Chief Executive Officer (Level 15) - Head Office, Bridgetown at CapeNature

CapeNature seeks to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the entity under the guidance of the Board.  The CEO will provide strategic direction for the implementation of CapeNature’s vision, mission, strategy and legislative mandates as required by the Western Cape Biodiversity Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2021). 

The CEO will be accountable for enhancing staff morale, all aspects of the entity’s performance (including financial), and public image. He/She/They will be responsible for the implementation of the Western Cape Biodiversity Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2021) and will report to the relevant Provincial Minister and to the Board on a regular basis on the activities of the entity and on matters of strategic importance.

CapeNature is a Schedule 3, Part C, Provincial Public Entity, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The successful candidate should be a results-driven and dynamic leader with strong proven managerial and strategic leadership experience in the public sector and/or similar entity.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

Strategic Management:

• Provide overall strategic leadership and management; and identify leverages for growth and sustainability of the entity.
• Ensure the application of the highest standards of conservation in protected areas, biodiversity management, ecosystem services provision, ecological infrastructure maintenance, eco-tourism enhancement, financial management, effective governance, and robust administration of the entity.
• Provide strategic leadership to facilitate revenue generation opportunities in the biodiversity economy sector.
• Monitor and ensure the performance of the entity on a continuing basis against pre-determined annual key measurable objectives and standards.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts in respect of adequate and appropriate record keeping of the activities of the entity, and of the resources employed by it.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the entity.
• Develop and maintain sound relations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate at a strategic level with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) and other key Provincial and National Departments.
• Facilitate the development of an equitable and sustainable biodiversity economy in the province, including the promotion of eco-tourism in areas under the management of CapeNature.

 Financial Management:

• Take accountability and provide strategic leadership for the financial management function to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and minimize risk exposure for the entity.
• Actively promote the sourcing of alternative funding for the entity.
• Take accountability for the safeguarding of the entity’s assets.
• Ensure that comprehensive records of the financial affairs of the entity are kept in accordance with prescribed national and legislative norms and standards.

People Management:

• Provide strategic leadership to enhance staff morale.
• Ensure the entity’s performance to achieve and maintain excellence in service delivery.
• Oversee the performance, evaluation and remuneration of employees.
• Promote sound labour relations within the entity.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• An appropriate Postgraduate Degree (NQF level 9) in biodiversity conservation and/or relevant fields.
• Evidence of outstanding leadership abilities.
• Evidence of successful corporate governance and managerial best-practice at an executive level for at least 10 years.
• Evidence of strong communication, media management and public relations skills.
• Strong understanding of finance and budget development and management.
• A valid code EB (08) driving licence.

In addition to the above minimum requirements, preference may be given to:

• Candidates from historically disadvantaged groups.
• Female candidates.
• Candidates with a business management qualification and/or experience.