Director: Forestry Scientific & Technical Services

Overview

Director position to manage forestry research, development, innovation, and national norms for sustainable forest management within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Requirements

• An undergraduate qualification in Forestry or relevant qualification (NQF7) within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at a middle/senior management level.
• Experience in Research and Forestry Management or related field.
• Successful completion of the Senior Management Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government (NSG) must be submitted prior to appointment.
• All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments.
• One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment.
• All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.
• Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
• Extensive knowledge of the National Forestry Act, 84 of 1998 (NFA), the National Veld & Forestry Fire Act, 101 of 1998 (NVFFA) and the Management of State Forests Act, 128 of 1992.
• Understanding of law enforcement legislation and relevant regulations.
• Understanding and knowledge of spatial and non-spatial information systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant national legislation and international agreements and commitments including their impact.
• Knowledge and understanding of international laws, agreements, and commitments pertaining to Forestry Management.
• Leadership Management.
• Programme and Project Management.
• Knowledge Management.
• People Management and Empowerment.
• Financial Management.
• Sound Research, Analytical, Organising, Planning, and Presentation skills.
• Interpersonal Skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Good communication skills (Verbal and written).
• Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict.
• Ability to work under pressure and long hours.

Duties

• Manage forestry research, development, and innovation in the sector.
• Ensure that the research function keeps up with the world trends.
• Manages the research function and funding.
• Manage the development of national norms and standards for sustainable forest management.
• Manage the development of principles, criteria, Indicators, and Standards for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
• Ensure provision of scientific forest management guidelines, best practices, and assistance to the Branch and broader forestry sector.
• Manage the provision of specialist technical advice and support to the Branch and other relevant stakeholders.
• Manage the provision of forestry subject inputs towards integrated environmental management.
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of sustainable forestry management business processes.
• Provision of strategic forestry information and knowledge to support policy development and decision- making.
• Ensure compliance with the national and international forestry reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and manage spatial and non-spatial information gathering, processing, and analysis.
• Co-ordinate regional Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and processes for gathering data and mapping.
• Maintain a comprehensive GIS database for the region with maps and environmental data.
• Oversee the development of GIS reports, for further action.

How to apply

All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/

Enquiries: Mr. Sibonelo Mbanjwa at (066) 336 3397

Notes

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, 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. Following the interview and technical passement for 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.