Overview

Purpose of the Position: The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), one of the largest biodiversity conservation NGOs in southernAfrica, is seeking to employ a dynamic, passionate and confident person to lead the strategic planning and manage the day-to-day activities of the EWT’s Urban Conservation Programme (EWT-UCP). This post includes the implementation of the Modderfontein Nature Reserve Management Plan and the integration of this reserve into the broader conservation objectives and opportunities for Gauteng and its residents.

Reporting line: Head of Conservation

Programme description: Faced with escalating urbanisation, it is increasingly necessary to integrate cities and other urban areas into broader conservation efforts, and to ensure that representative biodiversity is conserved and that ecosystem function is retained as far as possible within urban boundaries. The EWT-UCP integrates sound biodiversity conservation practice into urban planning, urban development and urban living among all stakeholders to achieve this aim.

As a flagship project of the EWT-UCP, the EWT has the management responsibility for a 275 hectare nature reserve in the heart of Gauteng. Management of this reserve is undertaken in partnership with a broad and diverse stakeholder group, according to an established management plan. The EWT-UCP manager will have full responsibility for implementing the management plan, periodically reviewing and updating it, and overseeing the complete and effective management of the reserve.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the strategic development of the EWT-UCP through the development, implementation and regular review of the strategy.

• Leading the development and implementation of the Annual Programme Plan; ensuring sustainable growth and achievement of programme objectives and targets.

• Management of the Modderfontein Nature Reserve, ensuring full implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and compliance with all the requirements of the EWT’s management agreement in this regard.

• Ongoing review and where necessary, revision of the reserve EMP that addresses, but is not limited to the reserve’s environmental sustainability; identification and development of opportunities for the reserve to play a key role in the conservation of threatened faunal and floral species; identification and facilitation of appropriate biodiversity and environmental research projects in the reserve; monitoring of key species and the impact of management actions in the reserve; and the development of opportunities to enhance the conservation status of the reserve through, for example, biodiversity research, and environmental education.

• Development and implementation of a sound business plan for the reserve that ensures its financial sustainability and the development of a range of activities and/or events appropriate to the reserve.

• Engagement with stakeholders and management of stakeholder relations.
• Networking to ensure expansion of the stakeholder base and reach.

• Facilitating the involvement of relevant EWT programmes and other conservation/environmental NGOs in the implementation of the EWT-UCP.

• Developing and managing donor relations and media interest in the EWT-UCP and the reserve.

• Reporting to partners, donors and all stakeholders on the progress and work of the EWT-UCP and the reserve.

• Developing effective strategic partnerships and/or relationships with organisations, companies and government around EWT-UCP.

• Increasing awareness and participation in the EWT-UCP amongst target audiences.

• Developing and managing the EWT-UCP budget, with the aim of achieving financial sustainability by undertaking proactive fundraising for EWT-UCP activities, events and projects.

 

Qualifications and requirements

The minimum requirements for this position include:

• A minimum of a postgraduate qualification in a relevant field;
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in a relevant field and a proven track record in reserve management;

• Proven management and supervisory experience, including an ability to provide leadership and mentorship to staff;

• The ability to network effectively, and collaborate well with partners;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of programmes;

• Bilingualism is an advantage;

• Possession of a valid South African or international driver’s license, and suitable driving experience.

• Only mature, self-driven individuals with passion and a strong conservation ethic will be considered.

This full-term position is based at the EWT head office in Modderfontein, Johannesburg. The Endangered Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants who have not been contacted within 10 days of the closing date must please assume that their applications were not successful. The EWT reserves the right not to make an appointment.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Closing date: 20th August 2014. To apply please e-mail your CV and a detailed motivation letter to Alison Janicke the Human Resource Manager,  vacancies@ewt.org.zaor Private Bag X11, Modderfontein, 1645 or fax to +27 086 636 5823.

 
 

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