Job Description

Grasslands Conservation Project Manager - Southern MpumalangaFull job descriptionBirdLife South Africa is recruiting a suitably qualified, dedicated, innovative and dynamic Grasslands Conservation Project Manager: Southern Mpumalanga. The position is based at the BirdLife South Africa Grasslands Conservation Centre in Wakkerstroom. The incumbent will assist with the long-term habitat conservation and raising awareness of the greater Wakkerstroom area to benefit the many threatened, endemic and other bird species occurring in high-altitude grasslands.This will involve raising awareness of the threatened and endemic bird species and habitats in the area, supporting biodiversity stewardship initiatives and informing landowners of the importance of their private land, especially the grasslands and wetlands, for the conservation of birds and other biodiversity. The incumbent will support existing protected areas and contribute to the declaration of new ones, which will be done in close collaboration with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency. The Project Manager will promote sustainable land-use practices and support scientific research and monitoring of selected threatened grassland bird species.The ideal candidate must excel at relationship-building at multiple levels within the agricultural and conservation sectors and will need to engage with provincial and national conservation authorities. The role also demands regular engagement with key stakeholders, such as private landowners and the agricultural community.The position will fall under BirdLife South Africa's Landscape Conservation Programme and will report to the Landscape Conservation Programme Manager.The inherent requirements for the position are:Relevant qualification, on a postgraduate level in the Biological or Environmental Sciences.Experience in conducting biodiversity stewardship in South Africa.Extensive knowledge of South Africas birds and their habitats, particularly within the Grassland Biome.Familiarity with the South African commercial farming sector, the associated agricultural practice and cultural milieu.A sound understanding of national environmental legislation and policies, especially linked to protected areas and the Grassland Biome.Proven ability in scientific research, fieldwork monitoring, data capturing and analysis, and GIS skills.Managerial skills (people management).Experience in organising and facilitating workshops, engaging with the public, and public speaking.Report and scientific writing skills.Good communication, organisational and social skills.A valid driver's licence (and preferably 4 x 4 competency).Fluency in Afrikaans and English (this will be tested during the interviews)Must be willing to relocate and be based in Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga.Comprehensive information available from the BirdLife South Africa website https://www.birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/vacancies/The closing date to submit applications is Friday, 6 September 2024.Job Type: Full-timePay: From R35 000 per monthApplication Deadline: 2024/09/06

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