Landscape Conservation Intelligence Manager (Level 11), George Regional Office at CapeNature

Job Description

• The purpose of the Landscape Conservation Intelligence Manager (LCIM) is to be responsible for the generation, assimilation, interpretation and distribution of biodiversity knowledge and knowledge management systems in support of conservation planning and assessment. LCIMs implement Strategic Adaptive Management (SAM) models and develop management plans for the protection of biodiversity based on sound knowledge to inform protected area management, biodiversity plans, land use planning and monitoring and evaluation. The LCIM ensures the integration of knowledge and planning systems into the landscape and protected area management. The LCIM leads and manages an integrated team, facilitate the implementation of strategies, devolve knowledge into the landscape, plan work, report and manage the functional, human resources, financial and assets of the Landscape Conservation Intelligence Unit.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Key Performance Area: Manage effective data, knowledge and information flow in order to produce quality data, information and intelligence to inform and facilitate strategic adaptive management.
• Ensure that updated landscape datasets for all priority projects (E.G. Landuse applications, Permanent Protea Monitoring, Post Fire, IAP, WCGDDB, GORR, SOB, etc.) are maintained.
• Conduct or facilitate priority landscape monitoring, E.G. for CBA, Cape Mountain Zebra and Protea Plot Monitoring. AVM post fire, rare plants, focus biodiversity surveys.
• Ensure that annually verified biodiversity data is submitted corporately.
• Provide landscape feedback on tracking priority tasks, such as eco-matrix completion, PAMP Strategic Implementation Framework implementation, METT action plans, BMP monitoring requirements.
• Key Performance Area: Provide ecological decision support for effective landscape conservation and ensure sound scientific analysis of data through coordination to guide management planning and assessment.
• Attend quarterly CapeNature stewardship review committee meetings.

Contribute or ensure LCI contributions to landscape products\responsibilities such as:

• IWP and APO development. 
• Landscape custodianship responsibilities.
• Relevant CapeNature strategies.
• All landscape GMP applications.
• Ecological monitoring protocols eg eco-matrix projects.
• Ensure that the number of formal Land Use commenting letters per quarter and required number of informal engagements per quarter are met.
• Ensure that input is provided on all permit applications within the designated timeframes.
• Ensure that priority landscape biodiversity data is analysed to produce management recommendations.

Key Performance Area: Facilitate and lead integrated landscape and protected area planning and review.

• Ensure all landscape component eco-matrices are reviewed and that the projects are aligned to PAMP viability assessments and that the products approved and uploaded on the BMS annually.
• Ensure that PAMPs are developed\revised (according to corporate schedule) and compile the State of Protected Area Reports, accompanied with Monitoring and Evaluations Assessments on an annual basis per selected PAMPs.
• Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) responsibilities.
• Lead METT assessments.
• Facilitate the development of METT actions.
• Ensure that METT results are updated onto National METT website.
• Produce METT landscape report and action plan.
• Ensure that comment is compiled on all Protected Area development proposals and event applications for CapeNature managed protected areas.

Key Performance Area:Build landscape intelligence knowledge and capacity and engage stakeholders and partners to support conservation management and ecosystem resilience through coordination and networking.

Partnership responsibilities

• Maintain active landscape partnerships with inter alia Municipalities, Biosphere partners, DEADP, academic institutes, specialists, etc..
• Contribute to the development of landscape MOUs.
• When required engage partners to facilitate custodianship agreements for priority species.
• Engage relevant forums and platforms (e.g. working groups) to promote biodiversity conservation/planning/mainstreaming.
• Review and/or provide input into guidelines, planning documentation or legislation.
• Attend, present and represent the landscape at relevant events. (e.g. conferences).
• Ensure that the following training\support is provided through the LCI unit:
• Necessary annual GIS training is conducted when required.
• Priority GIS support to landscape staff is provided.
• Ecological training of field staff regarding the use of conservation software.
• Conservation planning and/or landuse capacity building interventions

Key Performance Area:Assume accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management of Landscape Conservation Intelligence in the Landscape.

• Identify, support the acquisition and maintenance of priority landscape monitoring equipment within the LCI unit; Annual update relevant GIS and Software products and tools.
• Facilitate and manage landscape adherence to organizational policies and standards.
• Complete the performance agreement and appraisal process for LCI staff.
• Engage with strategic landscape management, contribute to decision-making and fulfill information feedback loop to staff.
• Actively engage with fellow landscape LCI unit staff to ensure organisational consistency.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and Experience

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in ecology and/or nature conservation: NQF level 7.
• Strong ability to lead with a minimum of 6 years’ experience in the Conservation Sector, which should include management of stakeholders, partnerships or projects.
• A proven thorough understanding of ecological theory, ecological processes and components of biodiversity of the Western Cape.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interface with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work effectively as part of multi-disciplinary team and independently.
• Physically fit and willing and able to undertake strenuous fieldwork under varying climatic and terrain conditions.
• Prepared to travel extensively and be away from home for periods of time.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, be competent driving long distances and 4x4 vehicles.
• Proficiency in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape and the ability to write reports and minutes in English.
• No criminal record
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• A good working knowledge of GIS.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret conservation policies and legislation.
• A confident, committed, service-orientated, organized, and innovative predisposition.
• Ability to problem solve, prioritize and adapt according to circumstances.
• Knowledge of Miradi planning software.

AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle;
• A hybrid working system permitting remote work within limitations, where applicable.
• Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees;
• Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape;
• Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines; Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
• The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.