Stakeholder Engagement Officer ( L7) - Walkerbay Nature Reserve at CapeNature

Job Description

This position is suited to a dedicated self-motivated conservationist who will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area expansion, environmental awareness, and stakeholder engagement in Landscape South.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

LANDSCAPE GOVERNANCE AND ENGAGEMENT

• Establish and maintain Protected Area Advisory Committees in the Landscape to promote co-governance mechanisms.
• Integrate planning and service delivery at Landscape unit level by participating in Reserve Management Committees and key forums within the Landscape.
• Establish and support co-governance mechanisms for protected areas.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and maintain a Landscape-based Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and Management Plan.
• Establish an effective stakeholder participatory structure that will meaningfully engage CapeNature on community conservation matters.
• Develop and maintain a Stakeholder Engagement Communications protocol.
• Develop and maintain a Landscape-based Stakeholder Database.
• Managing resources effectively and efficiently, in relation to stakeholder engagement.
• Mitigate perceived conflict with stakeholders through sound conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Managing relationship with Natural Resource User Groups.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Management of strategic implementation plans with the focus on Stakeholder Engagement.
• Co-contribution to METT actions for nature reserves in the Landscape.
• The management of community-based partnerships and projects to advance biodiversity conservation, environmental education & awareness.
• Provide extension services to communities and landowners, with regards to Biodiversity Stewardship in the Landscape.
• Support the implementation of Sustainable Harvesting and Access protocols.
• Assist in implementing Youth Development and Job Creation Projects in the Landscape.
• Facilitate initiatives in support of SMME development in the Landscape for neighboring communities.

ADVOCACY

• Leading the implementation of brand-building initiatives at a Landscape level, in support of the corporate advocacy strategy.
• Leading the implementation of Environmental Education, Awareness, and various outreach efforts at Landscape level, in support of the corporate strategy.
• Influencing stakeholders in respect of biodiversity conservation and environmental resource management programmes by establishing innovative partnerships in the Landscape.
• Support the implementation of an Access Strategy at Landscape level, by facilitating access and interventions which advances community-beneficiation.

CAPACITY BUILDING

• Leading the implementation of Environmental Education Commemorative Days/Social Days/Calendar Days.
• Initiate and enable Social Science Research to deepen the understanding of community-based networks, governance, and decision-making processes.
• Establish and manage a group of Honorary Nature Conservators with capacity building initiatives.
• Facilitate initiatives in support of Local Economic Development, in particular training of local SMME’s.
• Effective facilitation of volunteer groups and stakeholder capacity building initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Natural/Social Sciences or Economic Management Sciences.
• At least two years’ experience and involvement in community liaison and project development.
• Above average interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a team.
• Good understanding of the Conservation Economy and the National People and Parks program.
• Good understanding of environmental education approaches and conservation principles.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement processes.
• A good understanding of landscape community dynamics and networks.
• Understanding of broader government priorities and policies on EPWP, environment and economic development.
• 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
• No criminal record

COMPETENCIES:

• Experience in awareness raising, environmental education and community projects.
• Project management
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.
• Conflict resolution skills.