Job Description

Job Advert Summary

The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) is South Africa's only specialist agricultural bank established in 1912, the bank's sole objective is to serve South African commercial and emerging farmers and bring specially designed financial services within their reach. These services enable farmers to finance land, equipment, improve assets and obtain production credit. The Land Bank provides financial services that have moved with the times and continues to provide services to agri-business and constantly reviews its offerings to ensure that they match the needs of an industry. As change has swept across the sector in South Africa the socio-economic makeup of agriculture has altered, bringing new entrants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds on to the land, these new farmers, facing the challenges of establishing sustainable agri-businesses across the agricultural value chain, Land Bank has been a commercial lifeline offering appropriately designed financial products that facilitate personal and commercial viability in a sector that is vital to the sustainability of South Africa and its people.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To support the operationalisation of Land Bank's Sustainability Framework through the coordination and delivery of targeted sustainability programmes, products and services, internal capability building, and strategic stakeholder engagement. The role is responsible for translating the sustainability framework into action, embedding sustainability across the organisation, and strengthening the Bank's external credibility and partnerships. This includes leading internal engagement platforms, facilitating awareness and training initiatives, and supporting the Bank's participation in national and international sustainability forums. The role requires strong relationship-building, project coordination, and communication capabilities to influence change within a growing and evolving sustainability function.

Key Performance Areas

1.

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Coordinate and monitor cross-departmental sustainability projects and ensure alignment with the Bank's scorecard targets. Provide input into quarterly submissions to ExCo and Board, as required. Track implementation risks, recommend solutions, and ensure feedback loops are embedded in all programme cycles.

2. IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK

Translate the approved Sustainability Strategy into an annual implementation plan, prioritising initiatives as well as products and services with measurable impact. Design and facilitate internal sustainability committees, working groups, and staff engagement forums.

3. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND TRACKING

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public, private, and civil society actors to drive sustainability initiatives. Design and implement a strategic stakeholder engagement plan aligned to the Bank's sustainability goals and framework. Support the Bank's participation in key national and global sustainability platforms and forums (e.g. PRB, UNEP-FI, Just Transition forums). Collaborate with Communications to position Land Bank as a credible and responsible sustainability actor by contributing to joint statements, industry consultations, and sector reports. Establish, nurture, and manage relationships with key sustainability actors to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and funding opportunities. Lead and coordinate the planning, content development, and delivery of Bank-hosted sustainability events and campaigns. Support the development and tracking of partnership agreements, MOUs, and co-investment proposals aligned with the Bank's sustainability objectives.

4. INTERNAL CAPACITY BUILDING AND AWARENESS

Design a structured plan that aligns learning priorities with the Bank's Sustainability Strategy, incorporating key themes such as climate risk, just transition, ESG integration, and SDGs. Facilitate regular sessions for staff across functions and levels, using tailored content and formats (e.g. in-person, virtual, self-paced) to embed core sustainability principles and expectations. Develop toolkits, guides, explainer documents, and an internal sustainability resource hub (e.g. intranet space) to support ongoing learning and awareness. Establish and coordinate internal working groups, communities of practice, or knowledge exchanges to encourage peer learning and application of sustainability practices across business units. Track participation, gather staff feedback, and assess learning effectiveness to iteratively improve the relevance and impact of training and awareness efforts. Facilitate internal sustainability awareness and training programmes to strengthen organisational capability.

Preferred Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field. 5 years' experience in sustainability, development, or related programme implementation roles, preferably within the financial services, agriculture, or development sectors. 3 - 5 years' demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder sustainability initiatives, partnerships, or cross-functional projects. 3 - 5 years' proven track record in facilitating internal awareness, learning programmes, or change management initiatives related to ESG, SDGs, or sustainability strategy. 3 - 5 years' Strong exposure to sustainability-related reporting, communications, or strategic planning.

Critical Competencies

Advanced Microsoft Office Problem Solving Business Acumen Stakeholder Management Organisation and Planning Reporting Excellent Written & Verbal Communication

Additional Requirements

Knowledge/Experience of Business Environment * Land Bank Act