Advocacy Officer, Cape Town or Johannesburg (remote working possible) – Permanent at International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa

Job description:

• BirdLife South Africa is looking for a qualified person to fill the position of Advocacy Officer in its Policy and Advocacy Program.
• The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of South African environmental law and policy, have experience in reviewing and commenting on environmental development applications, and have a passion for conservation. A key function of the Advocacy Officer is management of the general casework system for BirdLife South Africa by screening applications and associated environmental assessment reports.
• This will require knowledge of the EIA Regulations as well as confidence in using digital mapping tools and GIS-based databases reflecting priority habitats and species.
• Other responsibilities include coordinating and drafting of BirdLife South Africa’s responses to development applications and corresponding with site-based staff, members, partners and other stakeholders regarding important issues and developments of concern.
• The Advocacy Officer is also required to assist BirdLife South Africa’s Policy and Advocacy Program Manager and other staff with tracking and commenting on draft laws, regulations and policies relevant to BirdLife South Africa’s strategy. Additional tasks include assistance with events, workshops, report compilation, guidelines, position papers and media content. 

Qualifications/Experience Required:

• A relevant post-graduate (preferably Masters) degree in environmental science/environmental management with an environmental law component. 
• Sound knowledge of the National Environmental Management Act and regulations governing the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, and relevant Specific Environmental Management Acts (this may be tested during the recruitment process). 
• Familiarity with the principles and process of stakeholder engagement in South Africa, and good people skills. 
• Working knowledge of and an aptitude for data management (this may be tested during the recruitment process). 
• Skilful use of the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Poweroint. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English. 
• A valid driver’s license.