The National Department of Environmental Affairs is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender and disability) in the Department through the filling of these posts and candidates whose appointment / promotion / transfer will promote representivity will receive preference.
APPLICATIONS: The Director-General, Department of Environmental Affairs, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001 (or hand-delivered to: 315 Pretorius Street, Cnr Pretorius & Lilian Ngoyi Streets, Fedsure Forum Building, 1st Floor, North Tower, Room 106 (Information Centre)
FOR ATTENTION: Ms K Selemela
Closing date: 28 July 2014
NOTE: Applications must be submitted on form Z83 and should be accompanied by a comprehensive CV and original certified copies of qualifications, ID and other relevant documents in order; Take note that the Department will verify all qualifications and experience and that original documents must be submitted on appointment. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all qualifications obtained abroad are evaluated by SAQA. Short listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine the suitability of a person for employment. Correspondence will be limited to successful candidates only. If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
CONTROL BIODIVERSITY OFFICER: CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
REF NO: BC12/2014
SALARY: Appropriated salary will be determined according to the regulatory framework) (based on OSD)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: An appropriate three year Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in natural or biological sciences with the strong focus on Biodiversity conservation. A postgraduate in these related fields will be an added advantage. Appropriate working experience in the field of conservation management; an understanding of biodiversity and conservation management policies, legislative framework in environmental management: National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004); Planning and co-ordination skills including project management, good interpersonal relations, well-developed communication skills; Ability to work independently and efficiently under pressure. In addition, full computer skills and a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within South Africa and internationally.
DUTIES: The successful candidate will be required to assist in the co-ordination, development and implementation of national policies, legislation, strategies, programmes, norms and standards and projects relating to the conservation management of species; Assist in mainstreaming international targets and indicators into national initiatives, with special reference to conservation management of species. Provide specialist advice to role players within and outside government on the conservation of species issues; assist with the administration and implementation of relevant international agreements. Provide general administrative support as determined by the divisional head.
ENQUIRIES: Ms Humbu Mafumo (012) 310-3712
FOR ATTENTION: Ms K Selemela
CONTROL BIODIVERSITY OFFICER: ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS) AND BIOSAFETY
REF NO: BC11/2014
SALARY: Appropriated salary will be determined according to the regulatory framework) (based on OSD)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: An appropriate Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with specialisation in any of the following; Environmental management, Microbiology, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Plant physiology and Biochemistry coupled with experience in the appropriate field. Knowledge of National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) and the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997(Act 15 of 1997). Good understanding of biodiversity conservation, ecological interactions at population, community and ecosystem level especially related to Alien Invasive Species. Good understanding of the utilization of genetically modified organisms and environmental risk assessment and management. Organizing and research skills, planning and project management will serve as an added advantage. Good communication, interpersonal and administrative skills. In possession of a valid driver’s license
DUTIES: Assist in the implementation of the Biosafety laws, legislations and management of biosafety functions within the department. Provide support to the competent authorities to control and eradicate existing invasive species listed in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004). Conduct environmental risk assessment on GMO applications submitted in terms of the GMO Act. Conduct environmental risk assessment on Alien and Invasive Species applications. Provide technical support in the development of national norms, standards and targets for biosafety monitoring and management. Provide technical support on the national implementation of international agreements pertaining to GMOs and AIS. Facilitate within the Sub-directorate: AIS and Biosafety, the coordination of national stakeholder consultations
ENQUIRIES: Ms N Tshidada, Tel: 012 310 3494
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION
REF NO: COO24/2014
SALARY: R270 804 Per annum (Total package of R372 496 per annum/ conditions apply)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: An appropriate recognized three year Bachelor’s Degree / National Diploma in Public Administration, Business Management / relevant equivalent qualification plus relevant experience or Grade 12 plus extensive relevant experience. Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel. Skills & Competencies: Good stakeholder liaison, interpersonal relations and communication (verbal and liaison) skills. Good quality control of documents. Good planning, co-ordination and financial management skills. Project management skills; Computer literacy skills; Ability to work individually and in a team; Ability to work with difficult persons and to resolve conflict; Sense of responsibility and loyalty; Self supervision; Protect the confidentiality of documents
DUTIES: Provide administrative support to the Branch: Chief Operating Officer (COO): Assist with writing reports, minutes taking and procurement of goods and services. Liaise with Departmental line functions and other relevant stakeholders for information. Render document management within the Branch: COO. Provide logistical/secretarial support for meetings convened by the Branch: COO. Assist with the coordination of the Branch planning and reporting. Assist with Branch Performance Management and Development System. Assist the Deputy Director with collation of monthly expenditure reports. Perform any other duties as directed by the supervisor.
ENQUIRIES: Ms J Komape: Tel: 012 310 – 3663
BIODIVERSITY OFFICER PRODUCTION GRADE A: ALIEN INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS) AND BIOSAFETY
REF NO: BC10/2014
SALARY: Appropriated salary will be determined according to the regulatory framework) based on OSD)
CENTRE: Pretoria
REQUIREMENTS: An appropriate Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with specialisation in any of the following; Environmental management, Microbiology, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Plant physiology and Biochemistry. Knowledge of National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004) and the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997(Act 15 of 1997). Good understanding of biodiversity conservation, ecological interactions at population, community and ecosystem level especially related to Alien Invasive Species. Good understanding of the utilization of genetically modified organisms and environmental risk assessment. Organisation and research skills. Planning and project management will serve as an added advantage. Good communication, interpersonal and administrative skills. In possession of a valid driver’s license.
DUTIES: Assisting in the implementation of the Biosafety laws, legislations and management of biosafety functions within the department. Provide support to the competent authorities in the control and eradication of existing invasive species listed in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004). Conduct environmental risk assessment on GMO applications submitted in terms of the GMO Act. Conduct environmental risk assessment on Alien and Invasive Species applications. Provide technical support in the development of national norms and standards for biosafety monitoring and management. Provide technical support on the national implementation of international agreements pertaining to GMO’s and AIS. Assist Sub-Directorate AIS and Biosafety in the coordination of national stakeholder consultations.
ENQUIRIES: Ms N Tshidada, Tel: 012 310 3494
Interview Hints and Tips
Arrive on time for the interview. Plan your trip and leave early if you have to or if you are unfamiliar with the area. Give yourself enough time to find the building as well as parking. You also need keep your diary open after the interview. Your interview might be running longer than anticipated.
Remember to take a few extra copies of your CV with you. One copy is for you should you have to refresh your memory. The other copies are for the interviewer and anyone else sitting in on the interview. You only need to produce these if there is a need for them.
Be careful not to over- or under-dress for an interview. The golden rule is to look professional and smart even if everyone else at the company is wearing jeans. Speak to your employment agency for guidance with specific acompanies.
Women:
- More conservative outfit and coordinate all the colours
- Moderate shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too muck make-up and perfume
- Nails must be neat and clean
Men:
- Conservative suit with a white long sleeve shirt
- Conservative tie (no cartoon characters)
- Dark socks, professional shoes
- Limited jewellery
- Make sure your hairstyle is neat and hair clean
- Not too much aftershave
- Nails must be neat and clean
The interviewer will be judging the effect of your appearance on customers as well as staff. Your "look" must project the fact that you are the perfect '"fit" for that specific position and company.
Get rid of chewing gum and check your overall appearance before walking into the organisation's premises.
Switch your cellphone off once the interviewer knows that you have arrived for the interview - never, ever take a call during an interview. If there is a medical emergency in your family and your phone needs to be on then inform the interviewer and ask for permission to leave your phone on. In most cases the person will agree to it.
Remember to take a file with pen paper with you to the interview. This will assist you in making notes and to write down questions you might want to ask later.
The interview starts when the first question is asked. Right? Wrong. The interview starts the minute you arrive at the company and you will be under scrutiny by everyone who knows that interviews are being held. Be friendly with cleaning staff, secretaries and everyone else you encounter on your way to the interview. This will make you feel more positive as well as leave positive people in your wake. The last thing you need is for a staff member to mention how rude you were before the interview. Or for the secretaries to tell the manager that you had an attitude with them and you thought you were important!
Studies have shown that most interviewers make up their mind within the first few minutes. You therefore need to greet your interviewer by making comfortable eye contact, shaking hands firmly and introducing yourself in a confident manner.
Make a connection and build a relationship with the interviewer. Remember that they are already happy with your CV and now wants to check you out. Your attitude will be more important than most of your answers.
Only sit down when offered a chair.
If you are offered any coffee or tea you have three choices: Coffee, tea or nothing. Do not go and ask for something not offered - the organisation might not have it on the premises and the interviewer could feel embarrassed.
Keep an eye on your body language and avoid fidgeting, biting your nails, playing with your car keys, etc.