF level 8.
- A postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage.
- Minimum of 10 years’ work experience in the relevant field, with 5 years at middle management level.
- Experience with in the wildlife, zoological or biodiversity conservation sector and regulatory environment is essential.
- Demonstrable experience in conservation biology, wildlife management or population sustainability will be highly advantageous.
- The successful candidate will need to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre‑entry Certificate offered by the National School of Government before assumption of duty.
Competencies and Additional Requirements
- Knowledge of risk management framework, Code of Ethics and Standards, and other applicable frameworks.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation (Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations, King V, etc.).
- Good strategic management and leadership skills.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal communication, report writing, stakeholder management).
- Experience in project management.
- Proven ability to analyse information logically and exercise sound judgement.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, problem‑solving skills.
- Advanced planning, organising, people management skills; experience in policy development.
- Computer literacy and experience with software tools including MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook.
- Must possess a valid driver’s licence and be willing to travel nationally and internationally.
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.
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Title: Senior Manager: Conservation and Animal Collections
Company: Hashtag Nonprofit NPC
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
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