| Closing Date | 2023/10/25 |
| Reference Number | RAS231010-2 |
| Job Title | UMZIMKHULU CATCHMENT COORDINATOR |
| Job Type | Full Time |
| Experience Level | Middle to Senior Level |
| Workplace Type | On-site |
| Town / City | Underberg, Himeville, Creighton or other nearby town or area within the catchment |
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Country | South Africa |
| Job Category | Other |
| Description | (This is a 1-year to 18-month fixed term contract position based in Underberg, Himeville, Creighton or other nearby town or area within the catchment) WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that for more than 40 years has worked towards the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the wellbeing of all our people. Our work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude. Background This position will contribute towards the 2025 strategic outcomes of WWF-SA and specifically its Outcome 2: Freshwater quality and quantity improved in Strategic Water Source Areas for ecological systems and downstream communities. Some of the work will also contribute to Outcome 4: The WWF Freshwater Programme focuses on securing strategic water source areas (SWSA) through improving and influencing land and catchment management practices by landholders within these critical areas. SWSAs make up 10% of the total surface area of South Africa and provide more than half of the water that flows in rivers and dams. These areas are important for the functioning of ecological systems and water provision for downstream users. The Southern Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area (SD-SWSA) is one of 22 SWSA’s in South Africa, and is one of the largest in the country. It is located almost entirely in the KwaZulu Natal Province and encompasses three primary river catchments, namely the uMngeni, uMkhomazi and uMzimkhulu. Historically, WWF has worked with various partners in the uMngeni and uMkhomazi Catchments but not the uMzimkhulu. Therefore establishing projects and a catchment-scale platform or partnership for the Upper uMzimkhulu catchment is an important next step to securing the Southern Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area. WWF focuses on mobilizing and strengthening water source partnerships. These are community-public-private partnerships that bring together local actors to safeguard water resources within a catchment or water source area. WWF is currently involved in 9 other water source partnerships across the country, and referred to as “catchment platforms” or “multi-stakeholder platforms” in some areas. A partnership between WWF and CHEP (the multi-national pallet and container manufacturing company, www.chep.com ) was recently formalized for an initial Phase 1 proof of concept and exploratory phase of 18 months, with a view to scoping and informing a longer-term phase 2. The partnership aims to initiate a landscape-wide approach to water and biodiversity stewardship and improved natural resource management that benefits people and nature – with an initial focus on the uMzimkhulu catchment where the majority of CHEP’s timber holdings and their sawmill are located. |
| Minimum Requirements | Honours degree or equivalent (e.g. B-Tech) in either of the following disciplines: integrated water resource management (IWRM), water governance, hydrology, water stewardship, environmental science, ecology, conservation, rural development, rangeland management or sustainable agriculture. At least 3-4 years of project management work experience in any of the fields listed above under qualifications. Experience and knowledge from working in the following areas is highly advantageous: water stewardship/integrated water resource management/catchment management/water access/water governance issues is highly advantageous. However, other forms of experience in the following areas is also valid: biodiversity stewardship/conservation and private landowner engagement agro-ecology, sustainable agriculture, rangeland management or community development Experience of living or working in rural areas and engaging a range of rural landholders including traditional leaders and people living on communal land to private landowners and commercial farmers. Partnership-building and good networking abilities to develop a community of practice and establish a multi-stakeholder platform for the uMzimkhulu. Negotiation and diplomacy skills and ability to engage with funders and corporate partners at senior management level as well as at a local level with communities and private landowners. Outgoing and warm personality, excellent interpersonal interaction skills and ability to build good relationships and trust with a diverse array of stakeholders at a variety of levels. A self-starter with the ability to work remotely and independently and self-manage responsibilities. Ability to find solutions to challenges encountered, while maintaining open and honest feedback and communications with line manager. Experience in convening a community of practice or facilitating a multi-stakeholder platform or partnership. Knowledge of social learning theories and practices is a distinct advantage. Ability to coordinate, host and lead meetings and workshops with diverse stakeholders, and facilitate discussions in large groups. Good logistical and organizational skills and the ability to arrange and host field trips and other project events for funders, media or other stakeholders. Efficient project management and administrative skills are essential, with the ability to keep track of multiple project timelines and priorities. Excellent report writing, presentation and communications skills. Knowledge of the local uMzimkhulu catchment, institutions, key role players and stakeholders is advantageous. Proficient computer literacy essential (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). Fluency in English is essential and proficiency in isiZulu is advantageous. Code 8 driver’s license. |
| Duties and Responsibilities | Ensure the identified Phase 1 landscape and water stewardship projects are implemented efficiently according to the project workplan and timeframes, by effectively liaising and working closely with the selected implementing partners and consultants that are externally contracted. Project manage the various 3rd party contracts ensuring deliverables are met, progress reports are received and reviewed, and project payments are handled according to the project budget and contracted terms. Initiate and establish an effective catchment scale platform/ community of practice / working group with the objective of ultimately establishing a multi-stakeholder water source partnership for improved natural resource management and catchment stewardship in the middle – upper uMzimkhulu. Provide monthly progress reports and required information on all partnership activities both for the funder and external parties, and for internal team updates and WWF organizational performance reporting requirements. Arrange and coordinate field trips and learning exchanges in the landscape for funders, colleagues, partners and other stakeholders. Identify needs and opportunities in the catchment for further work and future funding beyond the initial Phase 1 WWF-CHEP partnership period. Identify further potential implementation and funding partners to expand an emerging catchment partnership and the implementation projects in the catchment. Assist the Line Manager in building a case and proposal writing for further investment into the uMzimkhulu catchment in Phase 2 by developing a detailed work plan and budget. Facilitate collaboration and learning between different partnerships alongside colleagues in the Freshwater Programme. Support monitoring, evaluation and learning on all related projects and of the partnerships as a whole. Help provide content and assist in developing communication materials that tell the stories of the partnership in collaboration with the WWF Communications team. |
Local recruitment: Umzimkhulu Catchment Coordinator
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Underberg, South Africa 🇿🇦
Himeville, South Africa 🇿🇦
Creighton, South Africa 🇿🇦
