Project Extension Officer - Logistics

NatCarbon Africa; Jansenville; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in South Africa seeks a Project Extension Officer for the Spekboom Restoration Project. The candidate will manage logistics, ensuring efficient transportation and supply chain operations across rural areas of the Eastern Cape. They will collaborate with landowners, participate in environmental restoration efforts, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational skills, logistics experience, and a relevant degree. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Health care and life insurance

Contributions to retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development funds

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-6 years of experience in logistics or supply chain management.
• 2 years in rural or agricultural settings in South Africa preferred.
• Experience in environmental restoration projects is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate all logistical operations for the Spekboom restoration project.
• Manage end-to-end supply chain including transportation and procurement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align logistics operations with project timelines.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Communication

Problem-Solving

Technical Proficiency

Adaptability

Leadership

Environmental Awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Logistics

Supply Chain Management degree

Business Administration degree

Job description

Project Extension Officer - Logistics, Spekboom Restoration Project

Department: Operations

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape

Reports to: Deputy Operations Director

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate, and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of innovative technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits, such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment.

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Project Extension Officer, Logistics in the Operations Department for the large-scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and to reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Operations Director, the Project Extension Officer: Logistics will oversee and coordinate all logistical operations for the Spekboom restoration project across multiple sites in the rural Eastern Cape. This role involves managing the end-to-end supply chain, including transportation of harvested Spekboom materials to nurseries, delivery of fencing materials to project sites, and other critical logistics functions to ensure seamless project execution. The role requires close collaboration with landowners, nurseries, suppliers, and project teams to support operational efficiency while addressing the unique challenges of rural logistics, such as remote locations, limited infrastructure, and seasonal constraints.

Roles and Responsibilities

Transportation Coordination

• Plan, schedule, and manage the transportation of harvested Spekboom materials (cuttings, plants) from project sites to designated nurseries, ensuring timely and safe delivery while preserving plant quality.
• Arrange transport for fencing materials, tools, and other project supplies to various farm sites across the Eastern Cape.
• Arrange for transport from the nursery to planting sites.

Supply Chain Management

• Oversee the procurement, storage, and distribution of project materials, including fencing (e.g., posts, wire, gates), planting depot supplies (e.g., crates), and other operational resources.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstocking.
• Maintain registers of equipment

Fleet and Equipment Management

• Manage a fleet of vehicles (e.g., trucks, bakkies) and equipment used for logistics, ensuring regular maintenance, fuel efficiency, and compliance with safety and road regulations.
• Coordinate with drivers and operators to optimize routes and schedules in rural areas with challenging terrain.

Stakeholder Liaison

• Collaborate with landowners, local communities, harvesting, fencing and planting managers, and suppliers to align logistics operations with project timelines and site-specific needs.
• Negotiate with transport vendors and service providers to secure cost‑effective and reliable solutions.
• Secure camping sites when required for operations.
• Set up and manage camp sites when necessary and ensure all logistics are coordinated and arranged.

Route Planning and Optimization

• Develop efficient transport routes for remote farm sites, considering factors like road conditions, seasonal weather (e.g., heavy rains), and distances between locations.
• Use GPS or mapping tools to minimize delays and fuel costs.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all logistics activities comply with South African transport regulations, environmental standards, and occupational health and safety requirements.
• Implement protocols to protect Spekboom materials during transport and ensure safe handling of materials.

Budget and Cost Management

• Monitor logistics budgets, track expenses (e.g., fuel, vehicle maintenance, contractor fees), and implement cost‑saving measures without compromising quality or timelines.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts for senior management.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate logistics risks, such as vehicle breakdowns, road inaccessibility during rainy seasons, or supply chain disruptions.
• Develop contingency plans for emergencies, including alternative routes or suppliers.

Data and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of logistics activities, including transport schedules, inventory levels, and delivery confirmations.
• Provide regular reports to project management on logistics performance, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

Team Coordination

• Supervise and train logistics support staff, such as drivers, assistants, and site coordinators.
• Foster a collaborative team environment to ensure smooth operations across dispersed project sites.

General

• This role requires supervising teams in remote outdoor environments and involves physical activity.
• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities.
• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.
• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position.

Skills

• Organisational Skills: Exceptional ability to plan, prioritize, and manage complex logistics operations across multiple sites with tight deadlines.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in English and preferably isiXhosa or other local languages to engage with communities and stakeholders effectively.
• Problem‑Solving: Proactive in addressing logistical challenges, such as delayed deliveries or equipment failures, with innovative and practical solutions.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with logistics software (e.g., route planning tools, inventory management systems) and basic IT skills for reporting. Knowledge of GPS tracking and fleet management systems is a plus.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in remote, rural environments with limited infrastructure, adapting to seasonal changes and unexpected disruptions.
• Leadership: Capable of managing small teams, coordinating with diverse stakeholders, and fostering collaboration in high‑pressure settings.
• Environmental Awareness: Understanding of Spekboom restoration or similar ecological projects, including the importance of material quality and bio‑security during transport.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in logistics or supply chain management, with at least 2 years in rural or agricultural settings in South Africa.
• A strong background in logistics management, ideally within agricultural or environmental projects, with excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience in environmental restoration projects (e.g., reforestation, carbon sequestration) or nursery operations is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Eastern Cape’s rural logistics challenges (e.g., poor road networks, remote sites) is a plus.
• Understand and utilize data analysis and performance metrics associated technology.
• Valid Driver’s License (with off road driving experience).
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans (with ability to speak Xhosa advantageous).

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.
• This role involves extensive travel between farm sites in the rural Eastern Cape, often on unpaved roads and in varying weather conditions.
• On‑call availability for emergencies and willingness to reside in or near the project area.
• You will join a great team! We are:
• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross‑sector experiences, ideas, and skills.
• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development.
• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things.

Compensation

To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.

In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.
• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).
• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.

Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered.