Stakeholder Engagement Officer (Level 7) Karoo & Anysberg Landscape Units (5 Year Fixed Term) at CapeNature

Job Description

• We are seeking a dedicated and self-motivated conservationist to play a key role in advancing biodiversity conservation in Landscape East. The successful candidate will contribute through the expansion of protected areas, promoting environmental awareness, and engaging stakeholders to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes.

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’ relevant 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.
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.
• Conflict resolution skills.

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.