Overview

BirdLife South Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of the largest, most active, non-governmental conservation organisations in South Africa.

BirdLife South Africa is the South African Partner of BirdLife International, which operates through partners in over 120 countries and territories worldwide. The BirdLife Partnership is the leading and internationally acclaimed authority on the status of birds, their habitats, and the issues and problems affecting birds. BirdLife South Africa has special links with the BirdLife partners in Africa, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK.

BirdLife South Africa’s Conservation Division and Landscape Conservation Programme are offering an exciting internship opportunity to someone with administration, marketing, writing, fundraising and research skills with an interest in avian conservation, and who would like to make a contribution to the conservation of the natural environment.

The Landscape Conservation Programme works to protect and preserve South Africa’s key bird species and their habitats. The Head of Conservation oversees the running of BirdLife South Africa’s six conservation programmes.

The position will give the successful candidate exposure to the inner workings of a conservation NPO, and help develop a well-rounded and elevated administrative skill set that is vitally important to any successful conservation programme.

This full-time, contracted internship will be for one year, commencing 4 January 2022. Candidates should be willing to commit to the position for at least twelve (12) months.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities include providing the following:

  • General administrative assistance to the Head of Conservation and Landscape Conservation Programme Manager.
  • Assistance with regards to drafting of reports, scientific and other research, marketing, website maintenance, hosting of virtual events, fundraising, grant applications, meeting management, webinar content management, coordination and communications and social media awareness campaigns.
  • Assistance with the running with the Kruger Bird & Wildlife Challenge fundraiser.
  • Assistance with data analyses and scientific research towards the Landscape Conservation Programme’s species projects, specifically the White-winged Flufftail project.

INHERENT REQUIREMENTS

Inherent requirements for the position include:

  • A relevant degree (honours or masters) in the field of conservation, environmental sciences, nature-based tourism and/ or administration, with a fair knowledge of South Africa’s birds.
  • Fair knowledge of conservation issues facing especially birds and other biodiversity. • Language proficiency in English with excellent writing skills.
  • Research skills and experience.
  • Basic website editing knowledge.
  • Administrative ability.
  • Meeting management experience.
  • Social media proficiency.
  • Excellent Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Relevant administrative, and/or marketing, and meeting management work experience.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Confidence, energy, self-discipline, self-motivation.
  • Strong people skills.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • GIS proficiency.
  • Code 8 drivers licence.

GENERAL

The successful candidate will be based at Isdell House, BirdLife South Africa’s head office in Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, and will report to the Head of Conservation and Landscape Conservation Programme Manager. Depending on the BirdLife South Africa’s COVID-19 protocol, the successful candidate may also be expected to work remotely and should be willing and able to do so.

REMUNERATION

Salary: BirdLife South Africa offers a salary which is commensurate with the position and responsibilities. The salary information is available on request. For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact BLSA’s HR Manager, Dr Isabel Human isabel.human@birdlife.org.za

Fringe benefits: BirdLife South Africa only offers comprehensive group life insurance.

INTERVIEW

Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend interviews remotely via Zoom.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants are to submit:

  • A detailed curriculum vitae with three contactable referees (recent).
  • Copies of qualifications
  • A list of your publications and other achievements (if applicable).
  • A copy of the applicant’s identity document and drivers licence.
  • A cover letter (motivation for application).

Please note:

  • All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
  • BLSA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
  • BLSA subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned act and the employee profile of the specific programme.

Assumption of duties: 4 January 2022
Closing date: 30 September 2021

To apply please e-mail your CV and motivation to BirdLife South Africa’s HR Manager Dr Isabel Human at isabel.human@birdlife.org.za with the subject title Conservation Intern.