Job Description

Job Advert Summary

(Based in George, Southern 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:

The Fynbos Extension Officer will work closely with the coordinator for the fynbos program of work to pursue the protection of important biodiversity features within the fynbos biome on privately owned land. The extension officer will be responsible for the identification, prioritising and negotiation of appropriate biodiversity stewardship agreements as well as provide technical advice and support to participating landowners. This position will require efficient project management including strict reporting on progress to WWF donors and management.

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. 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.

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