About the position
Postion Summary:
The EFTEON is intended to provide a platform of well described and instrumented landscapes to the South African and International research community, in order to facilitate research into global change, ecosystem processes, social-ecological interactions and to provide data for remote sensing and model validation and calibration. This position will be based at Maputaland.
Key Responsibilities:
- Undertake and maintain routine social-ecological surveysLiaise with EFTEON and SAEON Scientists and SES technicians as required with the development of SOP’s and data protocolsData management tasks related to the social-ecological systems network, including:Preparation and submission of social-ecological dataFollow required procedures for checking and loading the data into the required data systemsConduct routine field work relating to Social Ecological Services in the Maputaland EFTEON Landscape Conduct routine data preparation and analysis as and when required Provide support where necessary to the SES development in the other EFTEON LandscapesAssist student and collaborator projects linked to the platformsOrganize and implement field trips and workshops (Logistics and Liaison)
- For SAEON researchers and external project partners:Safe fieldtrips – follow safety procedures
- Ethical engagement with communitiesMaintain culturally appropriate engagement practicesPrepare, plan and undertake multi-stakeholder engagement necessary for on-going field based social-ecological and biodiversity research in the area Provide a sustained presence and point of contact in community engagement structuresProvide feedback on research activities in the area to relevant local community foraContribute to monthly and quarterly reportsProduce electronic and popular publication articlesAssist with science engagement activities as/when required Assist with Administrative procures and SCM procedures as requiredEnsure appropriate asset management of instrumentation in the landscape in accordance with the established standard operating proceduresAssist with fleet management and checks and services as requiredEngage and collaborate with technicians at other EFTEON landscapes and Technicians in the landscape in which you are based (other landscape technicians are responsible for Instrumentation and Biodiversity)Train/mentor interns and technicians, including regular competency assessments and provision of authorisation to perform tasks at the sitesEngagement and training of community members and citizen science teams
Minimum Qualification:
- Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7
Minimum Experience:
- NQF 7 (bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma) in Social Ecology/Sociology/Anthropology/Environmental Science/Environmental Management/Agriculture or related fields Code 08 Driver’s license, Off-road driving experience will be an added advantage
Experience:
- At least two years’ experience in community engagement and facilitation, including substantial work with schools, traditional authorities, and local stakeholders Experience working within the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality and more broadly across the uMkhanyakude District Municipality will be advantageous
- Proven track record of engagement and/or involvement with NGOs, NPOs, local and international stakeholders
Knowledge:
- Must have working knowledge of qualitative and mixed methods research approaches, including survey instruments, interviews and workshopsUnderstanding of community dynamics and social customs in rural KwaZulu-Natal settingComputer literate
Additional Notes:
Must be willing to work with other EFTEON technicians – related to the management of instrumentation or biodiversityMust be willing to assist students, community members, and other stakeholders in field work Must have a willingness to work long hours when conducting field work, involving extended periods away from home (up to 5 days at a time)Must be willing to work outdoors, sometimes in hot, cold or wet conditionsMust be physically fit, able to walk long distances in difficult terrainMust have a desire to learn and advance skillsAbility to work flexibly and collaboratively within a team environmentMust have good verbal and written communication skills in isiZuluMust have good verbal and written communication skills in EnglishThe NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
About The Employer:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON conducts long term observation and research in ecosystems on land, the coast and the oceans to understand how those systems function and are changing in time and space through human influences and climate change. We deliver information to our informed policy-making towards a sustainable society.
