Young Professionals - Operations and Project Department

NatCarbon Africa; Jansenville; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 350 000; Full time

Job summary

An African environmental organization is seeking Young Professionals for their Spekboom Restoration Project in Jansenville, Eastern Cape. The role involves supporting various aspects of SMME contractor development, including training programs, data management, and community engagement. Ideal candidates will have a background in social sciences or related fields, demonstrate problem-solving abilities, and possess strong communication skills. Join us to make a significant impact on biodiversity and climate change while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

Health care and life insurance

Professional development funds

Competitive salary based on experience

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple conflicting drivers.
• Experience in community engagement.
• Knowledge of local community resources.

Responsibilities

• Support economic development project implementation.
• Assist in SMME database management.
• Conduct interviews and social surveys for local communities.

Skills

Problem-solving

Excellent oral and written communication

Public speaking

Data analysis

Microsoft Office proficiency

Fluency in English

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Degree or Diploma in Social Sciences, Development Economics, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Young Professionals, Spekboom Restoration Project

Department: Operations and Project

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape

Reports to: Community Enterprise Manager

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 Young Professionals in the Operations and Project 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

The Young Professionals in the Operations and Project department will collaborate with the team to support all aspects of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) contractor development. Key responsibilities include Training and Awareness programmes, Stakeholders relationships, Social Surveys, Data reporting and analysis and SMME Database Management. These activities span several focus areas, including Economic Development, Contractor Development, Social Cohesion, Environmental Sustainability, Education and Skills Development and Monitoring Social Impact. Young Professionals will be assigned to one primary focus area based on their background, skills, and project needs, while also supporting other tasks as required.

Roles and Responsibilities

Young Professionals will support one or more of the Operations and Project department team monitoring streams. Responsibilities may differ depending on the assigned focus area, and not all duties listed will apply to every candidate.

Economic Development

• Support the Community Enterprise Manager in organising and performing Economic development project implementation.

Database Management

• Assist in collecting personal information from SMMEs and employees to ensure effective Technology System implementation and compliance.

SMME Database Compliance

• Collect missing or expired SMME information to keep the SMME database in a compliance state.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Collect and store SMME and employee information and conduct preliminary analyses of data collected, ensuring data accuracy, organisation, and accessibility for team use.


• Analyse and report on collected data to inform decision-making.

Collect SMME and Employee Agrigistics Data

• Collect SMME and Employee agrigistics data to ensure effective implementation.


• Register and link new employees into the system.


• Monitor data captured daily and make corrections if necessary.

Training and Awareness Programs

• Coordinate and facilitate training and awareness initiatives to enhance contractor capabilities.


• Community Events: Assist with planning and organizing community events, workshops, and outreach activities to engage local residents.


• Logistics Coordination: Manage logistics such as venue selection and booking, catering, and materials preparation for events.

Administrative Support

• Documentation: Assist in maintaining records, reports, and documentation related to the Community Enterprise team activities.


• Scheduling: Help schedule meetings, workshops, and community events, ensuring effective time management.


• Meetings: Summarize the main points discussed for each agenda item, capturing different perspectives and insights, including who is responsible and the timeline for these actions.

Social Surveys and Interviews

• Conduct interviews and social surveys to collect information on local communities' perspectives, needs, and impacts experienced, in alignment with project objectives.

Reporting

• Provide regular reports on data collected, including initial analyses to inform project adjustments and further planning.

Participation in Operations and Project Division Events

• Engage in Operations sessions, workshops, and conferences, contributing insights and gaining skills to enhance project outcomes.

General

• 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, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position.

Skills

• Ability to problem-solve and manage multiple, conflicting drivers.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Public speaking skills.


• Ability to listen actively and interact effectively with individuals, groups, and agencies.


• Excellent problem-solving skills and ethical decision-making skills.


• Understand and utilize data analysis and performance metrics associated technology.


• Must be able to work effectively under pressure and with minimal supervision.


• Adopt an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset.


• Highly organized with solid attention to detail.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office.


• Physically fit with regular visitation to work sites to support project teams and conduct infield inspections and audits.


• Valid Driver’s Licence (with off road driving experience advantageous).


• Fluency in English with ability to converse in Afrikaans and Xhosa preferred.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Social Sciences, Development Economics, Community and Social Development, Project and Programme Management or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous experience in similar role of community engagement.


• Understand and navigate local regulatory issues in the regions in which the company operates.


• Knowledge of local community resources considered an asset.

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.


• 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

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.


• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).


• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us.

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.