Biodiversity and Stewardship Officer: Land Reform and Biodiversity Stewardship Programme at WWF South Africa

Background:

• The WWF-SA Land Reform and Biodiversity Stewardship programme has its flagship project located in the Enkangala Grasslands project area (spanning over three provinces – KZN, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape). The programme has facilitated over 120 000 ha’s of land and engages over 70 000 people under various biodiversity stewardship arrangements and its expanding its influence at a rapid pace. The current staff contingent engages three provincial agencies and works work with rural communities to achieve effective protection of rich biodiversity in strategic water source areas in high-altitude grasslands.
• This position will report to the Programme Manager: Land Reform & Biodiversity Stewardship.

Minimum Requirements    

• A recognized tertiary qualification in an environmental or natural science field.
• At least three year experience in the conservation, natural science or related field, preferable with multidiscipline project management experience.
• Computer literate - good working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS literacy a strong advantage.
• The successful candidate should be a good communicator, should be able to facilitate identification of stakeholder needs and develop effective responses.
• Strong negotiation and facilitation abilities are required to develop and nurture effective partnerships with relevant landowners, land associations, conservation/environmental organisations and governmental departments.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with the respective provincial agencies.
• A background in dealing with rural communities in the form of traditional authorities and communal property associations would be advantageous.
• South African Citizen with ability to speak, read and write English and isiZulu is vital, additional official language would be an added advantage
• A valid driver’s license (Code 8 or 10) accompanied by willingness and proven ability to travel and use a 4X4 off-road vehicle
• Ability to work in remote locations and be a self-managed individual with a task-orientated focus that delivers consistent outcomes.
• Proven team player, willing to accept additional responsibility, show initiative, and proactively work to exceed targets.
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent administrative skills and accurate report-writing abilities

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Develop and maintain working relationships with the respective provincial conservation authorities, namely MTPA, EKZNW regional staff involved in biodiversity stewardship; government departments such as EDTEA, COGTA, DARDLEA, SANBI etc.
• Secure partnership arrangements with relevant stakeholders and role players for effective implementation of biodiversity stewardship agreements.
• Develop and manage biodiversity stewardship agreements (including the co-development and oversight of management plans) with relevant land reform beneficiaries and commercial farms in the area.
• Provide a support service to relevant land reform beneficiaries and provincial conservation authorities in developing biodiversity stewardship agreements.
• Maintain an effective monitoring system of biodiversity stewardship sites to ensure adequate biodiversity protection.
• Provide support in identifying funding opportunities, proposal development for the land reform projects.
• Identify new opportunities for biodiversity stewardship expansion in line with project targets and ensure relevant procedures and processes are followed for implementation.