CONTROL BIODIVERSITY OFFICER GRADE A: WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION GOVERNANCE

This role sits within the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in Pretoria, focusing specifically on the governance of the World Heritage Convention. As a Control Biodiversity Officer at Grade A, you will be responsible for ensuring South Africa’s biodiversity priorities are advanced through strong international cooperation and effective participation in global heritage forums. The position requires a strategic understanding of both environmental and cultural heritage legislation, as well as the ability to coordinate complex multilateral processes. You will act as a key liaison between national stakeholders, international bodies, and other countries, particularly where transboundary or serial World Heritage sites are concerned.

To be considered, you need a four-year degree at NQF8 level in Natural or Environmental Sciences, or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA, together with at least six years of relevant post-qualification experience. A thorough working knowledge of environmental legislation such as the World Heritage Convention Act, NEMPAA, NEMA, and NEMBA is essential, as is familiarity with cultural heritage law and UNESCO conventions. You should understand the processes behind World Heritage nominations and proclamations, the scientific principles governing site management, and the relevant norms and standards. Strong research and analytical abilities, policy development and interpretation skills, and excellent verbal and written communication are all required. You must also demonstrate sound organising and planning capabilities, technical report writing proficiency, and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team, often under extreme pressure.

Your main duties will include enhancing international cooperation in support of South Africa’s biodiversity objectives, facilitating national preparatory meetings for the World Heritage Committee and General Assembly sessions, and coordinating the South African delegation’s participation in these meetings, including the Africa preparatory meeting. You will also be expected to develop concept documents that guide process plans, including stakeholder mapping, partner identification, content coverage, and overall project deliverables, as well as producing outcomes reports. Ensuring equitable and sound corporate governance is another key responsibility, which involves developing and reviewing agreements with relevant stakeholders. You will also work to conserve, protect, and mitigate biodiversity threats, and liaise with other countries on governance, legislation, policies, and tools for implementing the Convention, particularly in cases of potential transboundary or serial World Heritage sites.

This is a management-level post, so shortlisted candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process. The department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups, with persons with disabilities encouraged to apply. All shortlisted candidates will undergo screening and security vetting, including criminal record, citizenship, creditworthiness, employment reference, and qualification verification. As an SMS post, you will need to have completed the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme endorsed by the National School of Government, and you may be required to undertake pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, followed by a generic managerial competency assessment. You will also need to provide certified copies of your qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before the interview, and any foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Applications are submitted online through the departmental recruitment portal, using the prescribed Z83 form and a detailed CV with at least three contactable references. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act. If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date, you should assume your application was unsuccessful.