Project Manager

Conservation South Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 854 000 - 1 197 000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in Johannesburg is seeking a Project Manager to oversee conservation projects. The role involves project planning, implementation, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate has a degree in environmental science and 4-6 years of relevant experience in project management, particularly in the areas of environment and conservation. This full-time position offers the chance to contribute significantly to important conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of experience with project design, monitoring, and compliance.
• Knowledge in environmental and social safeguards focusing on stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of conservation projects.
• Gather and share project information with stakeholders.
• Monitor project progress and provide technical advice.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-cultural communication

Gender-responsive programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field

Tools

Project management software (e.g., Monday, Asana)

Job description

Apply for the Project Manager role at Conservation South Africa.

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 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

The Seed Fund is a strategic fund held and administered by Conservation International.

It provides timely, strategic assistance to conserve vital reserves of biodiversity and irrecoverable carbon and kickstarts the implementation of 'Country Packages' in host countries.

'Country Packages' bring together governments, the private sector, philanthropy, and multilateral institutions to achieve ambitious forest and climate goals at the national level.

Seven countries – Peru, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and Republic of Congo – have launched Country Packages, and more are in development.

Seed Fund Will, Among Other Things

Invest in capacity building and strengthen delivery on the ground, including through NGOs or Indigenous peoples and local communities.

Design and implement conservation efforts for vital reserves of carbon and biodiversity.

Advance key scientific and monitoring products and boost scientific cooperation to provide data for Country Package development.

Support the upscaling of long-term and reliable finance and financial innovation to further increase domestic funding sources and support public and private international support.

Support feasibility studies for the long-term delivery of larger Country Packages.

This position is an integral part of the Seed Fund Delivery Team.

Position Summary

This position is based in Kenya, South Africa, or Liberia.

The Project Manager oversees small to moderate-sized conservation projects or components / phases of a larger project.

They will oversee all aspects of the project over the entire project cycle, including project planning, implementation, tracking, and reporting on deliverables and project status.

The Project Manager works to ensure project results meet project standards and project deliverables are completed on time and within budget.

They will establish the project work plan, including staffing and capacity building needs.

Not responsible for directly supervising others, but leads small ad-hoc teams and acts as a technical resource to others.

Responsibilities

• Gather, develop, and share project information, action plans, and deliverables with internal and external project stakeholders; support project bids as assigned.
• Ensure partner / stakeholder standards and interests are represented and incorporated into project deliverables; review for compliance with partner / donor agreements.
• Function as a key project information source and advisor; ensure effective communication and information sharing between all partners and stakeholders.
• Oversee the overall implementation of assigned projects.
• Monitor project progress and provide technical advice on the project's management.
• Identify trends and corrective actions to resolve problems and ensure future project efficiencies.
• Help identify tools, resources, and training that will facilitate project success.
• Manage the preparation of reporting summaries and project narratives.
• Support organization of agenda (preparation, scheduling, notes, ppt...) and document archives.
• Support and track the project's tools (Monday, Conservation Grants...).
• Support field visit / conferences / events organization.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Extended work hours may be required, including non-traditional work hours as needed in a global organization.

Some international travel up to 30% of time may be required.

Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field, such as international development or social sciences, plus 4 to 6 years of experience working with project and program design, monitoring, and compliance of public or private donor-funded projects in the area of environment, conservation, and / or development, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge and experience in designing, applying, and monitoring environment and social safeguards (with emphasis on social safeguards, including stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, grievance mechanisms, labor & working conditions, community health & safety, etc.).

Strong understanding of project-driven social and environmental risks and impacts, particularly the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized peoples, gender equality, Indigenous Peoples, benefit-sharing, conflict, and grievance redress.

Relevant experience with gender-responsive programming, including the design and implementation of practical gender action plans.

Strong capacity to communicate with government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders.

Excellent cross-cultural and people skills, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at both a programming and institutional level.

Experience in project management software (Monday, PPM, Asana, etc.).

Ability to work independently and / or remotely, to meet deadlines and commitments.

Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to work in team environments, including building productive partnerships across a diversity of stakeholders.

Attention to detail and discretion in the discussion of sensitive risk-related issues.

Excellent English oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and designing engaging and informative training for various audiences.

Fluency in an appropriate second language for the region (French or Spanish, both preferred).

Preferred

Experience in MS SharePoint design, database creation, and management.

Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge management products and training materials.

Experience in conducting M&E, including developing performance indicators, designing surveys, analyzing data, and presenting findings in a user-friendly manner.

To apply

Submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: December 10, (11 : 49 PM EST)

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Project Management and Information Technology

Location: Johannesburg Metropolitan Area

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities.

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.