South African National Parks (SANPARKS) Project Manager: Biodiversity Economy Vacancy

Opportunity Overview

South African National Parks (SANParks) is seeking a dedicated Project Manager for Biodiversity Economy. This is a critical 5-year fixed-term contract position based at the Groenkloof National Park Head Office in Pretoria.

This role offers an individual the opportunity to contribute significantly to SANParks' vision by leading the development and implementation of biodiversity economy strategies. The successful candidate will report to the Head: Socio Economic Transformation, driving initiatives that link biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic development across South Africa's national parks.

Minimum Requirements

• A post-graduate qualification in sustainable development, environmental management, economics, or business administration.
• At least 10 years of experience in biodiversity economy, sustainable development, business development, and/or biodiversity conservation.
• Strong understanding of South Africa’s socio-ecological landscape and policy environment.
• Proven track-record in designing and scaling market-based conservation solutions.
• Experience in policy analysis, programme/project management, and community engagement.
• Strategic leadership with a systems thinking approach.
• Excellent communication, team leadership, partnership management, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Experience in African conservation approaches or community-based natural resource management.
• Financial management, project and programme management, human resource, and monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Computer literacy and fluency in local languages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Knowledge of biodiversity economy principles, including wildlife economy, ocean economy, bioprospecting, and restoration economy.
• Experience in managing projects and teams.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and local communities.
• Understanding of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use policies and legislation.
• Strong team leadership, critical thinking, analytical, planning, and organising skills.
• Listening and presentation skills, with community facilitation experience.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, with adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
• Experience in managing donor-funded projects will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of biodiversity economy policies, strategies, and plans, aligned with SANParks’ Vision 2040 and relevant national policy imperatives and global commitments.
• Coordinate sustainable livelihoods and economic development efforts through biodiversity-based activities such as wildlife economy, bioprospecting, eco-tourism, and restoration economy value chains, with a special focus on youth, women, and people with disabilities.
• Facilitate the creation of employment opportunities within biodiversity economy programmes through catalytic projects that support rural and local economic development.
• Mainstream the biodiversity economy into relevant organisational policies, programmes, and decision-making processes.
• Ensure sustainable use and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biodiversity within national parks and Mega-Living landscapes.
• Identify and develop business opportunities that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Foster partnerships with stakeholders, including government, private sector, traditional leadership, local communities, and NGOs to drive growth, attract investment, and harness innovative financing models.
• Catalyse and support nature-based enterprises to enhance revenue generation through inclusive business models, access to finance and markets, SMME development, and robust skills development.
• Champion efforts to redress historical imbalances and advance land reform through biodiversity economy and biodiversity stewardship initiatives.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online by clicking on the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/jVXNMNnXNS

The application deadline is 06 July 2626.