Administrative & Support Staff | SANBI Vacancies

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) focuses on research, conservation, and promoting biodiversity in South Africa. In addition to scientific roles, SANBI offers career opportunities for administrative and support staff, essential for managing and coordinating the institute’s projects and ensuring the smooth operation of its functions.

This job post provides an overview of SANBI’s administrative and support staff careers, salary expectations, job requirements, and how to apply.

Overview of Administrative and Support Staff Jobs at SANBI

SANBI’s administrative and support staff ensure the efficient operation of its research, conservation, and educational activities. These roles span human resources, finance, office management, IT, and facilities maintenance.

• SANBI Vacancies | Jobs at South African National Biodiversity Institute

Typical administrative and support positions include office administrators, HR coordinators, financial assistants, IT specialists, and facilities managers.

• Administrative Assistants: Provide clerical and organizational support to various departments within SANBI. Responsibilities include handling correspondence, scheduling meetings, and maintaining records.
• HR Officers: Manage recruitment, employee relations, and administrative tasks related to payroll, benefits, and compliance with labor regulations.
• Finance Officers/Accountants: Handle budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring that the organization complies with financial policies and procedures.
• IT Support Technicians: Manage the institute’s IT infrastructure, providing technical support to staff and ensuring that systems run efficiently.
• Facilities and Maintenance Staff: Ensure the upkeep and maintenance of SANBI’s facilities, including buildings, gardens, and equipment.

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Salaries for Administrative and Support Staff Jobs at SANBI

Salaries for administrative and support roles at SANBI vary depending on the position, level of experience, and specific responsibilities. Below is an overview of typical salary ranges for these roles:

Administrative Assistants

• Average Salary: ZAR 150,000 to ZAR 300,000 per year.
• Factors Influencing Salary: Experience, level of responsibility, and the department you are working in.

HR Officers

• Average Salary: ZAR 250,000 to ZAR 450,000 per year.
• Factors Influencing Salary: Experience in HR management, recruitment, and compliance.

Finance Officers/Accountants

• Average Salary: ZAR 300,000 to ZAR 500,000 per year.
• Factors Influencing Salary: Professional qualifications, financial management experience, and role responsibilities.

IT Support Technicians

• Average Salary: ZAR 200,000 to ZAR 400,000 per year.
• Factors Influencing Salary: Technical expertise, certifications, and experience in managing IT systems and networks.

Facilities and Maintenance Staff

• Average Salary: ZAR 150,000 to ZAR 300,000 per year.
• Factors Influencing Salary: Hands-on experience, knowledge of facilities maintenance, and technical skills related to equipment repair and upkeep.

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Requirements for Administrative and Support Staff Jobs at SANBI

The qualifications and experience needed for SANBI’s administrative and support staff roles vary depending on the position. Below are typical requirements for key roles:

For Administrative Assistants

1. Educational Requirements:
   • A Matric (Grade 12) certificate is the minimum requirement, with a Diploma in Office Administration or a related field being an advantage.
2. Experience:
   • 1-3 years of experience in office administration, secretarial work, or clerical support is usually required.
3. Skills:
   • Strong organizational and communication skills, proficiency in office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), and the ability to multitask.

For HR Officers

1. Educational Requirements:
   • A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required.
2. Experience:
   • 3-5 years of experience in HR roles, including recruitment, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws.
3. Skills:
   • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of HR software, and familiarity with South African labor laws.

For Finance Officers/Accountants

1. Educational Requirements:
   • A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required. Professional qualifications such as CA(SA) or CIMA can be an advantage.
2. Experience:
   • 3-5 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, and accounting.
3. Skills:
   • Strong analytical skills, proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Pastel, SAP), and an understanding of financial regulations and reporting.

For IT Support Technicians

1. Educational Requirements:
   • A Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is required.
2. Experience:
   • 2-5 years of experience in IT support, network management, and systems administration.
3. Skills:
   • Proficiency in IT systems, hardware, and software troubleshooting, as well as network management. Certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Cisco CCNA are beneficial.

For Facilities and Maintenance Staff

1. Educational Requirements:
   • A Matric (Grade 12) certificate is often required, with vocational training or certification in facilities maintenance, electrical work, or plumbing being an advantage.
2. Experience:
   • 2-5 years of experience in facilities maintenance, gardening, or equipment repair.
3. Skills:
   • Hands-on skills in building maintenance, equipment repair, and garden upkeep. Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors are often required for this role.

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How to Apply for Administrative and Support Staff Jobs at SANBI

The application process for SANBI jobs involves submitting your application through their online portal or following the instructions provided in the job posting. Below are the steps to apply:

Step 1: Visit the SANBI Careers Portal

• Start by visiting the official SANBI Careers Portal at https://www.sanbi.org.
• Navigate to the “Careers” section to find available administrative and support staff job listings.

Step 2: Select a Job Posting

• Review the available positions and select a job that matches your skills and experience. Read the job description carefully to ensure that you meet the requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

• Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience and skills relevant to the job. For example, for administrative roles, emphasize your organizational and communication skills, while IT support roles should focus on technical expertise.
• Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that explains why you’re interested in the role and how your experience makes you a good fit for the position.
• Supporting Documents: You may be required to submit additional documents such as copies of your qualifications, certifications, or professional references.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Follow the instructions in the job listing to submit your application. This is typically done through the SANBI careers portal, where you upload your resume, cover letter, and any other required documents.

Step 5: Prepare for the Interview

• If shortlisted, you will be contacted for an interview. Prepare to discuss your previous experience, how it aligns with SANBI’s goals, and how you can contribute to the organization.

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Final Thoughts & Mode of Application   

Careers in administration and support at SANBI provide the chance to contribute to an organization focused on biodiversity and environmental conservation in South Africa. These roles ensure SANBI’s smooth operation, supporting research, education, and conservation efforts. By meeting qualifications and applying, you can begin a rewarding career with SANBI.