Intellectual Property Specialist

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide specialist services in intellectual property rights. This position requires a relevant Bachelor's degree at NQF level 7 in Intellectual Property Law or a relevant field in Law.

A group 1 SAIIPL (the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law) exam qualification will be an added advantage.

This position also requires a minimum of 8 years work experience in the relevant field, 4 of which should ideally be in the Intellectual Property field. The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:

1. Proven, accomplished record in intellectual property management.
2. Knowledge of the South African Intellectual Property regime as well as all the applicable legislation.
3. Good knowledge and understanding of the Public Finance Management Act.
4. Professional writing and editing skills.
5. Strong project management skills.
6. Proven ability to think strategically, analyse information logically, and exercise sound judgement.
7. Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
8. Reliable, and a clear-thinker who is able to solve complex and challenging problems.
9. Advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal skills.
10. Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
11. Computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet, and Outlook is essential.
12. The possession of a valid driver's license and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

1. Monitor compliance with and enforcement of the Intellectual Property (IP) Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act) and its regulations;
2. Initiate a process for a comprehensive Intellectual Property audit for SANBI to identify existing Intellectual Property in need of protection, as well as Intellectual Property and bioprospecting opportunities for potential commercialisation;
3. Develop guidelines, practice notes and/or interpretation notes as required by the IPR Act and as necessary for recipient compliance;
4. Attend to and oversee all substantive and administrative matters relating to Intellectual Property forms as prescribed in regulations under the IPR Act, including facilitating the reporting and capturing of all Intellectual Property disclosed;
5. Develop, review and monitor the implementation of Intellectual Property policies;
6. Develop and manage the Intellectual Property disclosure and protection framework;
7. Review of commercialised/non-commercialised Intellectual Property submissions against the requirements of the IPR Act, regulations and guidelines/practice notes;
8. Develop and maintain a SANBI Intellectual Property register;
9. Initiate engagement with SANBI staff to understand the nature of the work at SANBI and the Intellectual Property protection needs together with bioprospecting opportunities;
10. Provide support in establishing and maintaining the Intellectual Property Management Committee;
11. Provide further support to Director Legal Services, as and when required.

Application procedure: An application form (obtainable from our Offices or SANBI website) must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered). A skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process. Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three referees. Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered.

Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks.

In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI's authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks.

For more information, kindly refer to SANBI's website. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position.

All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups. Contact Mr Maano Netshiombo on Tel: 12 for any queries for purposes of clarity.

Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to:

• applications must be addressed to: Assistant Director: Human Resources Operations, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X, Pretoria. 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 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful. Closes: Friday, 5 April. Job type: Permanent. Salary: R .00 per annum. Location: Pretoria.