Project Manager: Biodiversity Economy (Fixed-Term Contract) at South African National Parks (SANParks)

• The Organisation requires the services of a Project Manager: Biodiversity Economy in the Biodiversity Division on a 5 years fixed-term contract. This position will be based at Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.

Requirements

• NQF level 9 in Environmental Science, Economics, or related field.
• Certification in Project Management.
• Must have 7- 10 years’ experience in biodiversity economy, sustainable development, or related field.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity.
• National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act.
• National Biodiversity Economy Strategy.
• SANParks Resource Use Policy.
• SANParks Wildlife Economy Programme.
• Biodiversity Economy Operation Phakisa.
• Ocean Economy Operation Phakisa.
• Resource economics.
• Community Facilitation/Education.
• Knowledge of biodiversity economy principles, including wildlife economy, ocean economy, bioprospecting, and restoration economy.
• Experience in managing projects and teams.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and local communities.
• Team leadership.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Systems thinking.
• Financial management skills.
• Stakeholder engagement skills.
• Monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
• Diplomacy and conflict management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Excellent communication, listening and presentation skills.
• Fluency in local languages.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Ability to travel.
• Understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use principles.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies.
• Effective Communication.
• Financial management skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Stakeholder engagement skills.
• Project management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to promote biodiversity economy initiatives, aligning with SANParks’ Vision 2040 and the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES).
• Support sustainable livelihoods and economic development through biodiversity-based economic activities.
• Facilitate the creation of employment opportunities in the implementation of biodiversity economy.
• Mainstream biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into economic
• Development planning and decision-making.
• Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity.
• Foster partnerships with stakeholders, including government, private sector, traditional leadership, local communities and NGOs to drive biodiversity economy growth.
• Identify and develop business opportunities that support biodiversity.
• Conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Manage and report on overall financials and progress for the position and the relevant biodiversity economy programmes.
• Produce monthly and quarterly reports. This includes steering committee and task team meetings.
• Oversee multiple projects, ensuring they are implemented on time, within budget, and to desired outcomes.
• Track project progress against planned objectives and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement project plans to promote biodiversity-based economic activities.
• Periodically assess the effectiveness of interventions and strategies.
• Measure the impact of projects and programmes.
• Manage and mentor a team of professionals to achieve departmental goals.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations, including the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act.

Closing Date

• 24 March 2026