Director: Biodiversity Risk Management vacancy at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment - PSV Circular 36 of 2026

INTRODUCTION

Applications are now open for the post of Director: Biodiversity Risk Management at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, with the workplace in Pretoria.

The advertised package is R1 317 384 a year, (all-inclusive salary package). This post was published in Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, issued on 09 October 2026.

Job title	Director: Biodiversity Risk Management
Department	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Reference number	BC23/2026
Salary	R1 317 384 a year, (all-inclusive salary package)
Centre / location	Pretoria
Province	Gauteng
Closing date	26 October 2026 at 16:00
Circular	PSV Circular 36 of 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

This vacancy forms part of Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. It carries the reference number BC23/2026, and the successful candidate will work from Pretoria.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your key responsibilities in this role will include:

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.

REQUIREMENTS

The department lists the following minimum requirements:

An undergraduate qualification (NQF7) in Environmental Science / Environmental Management or a relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
At least five (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.
Programme- based natural resource, operational management and/or planning.
Value- added 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the NEW Z83 form from the DPSA website and complete it in full.
Prepare a detailed CV with your qualifications, experience and contact details.
Write the reference number BC23/2026 on your application.
Submit as instructed: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
Make sure your application reaches the department by 26 October 2026 at 16:00.

Enquiries: Mr B Kgope Tel No: (012) 399 9165

Important notes:

Use the new Z83 form with a detailed CV. Old forms may lead to disqualification.
Only shortlisted candidates are asked for certified copies of ID and qualifications.
Late applications are not considered, so submit before the closing time.
If you hear nothing within three months of the closing date, treat the application as unsuccessful.
Foreign qualifications must be supported by a SAQA evaluation report.
Expect personnel suitability checks such as criminal, qualification and employment verification.
Senior management posts require the SMS pre-entry certificate and extra assessments.

TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

Read the whole advert, including the notes section, because each department has its own rules on how to submit.
Use the NEW Z83 form (effective 01 January 2021), sign and date it, and make sure every section is completed.
Prepare certified copies of your ID, qualifications and proof of experience. Shortlisted candidates are usually asked for them.
If you hold a foreign qualification, get a SAQA evaluation certificate ready before the interview stage.
If this is your first government application, read the DPSA guide on completing Z83 so you do not lose points on a simple form error.

RELATED JOBS TO APPLY

Source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026. Always confirm details with the advertising department. OneCareer is not the employer and never charges for applying to a government post.

Director: Biodiversity Risk Management - Pretoria | Circular 36 of 2026