Terms of Reference – Bioregional integration officer: wildlife economy
Full-time Contract: 2 ½ years
R382 897 per annum (Full cost to company)
Closing date: 10 August 2016
Purpose
To integrate and support the implementation of local and bioregional programmes within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, contributing to the wildlife economy and natural resource programme outcomes and community empowerment strategies.
Key performance areas
1. Develop a framework for bioregional programme integration and support to wildlife economy and natural resource implementation priorities;
2. Coordinate the K2C Research forum and participate in the learning/research networks of the GEF PA, other relevant training and research fora and institutions (e.g. South African Wildlife College, Wits Rural Facility, Mpumalanga University, UP Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station etc., the Man and Biosphere and GLTFCA networks;
3. Coordinate the K2C community business incubator hub-, capacity development and training initiatives supportive of the wildlife economy strategies;
4. Mainstream the natural resource and wildlife economy programmes into local government and key sectors within the K2C region;
5. Provide and enable inputs of local communities, NGOs and partners into relevant policy and planning processes relevant to the wildlife economy and natural resource management, including the Man and Biosphere Programme;
6. Coordinate the Monitoring and Evaluation reporting for the Lowveld GEF PA programme, linking to a broader bioregional M&E reporting.
Key duties
1. Engage through the Lowveld Protected Area Steering Committee, with other sectors and programmes such as the GLTFCA, District and local municipalities, DEA Biodiversity Lab Wildlife Economy programme, DEA Bushbuckridge Master Plan, GEF Mainstreaming Programme, the Man and Biosphere, DEA NRMP EPIP priorities, Conservation South Africa, Birdlife South Africa e.g. to better align wildlife economy and natural resource implementation priorities in the footprint of the K2C, partner programmes such as SANParks BSP, Herding 4 Health, the K2C Research Forum, K2C NGO network, Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Forum (GKEPF) etc.;
2. Represent the GEF PA programme at relevant bioregional programmes, with the view to better interlink and align strategic and operational priorities;
3. Liaise with the relevant training and research fora/institutions, and develop strategic and operational priorities that would support the GEF PA outcomes, leverage further opportunities/resources and institutionalise practices developed and supported by the GEF PA;
4. Develop partnerships with the Maruleng, Bushbuckridge and Ba-Phalaborwa local municipalities, for uptake of the socio-economic work supported by the GEF PA, and linked to other initiatives such as the DEA Biodiversity Lab, GEF Mainstreaming and programmes supporting transformation of the wildlife economy and empowerment of communities to access these markets;
5. Engage with DEA, the GLTCA and relevant policy mechanisms to seek ways of how communities could be enabled to participated in policy and planning processes;
6. K2C to act as “hub” for community business/enterprise development and empowerment.
Requirements
A recognised 4 year post graduate tertiary qualification in environmental education / natural resource management or similar, with preference given to an MSc or similar qualification.
At least 5 years’ experience in bioregional and land use planning, protected area management, and socio-economic models pertaining to protected areas and the rural context.
Knowledge of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, and the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere.
Knowledge of relevant environmental legislation and statutory processes.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of co-operative management models.
Strong Project Management experience.
Financial management.
Excellent communication skills, and ability to speak, read and write English.
A valid South African resident status.
Computer literacy in MS Office.
Good report writing and presentation skills.
A background in dealing with rural agricultural farming communities would be advantageous.
A valid driver’s license (Code EB), and willingness to travel (own vehicle required).
Package – Full Cost to Company:
This will be a two and a half year fixed term contract. However, the successful candidate will have the option to negotiate the total package over a two year period. The successful candidate will receive a travel and cell phone allowance.
To apply please provide a covering letter motivating why you should be considered for this position together with a detailed CV and certified copies of certificates/qualifications, ID and driver’ licence, with current e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three references.
Please forward your application to
bufferzone@kruger2canyons.org
Postal address:
PO Box 408
Hoedspruit
1380
For any queries, contact: Mr W. van der Merwe 0847960834
