Job Description

Senior Director, GLTFCA Landscape
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.
Conservation South Africa (CSA), as a local affiliate of Conservation International, is committed to helping societies adopt a more sustainable approach to development--one that considers and values nature at every turn and improves human well-being through the conservation of healthy ecosystems and the goods and services they provide. CSA seeks to influence policy, develop markets, engage the private sector, and support communities to develop and implement conservation-based economic growth models and long-term human well-being.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa
The Senior Director for the GLTFCA Landscape reports to the CEO/Country Director and assists in the delivery of Conservation South Africa's (CSA) rangeland portfolio. This position should preferably be based in the project area. However, and if preferable, the successful candidate could also be based at the CSA office in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
The Senior Director is responsible for overseeing and guiding the implementation of designated landscape activities in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), and provision of strategic leadership and guidance to landscape staff to ensure goals and outcomes are in line with CSA's mission, vision, and strategies. A key responsibility of the Senior Director will be the creation and maintenance of strategic partnerships with Government (local and provincial), local governance structures, Traditional Authorities, landscape partners, and stakeholders, and the GLTFCA conservation agencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to effectively implement program activities and ensure high-impact outputs by leading and collaborating with key project partners in the GLTFCA landscape, ensuring goals and outcomes are in line with key programs, initiatives, and projects.
• Provide strategic oversight and team leadership to effectively implement program activities and ensure high-impact outputs by leading and inspiring landscape program and technical staff, ensuring goals and outcomes are in line with CSA's mission, vision, and strategies.
• Ensure the effective coordination and implementation and long-term sustainability of CSA demonstration projects in the K2C, Greater Kruger and GLTFCA Landscape, through effective delivery on existing donor-funded pilots and the implementation and management of new projects. This includes project management (being project life cycle from start to finish).
• In collaboration with the Senior Director: Conservation Strategy and Development and K2C senior management, provide strategic inputs on M&E, Climate Change, and EbA/NBS and Sustainable Rangeland activities and strategies pertaining to the K2C / GLTFCA Landscape demonstration projects.
• Maintain strategic partnerships with GLTFCA, Government (Local and Provincial), local governance structures, traditional authorities, landscape partners, and other stakeholders.
• Continuously cultivate and engage stakeholders, including donors, government and NPOs, technical colleagues, and other partners critical to program success, being conscious of unintended consequences and the impact of decisions.

Perform other duties as assigned.
People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• This position will be responsible for the management of staff in the Landscape and requires a balance of high challenge, high support for employees.
• Create a nurturing environment of mentorship and guidance for staff, whilst providing clear boundaries.
• Contribute to the formulation of annual plans, operating plans, budgets, and project expenditure requests in line with all CI's strategic goals and objectives, and operations.
• Ensure sound administration of funds and other assets that are allocated to the GLTFCA Landscape.
• Directly oversee and ensure program compliance with CI policies, funding agreements and local requirements.
• Ensure accurate and timeous financial and progress reporting to Senior Management, donors and key partners.
• Represent the CSA at relevant meetings and workshops at International, National, and local level as requested by senior management.
• Implement a communication protocol for Project staff to facilitate appropriate and professional communication to all relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate site visits by donors or Program leadership as and when required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Local office conditions in a rural landscape.
• 30% travel domestically & regionally.
• Flexible work arrangements.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required

• Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of experience, in environmental/conservation management, rural development, sciences/natural sciences/agriculture/rangeland management, integrated water resource management, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of conservation management, rangeland management, and experience in the implementation of both climate change and conservation & development programs.
• Proven history of planning, managing, and implementing large landscape-scale and multi-stakeholder integrated conservation and development programmes/projects.
• Experience in project management and including extensive people management experience.
• Proven ability to lead and work in and lead a diverse team in a rural setting.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proven experience with monitoring and reporting on donor projects.
• Experience in managing budgets and solid managerial finance knowledge.
• Practical community engagement experience with an understanding and passion for working with rural people.
• English and beneficial vernacular language (Tsonga, Sepedi, or Siswati).
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Masters degree
• Experience working with government-funded conservation, poverty alleviation and rural development programs.
• Experience working in the NPO sector.
• Previous work experience in working in the GLTFCA landscape will be an added advantage.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.
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Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

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