Minimum Requirements
A tertiary qualification in conservation ecology, natural resources management, environmental management, or relevant field
3 to 5 years’ experience in the conservation sector.
Knowledge and experience in conservation approaches and models, especially Biodiversity Stewardship in South Africa.
Experience in Protected Area Management, Biodiversity Management, and application of conservation planning strategies will be an advantage.
Knowledge of legislation related to protected area expansion and environmental management is important.
Sound knowledge of fynbos ecological processes and threats to fynbos.
Good understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and associated industry standards
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Outlook)
Good working knowledge of and use of GIS software, spatial data management and mapping.
Good presentation skills
Ability to develop project planning schedules and work according to specific deadlines and targets.
Excellent communication skills in both English and Afrikaans.
Hold a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively.
Hold good interpersonal and communication skills
Have a meticulous approach to work and keen attention to detail
Be self-motivated, with strong analytical, administrative and project management skills
Ability to develop professional working relationships with relevant partners in the public and private sectors.
Ability to innovate, develop new approaches to achieve strategic targets and contribute to critical thinking to overcome barriers to implementation of relevant strategies/ planned project outcomes.
Ability to work closely with a diverse team to achieve strategic goals.
Be mindful of cultures and working styles of individuals.
Have a passion for the conservation and the involvement of people and businesses in the implementation of practical solutions to the challenges facing the environment.
Have a collaborative spirit and ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a diverse institution.
Duties and Responsibilities
Secure priority areas within the fynbos biome using biodiversity stewardship mechanisms
Conduct all due diligence processes to identify and prioritise potential stewardship sites, aligned to WWF’s Fynbos Strategy for engagement. This includes:
Desktop spatial planning activities, producing regular reports and presentations and maintaining project databases.
Developing short and long-term project planning schedules and meeting project deadlines.
Prepare for and undertake necessary partner and landowner engagements including convening meetings with landowners and other stakeholders in accordance with stewardship processes.
Maintain and build relationships with stakeholders and participating landowners. Arrange and conduct carry on site biodiversity assessments and present findings to relevant provincial led biodiversity stewardship review panels.
Negotiate relevant stewardship agreements with landowners.
Work closely with provincial conservation agencies and contacted legal services to ensure concluding of agreements and declaration processes where applicable.
Provide post declaration support to landowners
On finalising relevant biodiversity stewardship agreements:
Develop site level biodiversity management plans for stewardship sites
Assist landowners with the implementation of management objectives provided in site management plans
Where necessary convene relevant stakeholders to support the biodiversity management and applicable technical support required.
Together with relevant stakeholders, conduct necessary annual audits and develop annual plans of operation in accordance with management plans for landowner implementation.
Where applicable, support the landowner in accessing incentives to assist in achieving management objectives.
Work closely with relevant municipalities and experts where applicable to ensure landowners receive any applicable fiscal and tax incentives related to stewardship agreements and management plans.
Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders
Maintain a professional working relationship with project funders. This includes keeping funders informed of progress through regular reporting and providing periodic presentations.
Work closely with and maintain relationships with provincial conservation authority, the provincial stewardship program and relevant stewardship platforms.
Work closely with supporting stakeholders such as conservation-based NGO’s and supporting partners such as LandCare and CapeNature.
Attend and actively participate in relevant workshops, peer learning events, stewardship and area-based platforms.
Collaborate with other WWF programmes to support the work WWF implements in common landscapes and to make use of opportunities for securing biodiversity stewardship sites.
Communicate with stakeholders timeously in a professional and efficient manner
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