Oferta compartida por Nuria
BirdLife South Africa (BLSA), based in Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of the largest, most active, non-governmental conservation organisations in South Africa. BLSA is the South African Partner of BirdLife International, which operates through partners in 113 countries and territories worldwide. The BirdLife Partnership is the leading and internationally acclaimed authority on the status of birds, their habitats, and the issues affecting birds. BLSA has special links with the BirdLife partners in Africa, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the UK.
BLSA is looking for a suitably qualified, dedicated, innovative and dynamic Ingula Project Assistant to support BLSA’s research, conservation strategies, population and habitat monitoring, and awareness campaigns centred on the conservation success of the Ingula Nature Reserve. This position is supported by The Ingula Partnership, a collaboration between BLSA, Middelpunt Wetland Trust and Eskom. The position, under supervision of the BLSA Ingula Project Manager, will require extensive fieldwork and assistance with engagements with Eskom employees, neighbouring land owners, and tourism groups.
The Ingula Project Assistant will, among others, assist the Ingula Project Manager with avifaunal and ecological surveys and implementation of relevant species action plans, provide assistance with the implementation of nature-based tourism and other environmental education activities specified in the Ingula Environmental Education Strategy. The Ingula Project Assistant will also assist with the implementation of the Ingula Nature Reserve Management Plan (The Ingula Project Manager over time will familiarise the successful applicant with the strategic requirements of these documents).
The Ingula Project Assistant will report directly to BLSA’s Ingula Project Manager who reports to the Landscape Conservation Programme Manager who reports to the BLSA Head of Conservation.
The ideal candidate would have:
- A background in ecological sciences and/or ornithology (knowledge of grassland ecology and bird species would be advantageous).
- Sufficient knowledge of species and/or habitat conservation, with a passion for the study and conservation of the natural environment.
- Be self-motivated, hardworking and able to work independently with limited supervision.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills across a broad cultural diversity.
- Good administrative skills.
- Be able to work as part of a team.
The Ingula Project Assistant will be committed to BLSA’s vision and mission (available at https://www.birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/about/) and be willing to work collaboratively with other organisations, both regionally and internationally, to further the conservation and preservation of South Africa’s threatened raptors and large terrestrial birds and their associated habitats.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under supervision of the Ingula Project Manager, the primary responsibilities of the Ingula Project Assistant will include, but not be limited to:
- Monthly and quarterly avifaunal and ecological surveys, including breeding monitoring of threatened bird species, mortality monitoring (e.g. powerline and fenceline collisions), habitat monitoring, etc. • Regular updating of the Ingula ecological databases.
- Assistance with site-specific research projects where and when necessary.
- Assistance with the implementation of the Ingula Nature Reserve Management Plan (as referred to above).
- Assistance with implementation of ecotourism and environmental education activities on the Ingula Nature Reserve (as referred to above).
- Help to promote the conservation of the wider region and Ingula Nature Reserve buffer zone amongst neighbouring landowners and other stakeholders.
INHERENT REQUIREMENTS
Inherent requirements for the position are:
- Minimum of a diploma or relevant qualification (NQF level 6) in natural sciences or environmental management, relating to ecological science/ornithology.
- Good communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English (some knowledge of spoken isiZulu and Afrikaans would be advantageous).
- Be capable of performing fieldwork under strenuous physical conditions.
- Skillful use of the Microsoft Office suite.
- Code B driver’s licence (4X4 and off road driving skills would be advantageous).
- Sufficient knowledge of South Africa’s terrestrial birds and the main threats to these species.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Comfortable working with all age groups (school groups to older visitors) relating to environmental education and tourism activities.
- A minimum of two years fieldwork experience and the proven ability to work in independently in remote, isolated areas (experience in monitoring methods, knowledge of grassland birds and report writing would be advantageous).
- Good logistical skills, with the ability to multi-task, problem solve and prioritise.
- Some marketing experience, with the ability to assist in developing promotional material such as brochures, information flyers, route maps and ecotourism activities (e.g. hiking trails), etc.
- Willingness to travel locally when necessary.
GENERAL
The position will be based at the Eskom Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme, near Ladysmith, KwaZuluNatal and the successful candidate must therefore be willing to relocate to the area. The successful candidate will also be bound by Eskom’s code of ethics and health and safety regulations. The nature of the position requires the incumbent to sometimes work afterhours and over the weekend.
REMUNERATION
Salary: BLSA offers a salary which is commensurate with the position and responsibilities. The salary information is available on request.
Fringe benefits: BLSA provides comprehensive group life insurance.
INTERVIEW
Interview: Successful applicants will be required to attend interviews at the BLSA Head Office in Johannesburg, or via Zoom.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants are to submit:
- A detailed curriculum vitae with three contactable referees.
- A detailed motivation as to how the applicant sees his/her role in this post.
- Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
- A list of publications and/or other achievements.
- A copy of the applicant’s identity document or passport. Please note:
- All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
- BLSA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- BLSA subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act.
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned act and the employee profile of the specific programme.
Assumption of duties: 4 January 2021
Closing date: 13 November 2020 at 17:00 (CAT) To apply please e-mail your CV and motivation to BLSA’s HR Manager, Dr Isabel Human, at isabel.human@birdlife.org.za with the subject title INGULA PROJECT ASSISTANT. For further information, contact Carina Pienaar, Ingula Project Manager, at carina.coetzer@birdlife.org.za or Dr Melissa Howes-Whitecross, Landscape Conservation Programme Manager, at melissa.whitecross@birdlife.org.za.
Visit BirdLife South Africa website for more open vacancies.
