POSITION SUMMARY 

At Conservation South Africa, we are an affiliate of Conservation International and committed to promoting sustainable development that values and considers nature, while also improving human well-being through the preservation of healthy ecosystems and the benefits they offer. In Africa, many people rely on the oceans for their livelihoods and economic growth, with 38 of Africa’s 54 nations being coastal or island states. However, Africa’s marine areas are among the most vulnerable and least protected in the world due to a lack of effective governance, overuse of natural resources, and climate change. It’s crucial that we reverse these trends to ensure that Africa’s oceans can continue to sustain its people.

Our vision for South Africa and Africa is to manage coastal and marine biodiversity sustainably, providing long-lasting benefits to biodiversity, food security, livelihoods, economic development, climate stability, and resilience. We aim to value, maintain, and enhance the contributions of South Africa’s coastal and marine ecosystems to people, present and future and to support our communities to access the benefits of these marine ecosystems in a sustainable way.

To realise our vision, we are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Oceans and Community Outreach Officer. We believe the ideal candidate should possess a genuine passion for our marine and coastal ecosystems and demonstrate a proactive, responsible, and self-motivated approach to their work.

The Oceans and Community Outreach Officer will collaborate with the communities, relevant community structures and stakeholders to develop and create economic opportunities for the targeted coastal communities that are sustainable and value nature. This position requires innovative and creative ways to encourage engagement in all our outreach activities and events to the benefits of these communities whilst increasing awareness of our programmes and the benefits they have for people and nature. The incumbent will focus strongly on climate smart job opportunities for vulnerable coastal communities focused on blue economic development. The position will encompass baseline research and capacity building focusing on the socio-economic and biodiversity benefits for these communities and area of operation. The incumbent will be responsible to develop and deliver outreach materials that raise awareness and foster dialogue around climate change and ocean conservation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Coastal Community Baseline Research

• Assist the project team in the socio-economic baseline assessments for kelp and /fisheries value chains through leading community and stakeholder participation processes.
• Gather data from coastal communities that will inform the development of blue economic and climate resilient opportunities for the communities.

Coastal Community & Climate Programme Facilitation

• Provide input from engagement with communities, in the development of a stakeholder engagement plan in CSA’s oceans work.
• Provide input in the development of community-driven coastal restoration and management work plans with relevant communities and fishers, that include the kelp (and other) value chain opportunities
• Assist in creating social employment with a focus on women and youth in 2 coastal towns, around kelp value chain opportunities.
• Help raise awareness about climate risks and the importance of blue carbon-related activities with community members (with support from CSA staff).
• Provide capacity building for coastal communities and small-scale fishers on innovative economic including climate change and blue carbon opportunities.
• Work with CSA team in the development of EbA response plans that are guided by input from the communities and their activities, for 2 coastal towns (Port Nolloth and Hondeklipbaai).

Oceans and Coastal Stakeholder & Partnership Outreach

• Engage with local coastal communities and provide input into the development of a vision for climate-positive economic development within kelp (and other) value chains.
• Write content pieces and other written material that will enhance the outreach of activities for the project/programme.
• Represent CSA and share lessons with a variety of stakeholders including provincial and local coastal committees in the Namakwa District when required.
• Develop and deliver outreach materials building from research and policy development, to various audiences in the coastal communities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with coastal stakeholders and local communities and identify opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The role is a fixed-term contract for one year- to be extended as funding allows.
• Normal office hours will be adhered to.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Up to 2 years of experience in developing and implementing outreach programs and activities related to coastal issues.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups of people and stakeholders.
• Excellent experience in the facilitation of stakeholder workshops and engagements with ocean interest groups.
• Knowledge of coastal ecosystems and resources.
• Knowledge of challenges and opportunities around ocean and coastal ecosystems and communities.
• Some understanding of blue economic development challenges and opportunities in South Africa.
• Experience with giving presentations and workshop facilitation is required.
• Comfortable with a variety of stakeholders.
• Good writing skills including report writing, articles, fact sheets, etc.
• Fluent in Afrikaans.
• Some experience and understanding of oceans and climate change trends.

Preferred

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Marine science, aquaculture, communication, or related fields.