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

Salary

• R1 270 080.00 – R 1 905 120.00 Annual Package

The organisation is looking for the services of a Project Manager: Biodiversity Economy for a fixed term contract of 5 years who will report to the Head: Socio Economic Transformation. The position will be based in Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.

Requirements

• Should be in possession of a post-graduate qualification in sustainable development, environmental management, economics, or business administration.
• Should have at least 10 years’ experience in biodiversity economy, sustainable development, business development and /or biodiversity conservation.
• Should have a strong understanding of South Africa’s socio-ecological landscape and policy environment.
• Should have a Proven track-record in designing and scaling market-based conservation solutions.
• Should have Experience in policy analysis, programme/project management and community.
• Strategic leadership with a systems thinking approach.
• Should have an Excellent communication, team leadership, partnership management, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Should have Experience in African conservation approaches or community based natural resource management.
• Should have Experience in managing donor funded projects will serve as an added advantage.
• Financial management, project and programme management, human resource, as well as monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Computer literacy and fluency in local languages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• 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.
• Understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use policies and legislation.
• Team leadership.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Listening and Presentation skills.
• Community Facilitation.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of policies, strategies and plans on biodiversity economy, in alignment with SANParks’ Vision 2040 as well as relevant national policy imperatives and global commitments.
• Co-ordinate sustainable livelihoods and economic development efforts through biodiversity-based economic activities inclusive of wildlife economy, bioprospecting, eco-tourism, restoration economy value chains especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities.
• Facilitate the creation of employment opportunities in the implementation of biodiversity economy programmes through catalytic projects that support rural and local economic development.
• Mainstream biodiversity economy into relevant organisational policies, programmes, and decision-making processes.
• Ensure sustainable use, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity within national parks and Mega-Living landscapes.
• Identify and develop business opportunities that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Foster partnerships with stakeholders, including government, private sector, traditional leadership, traditional healers, local communities, and NGOs to drive growth of the biodiversity economy, attract investment and harness innovative financing models.
• Catalyse and support nature-based enterprises to enhance revenue generation through inclusive business models, access to finance and markets, SMME development and robust skills development.
• Champion efforts to redress historical imbalances and advance land reform through biodiversity economy and biodiversity stewardship initiatives.
• Develop and implement a system to assess the impact of the SANParks biodiversity economy programme.
• Develop and implement programmes to improve the visibility of the biodiversity economy programme.
• Provide overall strategic leadership and guidance to the Biodiversity Economy unit inclusive of financial management, human resource management, performance management, and project management.
• 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.
• Implementation of performance management system.
• Training of subordinates.
• Financial planning and budget monitoring.
• Prevention of irregular expenditure.
• Develop and monitor the annual procurement plan.

Closing Date

• 06 July 2626