About the position
The Organisation requires the services of a Programme Manager: Sustainable Financing in the Chief Operations Officer's Division. This position will report to the GM. Sustainable Development and Management, and be based at Groenkloof National Park, Pretoria.
Key Objectives:
- 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.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- 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 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.
Desired Skills: