iSimangaliso GEF 7 Biodiversity Stewardship and Livelihoods Facilitators at iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Reporting to GEF 7 & PMU Manager, a vacancy for GEF 7 Stewardship and Livelihoods Facilitator exists. The incumbent is expected to facilitate biodiversity stewardship and human livelihoods programme within the iSimangaliso GEF 7 Node.  It will also assist with the local implementation of national biodiversity economy initiatives and further provide impetus to the current implementation of the Park’s socio-economic development initiatives aimed at benefiting local communities and other relevant stakeholders.

Job Requirements and Competencies:

• A minimum of three-year degree in Natural Sciences or Environmental Management or equivalent is required. Post graduate degree in these fields will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 1 year work experience in the relevant field
• Experience in interacting with diverse range of stakeholders mainly rural communities.
• Knowledge of all relevant conservation and environment legislation
• Process facilitation skills, conflict management and negotiation skills

Must have a valid drivers’ license.

Required SkillsProblem solving;

• analytical thinker; project management; conflict management, written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to work productively under pressure and long hours; relationship building and management skills; ability to deliver within the deadline, negotiation skills, diligent work ethic with attention to detail; self-motivated and pro-active; disciplined & team player.

Key Responsibilities:

• The main tasks of the position will be to facilitate biodiversity stewardship and livelihoods initiatives within iSimangaliso with local traditional landowners through undertaking the following responsibilities:
• Ensure effective implementation of the biodiversity stewardship programme.
• Facilitating the various components of the GEF 7 project within iSimangaliso for the purpose of building a biodiversity economy for community livelihoods. 
• Work with various community stakeholders to facilitate the creation of a sustainable biodiversity economy.
• Facilitate Community Engagements and Consultations for stewardship and livelihoods.
• Negotiate with local community leadership to encourage them to set aside their land for stewardship programme implementation around iSimangaliso.
• Facilitate the declaration of contractual community conservation areas abutting and or associated with the park. 
• Conduct monitoring and compile relevant reports to the Project Management Unit Manager. 
• Provide support and assist with the facilitation and creation of a platform for the various role players within the project to exchange knowledge across national project nodes.
• Participate in knowledge sharing, learning, and training for the GEF 7 project as well as the overall iSimangaliso biodiversity stewardship programme.
• Facilitating the implementation of SMMEs seed funding allocations and accompanying incubation process for enterprises in the biodiversity economy.
• Coordinate community equity packaging during the negotiations for Private Public Participation processes.
• Facilitate GEF 7 economic projects, the adaption of the biodiversity economy node masterplans into investment, frameworks, including identifying potential anchor investments suitable to iSimangaliso Node.