Conservation Manager

**OFFICE LOCATION**:
Cape Town, South Africa

**WHO WE ARE**:
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

Since establishing the Africa Program in 2007, The Nature Conservancy’s vision in Africa is to work towards fostering a sustainable future for people and nature, partnering with indigenous communities across 55 million acres on the continent. Our efforts are firmly rooted in people, leveraging scientific and technical expertise as we collaborate with governments and organizations to conserve and enhance Africa’s shared resources in the 9 countries we operate.

TNC’s work in Africa transcends three key pillars: securing ownership rights to lands and resources for indigenous people, strengthening leadership and resource management and helping communities value nature through a holistic appreciation of its benefits while increasing revenue streams for conservation efforts and socio-economic development. Together with our partners, we are witnessing critical milestones in integrated land and fisheries management, ocean and source water protection, energy development and sustainable food production, working together and strengthening our resolve in tackling global challenges such as climate change, habitat and biodiversity loss that stands to adversely impact the nearly 1.4 billion people that share Africa.

The South Africa program is one of TNCs newest country programs on the African Continent. Our goal is protecting the rich biodiversity for current and future generations, supporting government in mitigating climate change and building resilient communities.

**WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER**:
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

The Conservation manager reports to the Country Director, TNC South Africa, and will be based in Cape Town. They work internally with the Africa BU Freshwater and IPLC strategy teams and will supervise one staff that may grow to about 2- 3 staff.

**WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU**:
In this role you will
- Conceptualize and develop TNC SA’s protected expansion program by integrating terrestrial and freshwater landscapes in collaboration with government and NGO partners. You will provide. technical input and co-develop action plans in support of South Africa’s 30 x 30 conservation targets.
- Lead protected area expansion initiatives through different stages, conceptualization. development, fundraising and handing over to appropriate competent authority to manage. Build protected area management capacity in TNC SA’s priority landscapes and facilitate collaboration between state organisations, Non-Government Organisations, landowners and land users. Represent TNC SA on 30x30 technical working groups and other relevant stakeholder forums.
- Collaborate with NGOs and government on Protected Area and Freshwater protection.
- Negotiate with private landowners and communities.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement and provide technical support to partners on Protected areas expansion.
- Be accountable for tracking progress, reporting to donors and stakeholders on progress and impact of integrated landscape initiatives - terrestrial and freshwater.
- Responsible for fostering a participatory approach by engaging primary stakeholder groups in implementation.
- Support local stakeholders and NGOs in priority freshwater and terrestrial landscapes with scoping incentive opportunities for communities.

**WHAT YOU'LL BRING**:

- BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficient in the National Protected Area Management Act (NEMPA) to reach 30 x 30 goals.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects including workloads and budgets under deadlines in the NGO sector.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
- Experience collaborating and building relationships with government and NGO partners to meet shared objectives.
- Experience in biodiversity stewardship, protected area management plan development.
- Experience in fine scale conservation planning.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Demonstrated fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects, donor cultivation and writing fund