Project Support Officer

An enthusiastic, dedicated, professional and highly responsible person is required to provide efficient and smooth-running support to the Biodiversity Mainstreaming Division. The appointee will provide the Division with organisational, technical and administrative support, including procurement processes, donor and stakeholder liaison, project contract management, budget preparation and financial report. Appointment requires a National Diploma/ Degree or relevant tertiary qualification in Project Co-ordination or Office Management, complemented by at least 5-7 years proven working experience and demonstrated aptitude for financial details and budgeting and reporting is essential, as is proficiency in the MS Office suite.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INVOLVE:
• Maintain projects register, compile project control sheets and financial plans . • Responsible for budget and financial reporting requirements, including: assisting with the preparation of budgets and financial reports as per donor requirements and formats, monitor donor payments received, process invoices and payments to service providers. • prepare all requests for financial clearance and external payment authorisations for approval and signature • act as liaison between Finance Department and service providers to ensure timeous payment • oversee the division's procurement processes and ensure these are documented, filed and reported on. • assist with the preparation of contracts including assisting with the drawing up of project specific Terms of Reference in conjunction with relevant project staff member and ensure they conform with standard SANBI protocols • liaise with SANBI Lawyers as and when necessary regarding changes to standard contracts • compile and submit compliance reports for the Division's cost centers and projects. • develop, maintain and communicate project policies and procedures to project leaders and monitor their compliance. • provide financial induction for HOCCs & admin staff.. • act as point person for the division on Finance issues and as liaison point for finance section.

The candidate should have good communication and analytical skills, excellent interpersonal relations are prerequisite. The candidate must be highly proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Access and Excel and possess a valid Code B driver's license plus one year driving experience.

SANBI offer an annual salary of R196 815 per annum and additional fringe benefits, which include attractive medical and pension schemes.

Applications must be accompanied by a letter of motivation as to why the applicant should be favorably considered for the position. 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.

It will be expected of candidates to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI

SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position

Contact Ms Jessica Sims on 011 844 0000 or, preferably, forward a concise CV to sanbi@jhb.lr.co.za or Fax 011844 0295. Postal applications are to be addressed to Ms Jessica Sims, LR Strategic Placement, P.O. Box 98, The Woodlands 2080.

Closing Date: Monday 05 May 2008 at 16:00