Open Job Vacancies 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.

go to method of application »

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct and enable the development and integration of knowledge, planning and monitoring systems to advance the practice of integrated catchment management (ICM):

• Compile the Annual Fire Report.
• Lead and contribute to the development of Landscape Veldfire Response Plans.
• Provide inputs into the Western Cape Province Disaster Risk Strategies.
• Contribute to the compilation of a Disaster Management Plan.
• Develop and standardise integrated catchment management systems across all Landscapes.
• Provide technical inputs to assess legal liabilities related to fire damage and assist with the preparation of evidence.
• Ensure fire awareness is mainstreamed internally and externally.

Direct, develop and integrate effective integrated catchment management policy:

• Contribute to the implementation of the ICM 5-Year Strategy and Implementation Plan.
• Provide decision support.
• Prioritise interventions for integrated catchment management including, fires, invasive alien species and rehabilitation within the province.
• Develop risk reduction mitigation measures and the implementation thereof.
• Identify and participate in relevant research projects.

Generate impact through the enablement, development and integration of leading-edge technologies, practice, policy, science and innovation:

• Lead priority integrated catchment management planning interventions to support operations in the landscapes.
• Analyse main findings and recommendations from pre- and post-fire season audits on CapeNature managed Protected Areas and provide a summary report.
• Ensure the Incident Command System (ICS) is implemented effectively at relevant incidents and participate in ICS where required and at the Provincial level.
• Lead the assessment of specialised fire PPE and equipment needs and ensure provision to Landscapes before fire season.

Engage and collaborate with strategic partners for advancing, securing and enabling the development and deployment of biodiversity conservation capabilities:

• Direct and guide the prioritisation of strategic partnerships and finalisation of all relevant partnership and stakeholder agreements.
• Contribute to and enable the development of funding proposals.
• Contribute to the review of fire partnership cost-benefit analyses.
• Lead and direct the implementation of disaster management.
• Coordinate all resources for fire suppression in CapeNature in consultation with other partners and stakeholders.

Direct and implement the development of biodiversity capability, capacity and the integration of innovation and technology:

• Manage the research, development and implementation of innovative technologies, concepts, practices and processes.
• Lead the identification and facilitation of the development and deployment of Biodiversity Capabilities in Conservation Operations.
• Direct the development of Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures for integrated catchment and associated tools and training interventions.
• Promote awareness about healthy ecosystems, habitats and landscapes, and ecosystem services.
• Lead the coordination of staff training in natural disaster management response.

Embody CapeNature’s core values and core management standards:

• Embody the CapeNature’s iCARE values: innovation, customer service, accountability, respect, and ethics.
• Provide strategic leadership.
• Ensure sound financial management and manage human and asset resources effectively.
• Ensure team cohesion and empowerment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant NQF 7 or higher qualification in Nature Conservation.
• Five to eight years’ working experience in integrated catchment management in the fynbos environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the functioning of ecological processes and conservation management. Applicants are required to include details of relevant conservation management experience in their resumes.
• Demonstrated project leadership and management ability. Applicants are required to upload an example of a completed project or plan for which they were they were responsible.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of applicable legislation and the implementation thereof.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity of the Western Cape, and the primary threats to biodiversity in the Western Cape.
• Incident Command training and experience: Minimum Certificate ICS 300/400 or ICS 420 qualification as well as Certificate in General Staff position-specific training. Applicants are required to upload certification.
• Bilingualism in at least two of the official languages of the Western Cape.
• Advanced understanding and experience of sound financial management.
• In possession of a valid unendorsed Code EB unendorsed driver’s license with own vehicle. Must be willing to regularly travel extensively throughout the Western Cape Province and elsewhere as required.
• No criminal record.

Competencies

• Advanced analytical, strategic, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure with multiple stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, writing, reporting and presentation skills.
• Advanced project planning and organizing skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Detailed knowledge of and demonstrated experience using a full-featured GIS Software Package/s (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritise and adapt, managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.