CAPE WEST COAST - The C.A.P.E. Stewardship Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the World Bank as part of the Cape Action for People and the Environment (C.A.P.E.) programme. C.A.P.E. is a partnership programme, hosted by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) that seeks to conserve and restore the biodiversity of the Cape Floristic Region and adjacent marine environment, while delivering significant benefits to the people of the region.

The Stewardship Project being implemented by the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve on behalf of CapeNature and its partners wishes to appoint a Conservation Services (Extension) Officer based at the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve Company office in Darling. This partnership seeks to promote landowner commitment and investment in the long-term conservation of critical habitats in the globally significant lowlands of the CFR. The coordination and integration of multi-stakeholder extension and support is a crucial element of this objective. The ideal candidate is one who shares the vision of the Stewardship component of the C.A.P.E Programme, and has the ability to effectively interface with private landowners and managers and the inherent ability to transfer information and skills.

Applicants from a range of academic fields may apply, particularly from Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Resource Economics and Environmental Sciences and the Agricultural Sector. The incumbent will interact with both landowners and the diverse, multi-skilled and integrated project management partners.

Key qualifications include a relevant graduate degree or equivalent with relevant experience in extension, particularly from the fields of Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Resource Economics and the Social Sciences. Language proficiency in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape and the ability to prepare and deliver excellent reports supported by the necessary computer skills is a prerequisite. A valid driver’s license (code 8) is also required.