Community Development Coordinator

Conservation South Africa; Matatiele; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Conservation South Africa seeks a Community Development Coordinator to lead regenerative rangeland management initiatives across the Umzimvubu Catchment. The role bridges technical practices with community governance, guiding village Stewardship Officers and supporting grazing associations for sustainable livestock production.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of experience in community stewardship, with background in natural resource management and a willingness to travel in remote areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Rural Development or related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications will be an advantage.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in community stewardship coordination, natural resource management or rural development.
• Proven experience working with communal grazing systems and livestock producers.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising field teams or community facilitators.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate field implementation of regenerative rangeland management and sustainable livestock production activities across targeted communities in the Umzimvubu Catchment.
• Supervise and mentor village-based Stewardship Officers.
• Support the establishment and effective governance of grazing associations.
• Strengthen inclusive community participation in improved grazing and land stewardship practices.
• Coordinate programme delivery, field planning and reporting, and monitor progress and lessons learned.

Skills

Community development

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Rangeland management

Field program coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Rural Development

Postgraduate qualifications advantageous

Job description

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is based in Thaba Chicha, Matatiele Municipality, Eastern Cape

The Community Development Coordinator will coordinate and strengthen community-based implementation of Conservation South Africa's regenerative rangeland management and sustainable livestock production initiatives in the Umzimvubu Catchment. This role will bridge technical rangeland management approaches with community governance systems, supporting grazing associations and overseeing a team of village-based Stewardship Officers (SOs). The incumbent will ensure that local institutions are functional, inclusive, and capable of sustaining improved grazing practices and livelihood outcomes.

Responsibilities

The Community Development Coordinator will coordinate field implementation of regenerative rangeland management and sustainable livestock production activities across targeted communities in the Umzimvubu Catchment. The role will:

• Supervise and mentor village-based Stewardship Officers,
• Support the establishment and effective governance of grazing associations, and
• Strengthen inclusive community participation in improved grazing and land stewardship practices.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Coordinating programme delivery.
• Supporting field planning and reporting.
• Facilitating community engagement and capacity building.
• Monitoring progress and lessons learned.
• Liaising with government, NGO, and development partners to align project activities with broader landscape-level initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within the catchment.
• Ability to work under challenging field conditions.
• Proficiency in isiXhosa/Sesotho is essential.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Rural Development or related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications will be an advantage.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in community stewardship coordination, natural resource management or rural development
• Proven experience working with communal grazing systems and livestock producers.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising field teams or community facilitators.
• Experience working in the Eastern Cape or similar rural landscapes is highly advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently in remote areas.
• Strong problem-solving and adaptive management skills
• Commitment to conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment.

Leadership & Coordination

• Strong team leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex field operations.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: August 14, 2026 (11:49 PM EST)

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

Employment Equity & Legal Compliance Disclaimer

We are committed to fair employment practices and abide by the Employment Equity Act (Act No. 55 of 1998, as amended), the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and all related regulations. We promote transformation by eliminating unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures for designated groups, including Black people, women, and people with disabilities.

As a designated employer, we have implemented an Employment Equity Plan aligned with sectoral and national benchmarks, and we monitor and report progress annually in compliance with the Employment Equity Regulations (2025).

When entering into offers or contracts with any organ of state, we comply with Section 53 of the Act by attaching either a valid Employment Equity compliance certificate or a declaration of compliance with Chapters II and III of the Act, as required.

Application Outcome & Future Opportunities

Should you not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date for this advertisement, please consider your application not successful. We encourage you to apply for any future roles that align with your skill set.