Knowledge Manager

Conservation South Africa; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental non-profit organization is seeking a Knowledge and Communications Manager to enhance communication strategies, develop impactful content, and support rangelands management initiatives. The role requires strong communication skills and experience in the development sector. The successful candidate will work in Johannesburg with a hybrid structure and be involved in significant projects aimed at restoring degraded rangelands by 2030.

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of related experience in knowledge management and communications.
• Experience or knowledge of rangelands management, ecology, agriculture, or related fields.
• Experience in the development sector and in hosting knowledge-sharing events.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development and execution of communication strategies that amplify the programme’s impact.
• Produce high-quality content for various platforms including social media and websites.
• Use analytic tools to measure impact of communications and provide reports.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience in science communication

Project management skills

Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Leadership mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Environmental Management or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Premiere Pro

InDesign

Job description

Overview

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. CI’s Africa Field Management Unit is prioritizing rangelands as a key pillar to realize the vision of a prosperous Africa by 2030, by developing and implementing nature positive economies across 70 million hectares of oceans, forests, mangroves, and rangelands. The Africa Rangelands strategy aims to restore and sustainably manage 20 million hectares of rangelands in Africa by 2030, advancing human well-being, ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and a continent-wide rangelands movement to reverse degradation. Herding for Health (H4H) is a community development model that promotes conservation outcomes while supporting pastoralists in rural areas to move out of extreme poverty. The model uses stewardship agreements co-developed with communities to address opportunity costs associated with conservation practices, and is implemented in seven countries across East and Southern Africa in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation (PPF).

Position The Knowledge and Communications Manager will be based in Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa, or Gaborone, Botswana. Nairobi, Kenya would also be considered. A dedicated focus on CI’s work in the grasslands, savanna, and shrublands of Africa is a core objective of the new Africa Strategy. Under the theme “Resilient People in Resilient Places,” CI aims to have 10 million hectares of degraded African rangelands restored by 2030 by scaling the adoption of Herding for Health (H4H).

Responsibilities

• Strategic communications: assist with development and execution of communication strategies that amplify the programme’s impact; prepare and distribute press releases, respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and oversee media coverage; support fundraising through strategic communication and campaigns; build relationships with government, local communities, partner organizations, and donors; create and maintain a database of key H4H stakeholders; support the development of policy briefs translating findings into strategies for policy makers.
• Content development and storytelling: produce high-quality content (web articles, press releases, blog posts, social media, newsletters, brochures, etc.); manage social media outputs; oversee content calendar and ensure messaging aligns with the strategy; procure services for materials as needed; co-develop content with Herding for Health partners and manage the H4H website; incorporate scientific findings into newsworthy pieces; develop and disseminate the H4H implementation toolkit materials and ensure toolkit components are communicated to different stakeholders; support events and campaigns and develop biannual H4H impact reports; assist with key messaging documents for stakeholders; develop a knowledge management system compliant with institutional policies.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: use analytic tools to measure impact of communications, provide data-driven insights; prepare regular reports on metrics; lead annual impact reporting; collaborate with MEL Coordinator to maintain a field-based data database for materials.
• Brand stewardship: uphold brand identity with consistent messaging; develop templates, presentations, and materials to support the strategy and scientific outputs.
• Additional responsibilities: provide logistical support for events (e.g., H4H Indaba), support workshops and meetings, coordinate knowledge exchange activities, and ensure alignment of H4H branding across materials with donors’ requirements.
• Working conditions: typical office environment; regular travel to field sites in Southern and East Africa, and other African countries where CI and PPF support H4H; willingness to work extended hours; remote locations with reliable connectivity may be considered; hybrid work structure; fixed-term assignment from October 2025 to December 2027.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Communications, Marketing, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• 4 to 6 years of related experience in knowledge management and communications.
• Experience or knowledge of rangelands management, ecology, agriculture, economics, or related fields is an advantage.
• Experience in the development sector and in hosting knowledge-sharing events and platforms;
• Experience in science communication; proficiency with multiple media with software like Adobe Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign, or similar is an advantage;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent writing and editing abilities;
• Basic administration, coordination, and project management skills; cultural awareness and sensitivity; proven teamwork; self-driven with leadership and performance mindset; highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred

• Experience implementing a communications and marketing strategy;
• Good academic credentials and a portfolio of communication products;
• Ability to bring a sense of fun and energy to the team.

To apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter. Application deadline: September 30, 2025 (11:49 PM EST). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled earlier if suitable candidates are identified.

Equal Opportunity

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