Job advert: Natural Resource Co-management Facilitator at AWARD in Hoedspruit

Natural Resource Co-management Facilitator

This fixed-term contract position has opened at the Association of Water and Rural Development (AWARD), an NGO based in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province. This position will form part of the AWARD team within the USAID RESILIM-Olifants program, the purpose being to reduce vulnerability through building improved transboundary governance and management of the Olifants Catchment so as to enhance the resilience of its people and ecosystems through systemic and social learning approaches.  The post is based at AWARD’s office in Hoedspruit.

This is a middle to senior management post which includes administrative responsibilities

Job Purpose: To contribute to holistic and systemic action-research and implementation related to community based co-management of biodiversity and natural resources (including protected area co-management and biodiversity stewardship) and (climate) change mitigation in the Olifants River Catchment (especially in areas of land tenure change).

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Oversee the collaborative strategic design, planning and implementation of transformative approaches for co-management initiatives in key areas of the Olifants River Catchment so as to promote biodiversity and water conservation, livelihood security and climate change adaptation
• Oversee technical and socially-orientated field work and monitoring in relation to the above work
• Oversee, support and strengthen community engagement and participation for protected area co-management and governance, biodiversity stewardship, and further natural resource management
• Oversee engagement with further stakeholders involved in above areas, including conservation and natural resource management agencies
• Contribute to the systemic analysis of ecosystems, biodiversity, livelihoods and natural resource management in relation to climate change and other change factors
• Partake in strategic planning and management of implementation initiatives directed at natural resource protection and restoration in a changing world
• The incumbent may also be required to oversee work related to mining in terms of public concerns and contestations

Qualifications, experience and key competencies

Job specific:

• Minimum M.Sc. degree;
• Background in natural resources management or agricultural sciences, or related fields;
• Minimum of five (5) years professional working experience and focus on community engagement, facilitation and research;
• Management  and decision making experience for at least three (3) years is essential;
• Project management and budget monitoring skills;
• Interpersonal skills;

• Interest and experience in participatory systemic approaches;
• Cross-cutting knowledge and skills related to biodiversity and natural resources management with a focus on climate change adaptation;
• The following skills, experience or knowledge of, will be advantageous:
  • Systemic thinking, understanding of resilience as a framing concept, developmental work
  • Experience in initiatives aimed at social transformation – or a demonstrable ability to learn

• Experience in relation to land reform issues and support for new governance arrangements will be a distinct advantage;
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and sectors;

General:

• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy;
• Adaptability;
• Liaise with project partners;
• Teamwork and collaboration;
• Computer literacy and knowledge of office software packages (Microsoft Office package and GIS software);
• Planning and project skills;
• Human resources management and supervisory experience;
• Basic financial management knowledge;
• Fluency in English (read, write, understand);
• Preference will be given to persons that have previously worked in an NGO environment;
• Working knowledge of USAID funded projects or other donor funded projects is also an advantage;
• Valid driver’s licence (EB) – must have driving experience of more than 2 years;
• Preferably the incumbent should have his/ her own car as a pre-requisite for this management position;
• Willingness to travel.

For more information, please visit www.award.org.za

AWARD is committed to fair recruitment and selection practice and shall not discriminate on grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, political opinion, culture, language and birth.