Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Control Environmental Officer Grade A: Adaptation Natural Resource Sectors Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a dedicated Control Environmental Officer Grade A to join their Adaptation Natural Resource Sectors team in Pretoria. This re-advertised permanent position offers a vital role in supporting South Africa's climate change adaptation strategies.

This opportunity involves contributing to national and international efforts aimed at building resilience to climate change impacts, particularly within critical natural resource sectors. The successful candidate will work to enhance environmental management and climate change responses across key areas.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A four-year Degree (NQF8) in Natural / Environmental Sciences or a relevant qualification recognized by SAQA.
• Six (6) years’ post-qualification experience in the relevant field.
• Knowledge of environmental, international governance, and development issues (globally, regionally, locally).
• Understanding of Climate Change and environmental management, including related policies.
• Familiarity with Financial Management and associated prescripts.
• Ability to manage and plan activities, including projects and policy matters.
• Skills in policy formulation, presentation, negotiation, planning and organizing, and communication (written and spoken).
• Proficiency in Programme and Project Management, writing, decision-making, and report writing.
• Computer literacy.
• Innovative and proactive approach.
• Ability to work long hours voluntarily.
• Capability to gather and analyze information.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Ability to develop and apply policies.
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a team, including leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Good interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure.
• Skills in conflict management and resolution.
• Ability to collect and interpret information and reports.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Supporting strategic partnerships with international and national stakeholders, such as government departments, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, and academic institutions.
• Providing support to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with a strong focus on the Loss and Damage (L&D) programme of work.
• Offering technical support for the development, resourcing, and implementation of climate-related projects.
• Coordinating the implementation, monitoring, and review of the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (NCCAS) to build the nation's resilience to climate change impacts.
• Supporting the implementation and operationalization of the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) to ensure the provision of climate information and services to key sectors.
• Facilitating and supporting adaptation initiatives within critical natural resource sectors (Agriculture, Water, Biodiversity, Oceans & Coast) to enhance their resilience to climate change.