Job Description

Rangeland Coordinator - Springbok, Northern CapoeFull job descriptionRangeland CoordinatorConservation 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), a local affiliate of Conservation International (CI), 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.The Herding for Health program (H4H) a partnership between CI and The Peace Parks Foundation is a community-driven livestock management model that supports the livelihoods of rural communities living in and around protected areas, while restoring grasslands, savannas and shrublands, and conserving biodiversity through herding, capacity building, and collective governance.CSA partners with communities and communal livestock farmers to tackle the adverse effects of climate change, through nature-based solutions and through our H4H concept which promotes stewardship of biodiverse communal rangelands through Conservation AgreementsPOSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Springbok or Kamiesberg - South AfricaThe Rangeland Coordinator for the Namakwa Landscape reports to the Restoration Manager. This person will be responsible for ensuring that H4H Rangeland Management activities are carried out by both Farmers and Jobs for Nature teams in the Namakwa Landscape. CSAs Jobs for Nature initiative works to restore and secure key high biodiversity areas, while creating economic relief and long-term job opportunities for local people. This person will work closely with communal livestock farmers, climate specialists and biodiversity specialists to co-design and implement appropriate responses on 700,000 ha of communal grazing lands in the Namakwa District where climate stress, biodiversity loss and weak livestock markets are a daily reality. The key responsibilities of the Rangeland Coordinator include guiding Conservation Agreement signatory farmers on livestock management, working towards rangeland health and productivity, ensuring strategic implementation of erosion control and rangeland improvement, and monitoring and gathering of data - in alignment with the Conservation Agreements and the H4H practices.RESPONSIBILITIESCo-design, negotiation and implementation of Conservation AgreementsCo-design, negotiation, and implementation of Conservation Agreements.Co-design and negotiate Conservation Agreements with communal farmers organisations - in a participatory manner - which will enable the implementation of Grazing guidelines, Biodiversity Management guidelines, and H4H methods. Ensure a thorough understanding of Conservation Agreements with signatories and the respective farmers.Drive the successful implementation of Conservation Agreements through bi-monthly meetings with signatory organizations/farmers to identify mechanisms and actions which will enable implementation and compliance.Explore market mechanisms to provide an outlet for farmers to sell their products at competitive prices.Verify compliance with Conservation Agreement actions by signatories, by conducting spot checks on a quarterly basis.Technical support to Herding for Health beneficiariesSupport Conservation Agreement signatory livestock farmers with the implementation of Grazing guidelines, Biodiversity Management guidelines, and H4H methods.Train Farmers and Herders on good livestock management, livestock health and productivity.Support farmers with the adoption and implementation of livestock health and productivity practices, and climate-resilient livestock breeds as well as how to maintain livestock farming infrastructure.Support Farmer Organizations in forming formal Governing Structures and provide guidance on the implementation of their Business Plans.Coordination of activities for Jobs for Nature initiatives that will support stewardship signatory farmers and compliance with conservation action requirementsEnsure that the Jobs for Nature team leaders and supervisors and their teams understand the Conservation Agreements and their role in supporting the implementation of the H4H program.Identify which actions in the Conservation Agreements the Jobs for Nature teams can assist farmers with, and ensure that team leaders and supervisors include these in their work plans.Coordinate with the Restoration Manager to ensure knowledge increase for Jobs for Nature teams on Climate Change Impacts and EbA.Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and LearningCoordinate with relevant M&E officers to collect all relevant indicators, and ensure submission of data pertaining to all field activities.Facilitate an annual Lessons Learned Workshop with H4H beneficiaries and then submit a report with recommendations to the Restoration Manager.Coordinate an annual Socio-Economic Impact survey in all active program villages and submit a report to the Restoration Manager.Capture environmental data through three-tier monitoring and vegetation surveys, with guidance from the CSA M&E team.Capture relevant spatial data that can be used to inform adaptive management of livestockOther duties as assigned by the supervisor.WORKING CONDITIONSRegular office hours with occasional overtime required.Able to travel for project work, workshops, and training sessions.Visit other Landscapes, nationally and internationally, as required.This is a fixed-term assignment "expected to be a 3-year assignment, anticipated to begin on July 1, 2024, and end on June 30, 2027"QUALIFICATIONSRequired2 to 4 years of experience in working on agricultural or conservation projects with communal livestock farmers.Some firsthand experience in livestock handling and livestock farming infrastructure maintenance (fences, water infrastructure) in semi-arid areas.Solid understanding of adaptation and mitigation and knowledge of nature-based solutions to climate change.A multi-faceted individual, who has a strong ability to inspire action and adoption of sustainable practices at grassroots level and has good technical abilities.Experience in presenting to stakeholders and workshop facilitation.Ability to work well within a team and independently.Good writing skills including report writing, articles, fact sheets, etc.Proficient in the Microsoft Suite of programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Proficient in data management and fundamental statistical analysis techniques, with basic GIS skills.Able to fluently communicate in both Afrikaans and English - writing, speaking, and reading.A valid drivers license and experience of driving on remote, gravel roads.PreferredA Diploma or Degree in Agriculture and/or environmental-related field and/or a conservation-related field.Experience in the implementation of land management and land restoration projects.Experience in the implementation and management of livestock (agricultural) value chain interventions.To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.Application Deadline: June 20, 2024 (11:49 PM EST)See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HEREConservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.

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