Job Opportunities at WWF South Africa

Description    

•  (2-year contractual position based in Newlands, Cape Town)
• WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
• WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that has worked for 50 years with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the wellbeing of all our people. WWFs work is for nature, for you.
• Our work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.

Background

• WWF South Africa is a solution-driven organisation that constructively engages with government, companies and individuals to meet our goal of a sustainable future in which people live in harmony with nature. In over 50 years of conservation work in South Africa, WWF has increasingly played a leading role in facilitating the attitudes of people, business and government towards the environment which has resulted in tangible and lasting conservation outcomes.
• The unsustainable harvest of the world’s oceans has led to the depletion, and in some cases collapse, of many of the world’s major fish stocks. While the outlook for these threatened marine ecosystems remains bleak in the face of unsustainable fishing practices, those involved in the seafood industry are realising that by changing the way they conduct business now, the long-term viability of their industry can be ensured. Developing a sustainable seafood industry goes beyond focusing on the individual components of sustainable fishing. It requires a holistic approach, addressing all aspects along the chain of custody from the fisherman’s hook all the way to the final product delivered to the consumer at their local fish shop or restaurant. The WWF-SA Marine portfolio (Fisheries Pillar) bases its work ethos on this premise and works directly with the fishing industry and the retailers and suppliers which procure from them, through to the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI) which focuses on raising awareness amongst restaurants, chefs and consumers. 
• The WWF-SA Marine portfolio (Fisheries Pillar) aims to create a climate for the successful implementation on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) in South Africa. A key focus of this work is to provide independent credible assessments of the status of marine wild-capture and farmed species and to create market-based incentives for responsible fisheries practices by increasing the market demand for sustainable seafood. At the same time, by identifying sustainability challenges through the WWF-SASSI assessment process and working collaboratively with the fisheries involved to address these challenges. WWF-SA also prides itself as being at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to fishery sustainability challenges through hosting and co-ordinating the Responsible Fisheries Alliance – the only coalition of its kind.  In order to achieve its goal of moving fisheries towards responsible and sustainable practices, WWF-SA is seeking to appoint a Marine Science and RFA Coordinator.

Minimum Requirements    

• A MSc in Fisheries, Environmental Science, Marine Biology/ Environmental Science Management, or related field
• At least 3-4 years of work experience in multi-disciplinary project management and multi-stakeholder initiatives. (Natural resource management experience and/or knowledge of Southern African fisheries legislation and stakeholders would be advantageous.)
• Demonstrable understanding of the seafood industry
• Self-motivated, with strong administrative and project management skills (including financial management and contracting)
• Ability to deliver results while managing competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a diverse institution.
• Computer literacy.
• Passion for the conservation of nature and the involvement of businesses in the implementation of practical solutions to the challenges facing the marine environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills; confident in public speaking.
• Fluency in English.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation essential.

Duties and Responsibilities    
1. Co-ordinate the WWF-SASSI assessment process including the following:

• Identify list of priority species to be assessed in consultation with the broader marine team.
• Conduct key research to underpin WWF-SASSI assessments.
• Led by and in collaboration with the Senior Marine Scientist, work to develop draft WWF-SASSI assessments for local species using the WWF Common Assessment Methodology.
• Coordinate the inclusion of international assessments for species imported in South Africa onto the WWF-SASSI List.
• Led by and in collaboration with the Senior Marine Scientist, coordinate the WWF-SASSI assessment process, which includes public participation and external review processes.
• Participate as member of the CAM WWF Network, ensuring that South African species relevant to WWF Network partners are assessed by WWF-SA and cross-checked by the Network.
• With the Senior Marine Scientist, coordinate the inclusion of social criteria into the Common Assessment Methodology for Wild Capture Species
• Ensure electronic database of WWF-SASSI assessments are kept up to date;
• Ensure that all WWF-SASSI tools (website, app, posters and pocket cards) are updated regularly;
• Engage with the WWF Global Network on species assessment-related matters.
• Represent WWF-SA as a Scientific Observer at relevant DFFE Scientific Working Group Meetings.
• Provide scientific input on any marine related queries, publications and/or campaigns for WWF-SASSI and Retailer /Supplier participation scheme.
• Work with WWF-SASSI Manager and WWF-SA Communications team on fisheries related communications activities including events, awareness materials, newsletters, websites, media content, etc.
• The RFA Co-ordinator will serve a secretariat function and will be responsible for supporting the establishment of a broader, more inclusive and impactful RFA in taking forward an EAFs well as oversee the following:
• Preparation, co-ordination, convening and follow-up of RFA Steering Committee meetings including preparing relevant discussion documents.
• Chairing, preparation, co-ordination, convening and follow up of RFA Projects Working Group (PWG) meetings including preparing relevant discussion documents.
• Capturing and circulating minutes of RFA Steering Committee and working group minutes.
• Project administration – developing project proposals and contracts, managing project implementation and reporting.
• Supporting the Training Working Group (TWG) to meet its objectives by:
  • Overseeing the maintenance and update of the RFA Basic Training Course and the RFA One-Day Refresher Training Course materials to ensure that it remains in line with the latest international trends whilst incorporating feedback from RFA members and facilitators.
  • Collect registers on completion of all training courses and regularly update the RFA training database.
  • Develop and undertake robust Monitoring and Evaluation for RFA training to monitor the long-term impact and trends in training.
  • Facilitate a minimum of four RFA training courses per annum.
  • Facilitating the development of the training posters or alternative media as agreed by the TWG.
• Supporting the Communications Working Group to fulfil its mandate by undertaking the following:
• Drafting of any relevant media statements and alternative publications
• Supporting any other communications activities as identified by the CWG.
• Developing recommendations and position statements to facilitate implementation and championing of RFA project outcomes.
• In collaboration with the Senior Marine Scientist and Senior Manager: Marine Portfolio lobby government on RFA positions and table relevant documents at DFFE working group meetings.
• Management of all RFA expenditure and financial statements.
• Lead on the implementation of specifically identified projects in the Marine Portfolio relevant to seafood market transformation and in doing so help WWF achieved its strategic outcomes.
• Contribute to fund-raising efforts to develop WWF-SA’s Marine Portfolio
• Support administration, management and implementation of relevant Marine Portfolio and Markets initiatives when necessary.
• Support relevant collaborative and integration initiatives within WWF-SA.

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Description    

•  (1-year contract positions based in WWF-SA Head office in Newlands, Cape Town)
• WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
• WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that has worked for 50 years with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the well-being of all our people. WWF's work is for nature, for you.
• Our work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.

Minimum Requirements    
Requirements:

• Financial/Accounting diploma or degree
• 3 years experience as a project/costs accountant
• Project finance management and donor reporting within an NGO environment
• Management reporting and the production of value-added analysis leading to improved decision-making.
• Creating and implanting good financial practice and controls, including transaction reviews and adjustments
• Balance sheet reconciliations and monthly checks and balances
• Familiarity with Oracle / SAP / Oracle's NetSuite is essential.
• Practical experience in the field of financial donor reporting
• Computer literate: MS Outlook, Word and Excel intermediate level
• Analyse and summarise financial data accurately with strong attention to detail.
• Deadline-driven and able to manage conflicting deadlines.
• Ability to build good working relationships with non-finance staff.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Team player
• Positive attitude and willingness to share and develop skills further.
• Duties and Responsibilities    
• The successful candidate will report to the Small-Scale Fisheries Programme Manager and will be responsible for a broad range of accounting duties which will include the following:

Reporting and Analysis:

• Produce project-specific reporting, ensuring accuracy and adherence to donor requirements.
• Attend oversight group meetings and raise any financial strategic concerns or risks.
• Produce financial analysis to assist decision-making.
• Review, Produce, and consolidate reports for donor reporting and internal management purposes.
• Provide explanatory narrative for any reports as required.
• Design and record regular key performance indicators (KPIs) for the project(s)
• Respond to donor questions regarding financials as required.

Transaction Processing and Quality Assurance:

• Enter all transactions relating to projects onto the finance system in a timely manner.
• Create controls and processes to ensure the legality and quality of all transactions.
• Prepare and review monthly transaction listings for completeness and assurance.
• Reconcile all projects' balance sheet accounts every month.
• Prepare and review monthly reserve statements for each project.
• Ensure all transactions are supported by adequate documentation and are filed and retained in a suitable way.
• Ensure WWF-SA’s internal year-end deadlines are met.
• Review and settle all accruals before project closure.

Planning, Start-up and Closure:

• Coordinate the project budget and subsequent iterations, obtaining sign-off as required.
• Ensure maximum cost recovery, including overhead costs and levies on all projects.
• Upload the final budget into the NetSuite system and repeat for the periodic forecast.
• Develop reporting templates in line with donor requirements.
• Run financial aspects of inception workshop and provide training on donor requirements.
• Work with implementing staff to establish systems that meet donor requirements.
• Ensure all financial requirements, controls, and conditions are met.
• Work with Project Managers and Senior Managers to close out projects within the finance system and align with final donor reporting.

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Description    

• Based in WWF offices in Newlands (Cape Town), Braamfontein (Johannesburg) or White River (Mpumalanga)
• WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
• WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that has worked for 50 years with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the wellbeing of all our people. WWFs work is for nature, for you.
• Our work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.

Wildlife Programme

• South Africa is recognised as home to iconic wildlife species including the largest land mammals – the African elephant and rhinos. In recent years, these species have been threatened due to reduced habitat and changes in demand for ivory and rhino horn with such pressures exacerbated by climate change.
• In South Africa, WWF has been involved in species conservation and addressing the threats to wildlife since the 1960s. More recently we work closely with rural communities who live near to major wildlife areas to attempts to balance their threats with potential benefits. Our influence in wildlife conservation policies further assists in balancing environmental goals against social, political and economic needs.
• In all we do, we take a holistic approach towards ensuring that wildlife is valued by people and able to thrive within functioning well-managed landscapes. The approach is to ensure we enable species recovery through range expansion, protect habitat by preventing degradation and loss, address impacts of illegal wildlife trade and over exploitation, support improved governance within communities through capacity building, enhanced beneficiation and conservation stewardship.
• The promotion of the wildlife / biodiversity Economy, particularly the concept of sustainable use is of the topical issues that WWF aims to drive to ensure best practice towards benefit for nature and people. In this regard, we support research, drive policy analysis and advocacy to improve the economic and ecological sustainability of priority wildlife species and their benefits to nature and people.

Background

• WWF is looking for a highly results-oriented leader to drive vibrant engagement in the wildlife sector and deliver WWF’s intended conservation impact. The successful candidate needs to be able to oversee and build on our current portfolio of work, maintain and develop productive and lasting partnerships, lead a diverse and dispersed team and co-develop innovative approaches across sectors at the interface of wildlife conservation.  We are looking for a technical expert with a deep and proven understanding of threatened species recovery and management, sustainable use of natural resources, wildlife economy development and inclusive purpose driven community engagement. The Wildlife Programme is composed of highly competent and dynamic individuals working in dispersed teams across multiple themes. The Senior Manager Wildlife will function within the organization’s broader Environmental Programme and will be based from one of the WWF South Africa offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg or White River. The position will require extensive national and some regional / international travel.
• Our work environment is both challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be exceptional at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.

Minimum Requirements    

• Postgraduate qualification (PhD level preferred, but master’s as the minimum) in wildlife management, conservation biology, landscape ecology, resource economics or related discipline.
• A demonstrated understanding of the complexities of the different sectors of wildlife conservation in South Africa based on at least 10 years of experience.
• Working knowledge of the international NGO wildlife conservation sector, with proven exposure and productive networks within government, private and additional civil society partnerships.
• At least 7 years’ experience in managing staff and overseeing operational responsibilities of a team coordinating both professional and administrative staff members.
• Demonstrated track record of successful project management and oversight.
• Widely acknowledged as a thought leader and strategist.
• Demonstrable technical experience in most of the following areas: species management, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable use, biodiversity and wildlife economy, and the inclusion of communities in natural resource management.
• Proven ability to secure project funding including successful proposal development and maintaining strong reporting relationships with international government partners including US, UK, EU and other key partnerships.
• Understanding USAID or other public sector funding processes would be highly advantageous.
• A clear understanding of the contemporary national and international policy imperatives to South Africa’s environmental challenges and specifically related to the wildlife sector.
• Ability to inspire people (in government, business and civil society) to act on the challenges facing wildlife conservation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey complex environmental issues in a powerful way to diverse audiences.
• Capacity to act as a spokesperson on wildlife conservation for WWF South Africa including proven experience in radio, television and print interviews.
• A strong command of English as a working language is essential with an additional South African language.

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Provide strategic thought leadership to WWF South Africa’s Wildlife Programme (and WWF International Wildlife Practise).
• Maintain key networks and participate in partnership processes underpinning wildlife conservation in South Africa.
• Manage the proper functioning of the Wildlife Programme in line with set organisational policies, procedures and delegated authority.
• Assist with staff development, mentorship and transformation of the staff and, where relevant, partners linked to the Wildlife Programme.
• Build sustainable funding streams to continue implementation of the Wildlife Programme of work towards WWF Strategy 2025 and WWF International Wildlife Practise Goals.
• Work with the Strategic Communications team to develop internal and external communication material regarding the Wildlife Programme to meet Programme goals and broaden and engage constituencies.
• Serve as WWF-SA’s spokesperson in engagement with media on matters of Wildlife.
• Perform further duties as required to achieve key outcomes.