This post entails the management of PRECIS (a large corporate database housing over one million data records on Southern African plants), focusing on expanding information coverage and ensuring high quality information.
The appointee will be responsible for making information from PRECIS available to external clients, as well as to SIBIS, SABIF and any individuals or organisations with whom SANBI has data exchange and/or data use agreements. The incumbent will also act as Data Liaison Officer to the National, Compton and KwaZulu-Natal Herbaria, and will supervise a small complement of staff involved in the above activities.
Key responsibilities will include:
• staff supervision • liaison with local and international clients • management of the information quality control function • provision of information to local and international clients • expansion of information coverage • development of application documentation • control of access to PRECIS information • provision of data analysis and product development support
• support and training of users.
Appointment therefore requires a BSc Honours with at least five years’ experience, or an MSc with at least two years’ experience, in a field relevant to Botany, Conservation Biology, Ecology or similar disciplines and with Botany as an undergraduate major. Proficiency in
MS Office is essential, as is experience in library and internet research. Experience and an interest in database structure and design, SQL and database management, as well as knowledge of imaging, photography and GIS, will prove advantageous.
In addition, applicants must display excellent people skills and a client orientation, backed by excellent oral and written communication skills in English and any other official language. A valid Code EB driver’s licence with one year’s practical driving experience completes the
requirements.
SANBI offers an annual salary of R174 243 and additional fringe benefits, which include attractive medical aid and pension schemes.
Please Note: 1) Applications must be accompanied by a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for the position and confirming that the minimum qualifications are met. 2) A competency test may be conducted as part of the selection process.
All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will currently be given to candidates from the designated groups. Applications submitted by employment agencies will not be considered. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position.
Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as
determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 21 working days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.
Enquiries: Ms Emmy Tsienyane on 012 843 5217 or at tsienyane@sanbi.org.
To apply, contact Ms Wendy Manwatha on 012 843 5217 or, preferably, forward a letter and concise CV via e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org or fax 012 843 5263. Postal applications are to be addressed to the Deputy Director, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X101, Pretoria 0001.
