General Manager: Land Claims at South African National Parks (SANParks)

Salary

• R943,635.00-R1,415,505.00

Requirements

• NQF level 8 in Land Reform and Rural Development, Community Development, Sustainable Development, or related field. NQF level 9 will be an added advantage.
• 6 years of experience in socio-economic development, transformation, or related field.
• Understanding of transformation imperatives of government.
• Understanding of SANParks Vision 2040 and its relevant policies and programmes.
• Understanding of Beneficiation Models.
• Understanding of the tourism and conservation industry.
• Implementing business improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of relevant land reform and conservation policy and legislation.
• Knowledge of contract drafting.
• Project management.
• Financial management principles.
• Governance and risk management principles.
• Stakeholder Management.
• Communication (verbal and written).
• Negotiation skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Presentation and facilitation.
• Change management.
• Financial management & reporting.
• Planning and organising.
• Feasibility and business planning.
• Leadership and teamwork.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Analytical thinking.
• Conflict management and resolution.
• Strategic thinking.
• Information management.
• Ability to deliver business improvement initiatives.
• Ethical practice and adhering to organisational values.
• Independent worker.

Responsibilities

• Lead, guide, and manage the SANParks land claims programme.
• Develop SANParks land claims policy, protocols, and strategic frameworks in line with sectoral policies.
• Lead the development of a common government position for all outstanding land claims against national parks in collaboration with the Commission of Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR).
• Provide inputs on the draft settlement agreements.
• Engage with stakeholders, claimant communities, park and regional managers, as well as relevant government departments on the resolution of land claims.
• Lead the development, review, and implementation of Co-management Agreements (including lease agreements) and associated beneficiation schemes.
• Develop cooperation agreements with strategic partners to ensure effective implementation of agreements.
• Undertake feasibility studies to assess the economic development opportunities and benefits for claimant communities.
• Develop business plans to support inclusive economic participation and increased investment and capital inflow for the development and poverty alleviation of land claim beneficiaries.
• Negotiate and facilitate agreements between claimants and other parties.
• Facilitate community benefits through sustainable land use practices.
• Conduct skills needs analysis for the implementation of a successful land claims programme
• Develop and implement the land claims capacity building programme for claimants and SANParks staff.
• Facilitate training, coaching, and mentorship to enhance skills for land reform beneficiaries, CPAs, and co-management committees.
• Monitor and evaluate the success and impact of the capacity-building interventions.
• Mobilise post-settlement funding from both the private and public sector.
• Evaluate technical support needed and identify strategic partners.
• Facilitate the development of partnership agreements to support the land claims programme.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of the land claims programme, including co-management agreements.
• Monitor, review, and provide detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on the SANParks land claims programme.

Closing Date

• 12 August 2026