Chief Conservation & Biodiversity Leader

Kontak Recruitment; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,170,000 - 1,430,000; Full time

Job summary

Kontak Recruitment seeks a strategic Head of Conservation in South Africa to lead conservation operations across a significant ecosystem. The role combines boardroom governance with on-ground leadership in biodiversity, habitat restoration, and scientific guidance.

You will mentor specialist teams, manage budgets and partnerships, and report to the General Manager. A postgraduate conservation degree and 10–15 years’ senior experience are required.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification required in conservation or related field.
• Minimum 10–15 years in senior conservation or environmental management roles.
• Proven ability in strategic planning, governance, and team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of conservation legislation and international standards.
• Ability to translate scientific data into actionable management decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management across government, community, and donor relations.
• High ethical standards with commitment to conservation outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term conservation strategies aligned with objectives and priorities.
• Oversee biodiversity plans, habitat restoration, and ecosystem health monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with national and international environmental legislation, permits and reporting.
• Guide and approve ecological research, monitoring programmes and data analysis.
• Foster partnerships with academia, NGOs, and conservation bodies.
• Lead, mentor, and build capacity within Conservation Management teams.
• Develop and manage conservation budgets, capital projects, and donor funding.
• Represent the organisation at conservation forums, conferences, and industry platforms.
• Engage with communities, landowners, government agencies, and donors on conservation initiatives.
• Provide expert strategic guidance on conservation matters to executive management.

Skills

Leadership

Governance

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Environmental legislation

Data-driven decision making

Ethical standards

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field

Job description

Kontak Recruitment seeks a strategic Head of Conservation in South Africa to lead conservation operations across a significant ecosystem. The role combines boardroom governance with on-ground leadership in biodiversity, habitat restoration, and scientific guidance.

You will mentor specialist teams, manage budgets and partnerships, and report to the General Manager. A postgraduate conservation degree and 10–15 years’ senior experience are required.