Project Manager: Biodiversity Economy (Fixed-Term Contract)

Should be in possession of a post-graduate qualification in sustainable development, environmental management, economics, or business administration. Should have at least 10 years’ experience in biodiversity economy, sustainable development, business development and /or biodiversity conservation. Should have a strong understanding of South Africa’s socio-ecological landscape and policy environment. Should have a Proven track-record in designing and scaling market-based conservation solutions. Should have Experience in policy analysis, programme/project management and community. Strategic leadership with a systems thinking approach. Should have an Excellent communication, team leadership, partnership management, negotiation, and conflict management skills. Should have Experience in African conservation approaches or community based natural resource management. Should have Experience in managing donor funded projects will serve as an added advantage. Financial management, project and programme management, human resource, as well as monitoring and evaluation skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Computer literacy and fluency in local languages. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and under pressure. Knowledge of biodiversity economy principles, including wildlife economy, ocean economy, bioprospecting, and restoration economy. Experience in managing projects and teams. Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and local communities. Understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use policies and legislation. Team leadership. Critical thinking and analytical skills. Planning and organising skills. Listening and Presentation skills. Community Facilitation. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to interpret and apply policies. Adaptability and cultural sensitivity.

Lead the development and implementation of policies, strategies and plans on biodiversity economy, in alignment with SANParks’ Vision 2040 as well as relevant national policy imperatives and global commitments. Co-ordinate sustainable livelihoods and economic development efforts through biodiversity-based economic activities inclusive of wildlife economy, bioprospecting, eco-tourism, restoration economy value chains especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities. Facilitate the creation of employment opportunities in the implementation of biodiversity economy programmes through catalytic projects that support rural and local economic development. Mainstream biodiversity economy into relevant organisational policies, programmes, and decision-making processes. Ensure sustainable use, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity within national parks and Mega-Living landscapes. Identify and develop business opportunities that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Foster partnerships with stakeholders, including government, private sector, traditional leadership, traditional healers, local communities, and NGOs to drive growth of the biodiversity economy, attract investment and harness innovative financing models. Catalyse and support nature-based enterprises to enhance revenue generation through inclusive business models, access to finance and markets, SMME development and robust skills development. Champion efforts to redress historical imbalances and advance land reform through biodiversity economy and biodiversity stewardship initiatives. Develop and implement a system to assess the impact of the SANParks biodiversity economy programme. Develop and implement programmes to improve the visibility of the biodiversity economy programme. Provide overall strategic leadership and guidance to the Biodiversity Economy unit inclusive of financial management, human resource management, performance management, and project management. Oversee multiple projects, ensuring they are implemented on time, within budget, and to desired outcomes. Track project progress against planned objectives and identify areas for improvement. Develop and implement project plans to promote biodiversity-based economic activities. Periodically assess the effectiveness of interventions and strategies. Measure the impact of projects and programmes. Manage and mentor a team of professionals to achieve departmental goals. Implementation of performance management system. Training of subordinates. Financial planning and budget monitoring. Prevention of irregular expenditure. Develop and monitor the annual procurement plan.

sanparks.org