Succulent Karoo Project Coordinator at WWF South Africa

Description    

(This is a 48-month fixed term contract position based in Newlands, Cape Town)

Background:

• Are you passionate about conservation and making a tangible impact in one of South Africa's most unique biodiversity hotspots? We are seeking a dedicated and highly organised Succulent Karoo Project Coordinator to play a critical role in administering projects funded by the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust (LHSKT). This role focuses on managing relationships with external partners and using effective organisational skills to help implement conservation projects within the Landscape.
• The successful candidate will facilitate and oversee the implementation of LHSKT-funded projects across both the Northern Cape/Arid Zone Landscape and the Cape Floristic Region Landscape, ensuring alignment with WWF Strategy and LHSKT Objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities    

Project Management and Coordination

• Facilitate and oversee the implementation of LHSKT-funded projects across the Northern Cape/Arid Zone and Cape Floristic Region Landscapes
• Organise and manage contractual agreements for project disbursements
• Implement project changes as agreed upon with relevant partners
• Maintain and update Gantt Charts to monitor project progress and financial reporting in collaboration with Project Executants
• Manage and track supplier payments from WWF-managed budgets (technical assistance and operational budgets)
• Maintain a centralised filing system for project contracts, invoices, financial and narrative reports, and meeting documentation
• Consolidate progress and activities of all projects and provide feedback to the LHSKT Trustees
• Maintain relationships with project partners and executants to foster collaboration and coordination
• Attend steering committee meetings, peer learning events, capacity building sessions, and selected site assessments within the Succulent Karoo
• Oversee evaluation of projects, including coordination with appointed Independent Evaluators
• Assist GIS-based decision-making by collecting updated spatial data from partners

Programme Support

• Support the Landscape Manager: Northern Cape/Arid Zone in implementing the LHSKT Expanded Programme of Work
• Track programme and project finances against approved budgets, including expenditure and income reporting
• Compile project activities into external reports for LHSKT: Mid-year report (end of June), Annual report (six weeks after calendar year-end), and year-to-date progress reports for Trust meetings (April and August)
• Ensure compliance with WWF internal quarterly reporting requirements
• Collaboration, Integration and Operational Excellence
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to effectively deliver on impact and enabling goals
• Ensure all project reporting adheres to approved MEL data collection tools
• Ensure WWF finance and governance procedures are followed
• Ensure Design & Planning (D&P) and Project Administration Team (PAT) procedures are followed for project approvals and amendments

Minimum Requirements    

• Relevant degree/qualification in an environmental, conservation, or biodiversity-related field
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in Protected Area Management, Environmental or Biodiversity Management, or Biophysical Research sectors
• Knowledge and understanding of the South African environmental sector, role players and respective mandates, specifically South Africa's Protected Areas Network and Stewardship Programmes
• Excellent administrative and project management skills and experience
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, email, and MS PowerPoint, including working knowledge of GIS
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Independent thinking and working capabilities, with the ability to engage across organisational and hierarchical levels
• Self-managed individual with good planning and prioritising skills to manage a varied and pressurised workload and deliver results
• Proven team player, willing to accept additional responsibility, show initiative, and proactively work to exceed targets
• Valid driver's license
• Valid South African citizenship or resident status
• Fluency in English and one other African language

Closing Date    

• 2026/10/22