Job Title: Drakensberg Project Coordinator
Job Location: Midlands, Kwa-Zulu Natal
The purpose of the Drakensberg Project Coordinator is to coordinate the Drakensburg Key Catchment Conservation project within the African Crane Conservation Programme (a partnership between the International Crane Foundation and Endangered Wildlife Trust), Home to Blue, Grey Crowned and Wattled Cranes, this is one of Africa’s key sites for crane conservation. Leading a team in the Drakensberg region, this position aims to build resilience within the Drakensberg for the benefit of people and biodiversity.
Responsibilities:
- Develop a landscape level priority plan for expanding the protected area network in the region
- Develop key partnerships to ensure an integrated Population Health and Environment (PHE) approach to conservation
- Explore and pilot alternative options to habitat security such as conservation servitudes
- Improve the ecological integrity of secured sites through wetland rehabilitation
- Capacity building of landowners and alien plant control
- Develop and implement post proclamation support and incentives on secured sites
- Empower land users and owners in sustainable management practices
- Identify and drive community benefit programmes that promotes economic development and community resilience
- Develop and fulfil annual work plans and project management plans for the project
- Facilitate protected area expansion within key catchments of the Southern Drakensberg surrounding the World Heritage Site, using the Biodiversity Stewardship approach or other legal mechanisms including Conservation Servitudes
- Identify innovative post proclamation incentives and support landowners, both private and communal, in the implementation of management plans and/or management guidelines for improved grassland and wetland health
- Collaborate with other stakeholders and NGO’s working in protected area expansion to build sustainability within the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Biodiversity Stewardship Programmes
- Support the mainstreaming of Ecosystem Goods and Services monitoring into improved land management and Biodiversity Stewardship
- Support the implementation and monitoring of community livelihood projects as identified;
- Monitor and respond to all instances of threats to and mortalities of cranes in the project area;
- Provide input into relevant development applications and conservation planning projects in the area
- Ensure that at least one peer-reviewed publication is produced annually
- Mentor and develop skills of partners and stakeholders with which the ICF/EWT-ACCP work
Requirements:
- Minimum of a Masters degree in Natural Resource Management or a related, relevant field
- Minimum of five years’ experience in relevant field, with demonstrable experience working with farmers, municipality and relevant government departments being recommended
- Experience in mentoring and managing people within a team environment is essential
- Understanding of and/or experience with the biodiversity stewardship process in South Africa will be advantageous
- Understanding of grassland and catchment ecological processes and associated ecosystem services, with experience in the management of our natural resources is recommended
- Ability to conceptualize and implement projects at a landscape level, within the South African socio-economic context
- Interpersonal skills which must include the ability to work with, develop partnerships with and create a network of a range of stakeholders, including landowners, communities and government representatives at both the project and strategic levels
- Ability to present, discuss and debate challenging environmental concepts with a wider audience
- Oral and written communication skills and being conversant in English
- Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programmes and adept in using Geographic Information Systems
- Flexible to work as a team member and also independently
- Possession of a valid South African or international driver’s license, and suitable driving experience
- Ability to undertake tasks that are physically demanding
To apply, submit your CV with three references contact details and motivational letter of why you are the best candidate for this position to Emma Chisare: [email protected] or send by post to Private Bag X11, Modderfontein, 1645 or Fax to +27 086 636 5823
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application – NGO Pulse Portal
The Endangered Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants who have not been contacted within 10 days of the closing date must please assume that their applications were not successful.
The EWT reserves the right not to make an appointment.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Application Deadline: 12th November, 2018