Environmental Officer Control Grade A : MPA’S (OC06 / 2025)

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental agency is seeking a qualified professional to manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and develop relevant policies. The role involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with national and international conservation obligations.

Qualifications

• 6 years post-qualification experience in a related field.
• Familiarity with Public Service and Departmental Procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design and expand the MPA network to represent bioregions.
• Develop and implement policies and legislation regarding MPAs.
• Facilitate the development of MPA management plans.

Skills

Knowledge of policy development

Project management skills

Strategic planning skills

Understanding of MPA management issues

Education

4-year honours’ Degree in Natural or Environmental Management

Job description

Job Location : Western Cape, Cape Town

Deadline : May 28, 2025

Requirements :

• An appropriate 4-year honours’ Degree (NQF 8) in Natural or Environmental Management / Sciences or equivalent qualification, plus 6 years post-qualification experience in a related field. Knowledge and working experience of relevant policy development, implementation, and legislation (e.g., NPAES, Biodiversity Act, Protected Areas Act, Marine Living Resource Act, etc.).
• Understanding of MPA management issues such as: Purpose and functioning of MPAs; Co-management approaches; Socio-economic issues around MPAs and Natural Resource Management; Biodiversity Conservation Planning principles; assessment methods for MPAs; Compliance and Enforcement measures. Project management and strategic planning skills. Familiarity with Public Service and Departmental Procedures and Prescripts.

Duties :

1. Design and expand the MPA network to represent bioregions, including deep water and high sea areas. Participate in and influence conservation planning processes. Facilitate the declaration of Marine Protected Areas and the establishment of OECMs networks.
2. Develop and implement relevant policies and legislation regarding MPAs and OECMs. Coordinate the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Prepare implementation reports in line with the National Biodiversity Monitoring Framework. Develop and monitor contracts (MoAs, SLAs, MoUs). Operationalise management arrangements for Marine Protected Areas and OECMs.
3. Develop and monitor workplans. Prepare administrative and SCM processes to enable MPA management authorities to effectively manage MPAs. Review and implement international targets related to marine conservation areas. Develop, implement, and review national strategies in line with national, regional, and international obligations.
4. Facilitate the development and effective implementation of MPA management plans. Conduct management effectiveness assessments using the METT tool for MPAs.
5. Establish and strengthen public-private partnerships to advance conservation obligations. Create stakeholder engagement platforms for effective participation in conservation and decision-making. Lead stakeholder consultations on potential expansion areas for conservation.