Requirements

• Be in possession of a Master’s degree or equivalent in resource/ environmental economics, business management, or environmental science.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in resource economics, environmental finance, business management, natural resource management, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity management.
• Thorough understanding of the tourism and conservation industry.
• Knowledge of tourism and hospitality-related policies that align with relevant legislation
• Knowledge of implementing business improvement initiatives
• Understanding of relevant legislation.
• Project management
• Knowledge of financial management principles.
• Sound knowledge of the application of information systems.
• Knowledge of governance and risk management principles
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety and Stakeholder Management.
• Communication (verbal and written) skills
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Interpersonal skills.
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Change management skills
• Financial management & reporting skills
• Planning and organising skills.
• Leadership and problem-solving skills
• Strategic planning and stakeholder management skills

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic financing framework(s) in support of nature-based outcomes, including models for leveraging finance to fund various sustainability initiatives to green SANParks operations.
• Understand develop and support the implementation of innovative nature-based financing solutions and mechanisms, including options for trading biodiversity and carbon credits and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES).
• Develop a procurement and sourcing strategy for meeting the sustainability expertise and knowledge required.
• Strengthen and develop strategic alliances in support of nature-based outcomes within the implementation landscapes.
• Create mechanisms for conservation-livelihood links, including carbon credits, impact bonds, corridor adherence payments, corridor insurance scheme
• Create a local tourism carbon-offset program for non-avoidable carbon associated with travel which promotes SANParks as a responsible tourism destination.
• Scope and develop the best use case for a Conservation Trust Fund or Endowment Fund for SANParks.
• Support the sustainability reporting activities to internal and external stakeholders

Documents required

Interested persons who meet the above-stated qualifications should forward their applications which should consist of a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of qualification(s), and Identity Document (certified within the past 3 months).

Applicants in possession of foreign qualifications are to submit evaluated results by the South African Qualification Authority.