| Company | WWF South Africa |
| Reference # | Upper Berg Catchment Coordinator1# |
| Published | 12/11/2021 |
| Contract Type | Contract |
| 12 Months | |
| Salary | Market Related |
| Location | Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Introduction | Background Strategic Water Source Areas cover 10% of South Africa and produce 50% of the country’s runoff underpinning national and local water security. WWF South Africa is therefore working in partnership with the government, the private sector and local communities to strengthen their management. The Boland Mountains have the highest runoff per unit area of any water source area. This position which is hosted by the Berg River Irrigation Board will support the restoration of the Upper Berg River Catchment. This is one of the highest yielding catchments in the region and is critical for the water security of both Cape Town and the surrounding agricultural areas. It is planned to update a fine scale Invasive Alien Plant Clearing Plan for a sub-component of this Water Source Area – the quaternary catchment G10A. The primary focus of the coordinator will be to support the coordinated implementation of this integrated fine-scale plan by mobilising the involvement local stakeholders and securing additional external support. The project manager will be appointed for the period of one year, 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022. Although the appointment period is limited, one of the primary functions of the coordinator would be to work towards mobilising support the implementation of the clearing plan including ongoing funding for coordination and to Support the Berg River Irrigation Board and other stakeholders in the coordination and implementation of restoration projects in the Upper Berg Catchment to improve local and regional water security. The position would report to both WWF and to the Berg River Irrigation Board – the two organisations shall hold dual management meetings together with the candidate. |
| Job Functions | Other,Water and Sanitation |
| Industries | Conservation,Ngo / Non-Profit,Water |
| Specification | The responsibility of the coordinator is to support the Berg River Irrigation Board and other stakeholders in the coordination and implementation of restoration projects in the UBC to improve local and regional water security. Catalysing the implementation of a coordinated alien clearing plan in the Upper Berg River Catchment G10A this would include the following activities: •Providing a point of contact for local stakeholders and building relationships with partners including the relevant national, regional and local government agencies as well as civil society (including local farmers associations and NGOs) and the private sector in order to facilitate coordinated implementation and convene regular meetings to enable report back. •Staff management and leadership including management and implementation of contractors (primarily alien clearing and restoration teams) including planning and mapping of tasks and in-field verification of data submitted by contractors. •Supporting the roll-out of existing projects including a herbicide assistance programme for local landowners in collaboration with the local Fire Protection Association and the Franschhoek conservancy. •Identifying funding opportunities and developing funding proposals to secure additional long-term support for the implementation of the fine scale invasive alien management plan and other prioritised activities which promote sustainable regional catchment management. •Supporting the establishment of a local platform to support coordinated cross sectoral extension which brings together water stewardship, natural resource management, sustainable agriculture and forestry. •Reporting to regional platforms including the Boland Water Source Partnership and siting on the Greater Cape Town Water Fund (GCTWF) operations working group meetings. •Report on the best approach for clearing the high lying areas in the upper Berg (G10A). •Advancing the development of coordinated plans including a sustainable management plan for forestry exit areas and providing support for the drafting of a River Maintenance Management Plan for the reach of the Franshoek river which falls within G10A. •Promoting local awareness about the need for integrated catchment management including clearing invasive alien plants and restoration of rivers and wetlands – including the organising of awareness events for landowners, information sharing/ co-learning events for project participants and speaking at various fora. Project financial and administrative management: •Compilation of and submission of monthly work plans, progress and technical reports. •Project management and quality assurance of all projects including monitoring & evaluation, contracting, reporting and project oversight of operational activities. •Fully administering and implementing projects supported by multiple funds, according to the standard operating procedures of these institutions including control of expenditure and monitoring and reporting on impacts. |
| Requirements | •A relevant environmental management qualification or a university degree in environmental science, freshwater ecology, conservation biology, hydrology, agriculture, engineering, development studies or a related field. •3-5 years’ experience in management of alien invasive plant clearing and restoration projects including management of contractors to ensure capacity is built, quality is maintained and work delivered on time. •GIS and alien field mapping expertise is essential as is proficiency in working in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and data management. •A strong interest in improving water stewardship in South Africa through community engagement and the development of stakeholder partnerships underpinned by an ability to listen well to identify risks and needs in the landscape. •Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to lead & facilitate stakeholder meetings and workshops in both English and Afrikaans. Must be able to present well and represent the project partners at a variety of forums. •Excellent relationship management skills and ability to engage with and convene a variety of stakeholders. •Professionalism, strong work ethic and ability to work independently but must also be an adaptable team player who develops collaborative solutions. •Project management skills including sound financial administration and management, forecasting, fundraising and reporting •Good ability to work under pressure and deliver against project outcomes |
| Job Closing Date | 26/11/2021 |
Local recruitment: Upper Berg Catchment Coordinator
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Paarl, South Africa 🇿🇦
