People & Parks Officer (Level 8) - Head Office, Bridgetown at CapeNature

Job Description

• The Stakeholder Engagement Component aims to support landscapes to implement programmes that promotes access to protected areas.  In addition, we create opportunities for socio economic development, the sustainable use of natural resources and creates inclusive community participatory platforms. This is in line with the legislative framework of NEMPAA (2004) and NEMBA (2004) and supports the aim of the NDP. The component seeks to appoint a People and Parks Officer 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

KPA 1 – Support Job creation programmes 

• Guide and support landscapes to ensure compliance to national guidelines with regards to EPWP projects and other job opportunities

KPA 2 - Strengthening of stakeholder engagement platforms

• Guide the mainstreaming of access and stakeholder engagement into regional strategies and action plans – this include guidance on Protected Area Advisory Committees which is a legislative requirement, also support and guide any other landscape liaison platforms.
• Develop and sustain key provincial and national stakeholder partnerships that will enhance access and stakeholder inputs and actions across the landscapes.

KPA 3 - Biodiversity Economy awareness and capacity building

• Guide landscapes with regards to opportunities which exist in the biodiversity economy field which speaks to the entity’s stance to support local economic development and creating opportunities for communities on and around nature reserves.

KPA 4 - NRUGs groups and collaborative cultural heritage management interventions

• Foster relations with NRUGs (natural resource user groups) for collaborative cultural heritage management interventions across the landscapes.

KPA 5 - Provincial People and Parks Steering Committee and Youth in Conservation Forum Programmes

• Coordinating the Provincial People and Parks Steering Committee and Youth in Conservation Forum Programmes of action and ensure that the communities of the Western Cape and the entity is represented on the national platform
• Corporate coordination of the People and Parks Programme within CapeNature and ensuring implementation and integration of the programme across landscapes  

REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Natural/Social Sciences or Economic Management Sciences
• At least 5 years’ experience in community liaison and project development
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a team
• Knowledge and experience of the Biodiversity Economy and the National People and Parks programme
• At least 5 years’ experience in youth development, stakeholder engagement processes and community dynamics and networking
• Excellent understanding of broader government priorities and policies on EPWP Phase 5, environment and economic development
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills
• Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Power Point)
• A valid driver’s license with proven driving experience

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Experience in community development / stakeholder engagement field
• Experience in EPWP Phase 5 job creation programme
• Background knowledge of People and Parks Programme and Community Based Natural Resource Management

AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle.
• 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.