Job Description

Job Advert Summary

(This is a 36-month fixed term contract position based in Maclear (Nqanqarhu), Eastern Cape)





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:

As a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), South Africa has committed to protected areas expansion to accelerate the achievement of Target 3 (Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas by 2030) of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). South Africa has set ambitious goals to secure a representative, well-connected, and effectively managed protected areas estate. This will be achieved through a multi-pronged approach, which includes a biodiversity stewardship mechanism, by entering into agreements with willing private and communal landowners to protect and manage land in priority areas, led by provincial conservation authorities with support from conservation NGO partners to deliver long-term conservation goals.





The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has been working in the North-Eastern Cape grasslands since 2012, facilitating the declaration of protected areas, subsequently, several protected areas have been declared since 2014. Since 2016 to date ECPTA has been working in partnership with various conservation organisations, such as SANParks and WWF, to secure the poorly protected Grassland Biome within this region. In order for this important body of work to continue, WWF-SA has committed to appoint a dedicated Biodiversity Stewardship Coordinator and be seconded to ECPTA.





The primary purpose of this position is to support the expansion of protected areas in the NE Grasslands Priority Area of the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, to facilitate protected area expansion declaration and support the implementation of management plans in line with the National Environmental Management Act, National Protected Areas Act, 2003, and any other relevant environmental management legislation.

Minimum Requirements

Degree qualification in natural sciences i.e., environmental sciences, environmental management, conservation or biological sciences or similar. Valid driver's license Minimum of 5 years' experience in the biodiversity conservation sector, including ecological role, biodiversity stewardship and protected area management/planning Proven experience in community-based project management and implementation. Sound experience of working in the Grassland Biome and knowledge of relevant environmental legislation (NEMA/SEMA). Experience in stakeholder engagement with rural and agricultural farming communities. Proven experience in off-road and 4x4 driving. Specialization in terrestrial ecology and understanding of the agricultural sector, experience in the Eastern Cape is an added advantage. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Project management skills, including development of project proposals, reporting, and administration. Negotiation skills and understanding of agreements. Good working knowledge of GIS software, spatial data management, and mapping is essential. Fluency in spoken and written English. Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills in English. Ability to speak any two of these languages, namely, isiXhosa, Sesotho, and Afrikaans is an added advantage. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and build professional relationships with diverse partners. A meticulous approach with keen attention to detail. Ability to innovate, think critically, and develop new approaches to overcome implementation barriers. Collaborative team player, mindful of different cultures and working styles, and able to work productively under pressure. Willingness to accept additional responsibility and support/mentor new staff. Able and willing to drive a 4x4 vehicle extensively for long hours. Must be willing to relocate to the town of Maclear/Nqanqarhu in the Eastern Cape. You recognise yourself in the values of WWF: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration and Inclusion


To apply, please submit a detailed CV and cover letter combined into a single document, fully motivating the relevant skills, experience, and creativity you can bring to the role. Kindly include the names, current email addresses, and telephone numbers of three relevant references.


WWF South Africa reserves the right not to make an appointment to this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Protected Area Expansion and Management Effectiveness:

Identify and facilitate protected areas declaration through negotiations of protected areas declaration agreements with private landowners, communal land owners and the state in the NE Grasslands Priority Area. Initiate biodiversity site assessments in collaboration with ECPTA Ecologists and landscape partners. Coordinate site visits for field assessments. Convene and present biodiversity assessments to the ECPTA Review Panel Committee. Support the development of protected area management plans and Annual Operational Plans (AOPs) and the implementation thereof. Facilitate the approval process for the protected areas management plans. Conduct Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) assessments for declared protected areas. Undertake baseline data collection, monitoring, and the implementation of rangeland management initiatives within the identified priority areas. Provide appropriate technical and extension support to landowners. Provide input/advice into the integrated environmental management and EIA processes in areas affecting protected areas or areas intended for declaration.

Stakeholder Engagement

and Collaboration:

Establish, maintain, and strengthen working relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners,, various institutions, all spheres of government, SANParks, ECPTA, other NGO partners and local communities with diverse cultures (Basotho, amaXhosa, amaHlubi, Afrikaans and English speaking persons). Attend and actively participate in relevant forums, including the MDTP Biodiversity & Protected Area Working Group Meeting, Bearded Vulture Task Force, Umzimvubu Catchment Partnership, and municipal IDP meetings. Convene the Technical Task Team & Broader Stakeholder Engagements for the proposed Maloti Thaba Tsa Metsi Protected Environment and George Moshesh Protected Environment. Coordinate knowledge exchange events to enable lesson sharing and innovative approaches to conservation.

Project Coordination and Administration:

Manage project finances against budgets and ensure adherence to ECPTA, WWF, and funder reporting schedules. Compile and submit monthly/quarterly progress reports and biannual technical/financial reports. Support tracking of programme technical and financial reporting. Seek relevant funding opportunities and submit proposals. Manage project assets effectively.

Organisational Requirements:

Fulfil reasonable organisational requirements. Participate in necessary cluster, integration, and strategy meetings. * Engage and participate in the WWF Health and Safety committee and internal communities of practice.