WWF South Africa is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation and environmental organisations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which we all live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

Eight percent of South Africa’s land area provides half our river run-off (12% of the land area including Lesotho and Swaziland provides 50% of our run-off). A project recently completed by the WWF- Freshwater Programmes with CSIR has defined these areas, our Water Source Areas. These areas are the ‘crown jewels’ of our ecological infrastructure for water security, the headwaters of our major river systems that sustain our food security and economic development downstream.One of the principal objectives of the Freshwater Programmes is to secure the healthy water provisioning from these Water Source Areas (WSAs).
 
WSAs face multiple threats in the different areas: forestry; alien invasive plants; poor agricultural land management; mining.  We will need to engage multiple tactics with different stakeholders to secure the ecological functioning of these areas, including engagement with national macro plans (National Protected Area Expansion Strategy; Strategic Integrated Projects; etc) and prioritising these areas with DWA and DEA.  We have started this process and now need to employ additional water and planning expertise to develop the tactics in more detail and assist with implementation.

This is a two-year contract position. The person will report to the Senior Manager of Freshwater Programmes.   
 
Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of a strategy and regional tactics to ensure optimal functioning of water source areas and the implementation of this strategy;
• Develop necessary partnerships in support of this strategy;
• Determine sustainable funding models with private and public partners to ensure the security of the water source areas (WSAs);
• Liaise with other programmes within WWF-SA and other NGOs to establish implementation of stewardship and protected environments within these areas;
• Liaise with CMAs, SANBI and DWA on implementation of Resource Directed Measures and the River Health Programme in the WSAs.

Requirements:

• M.Sc or higher in water resources management or integrated land-use planning;
• Strategic thinking and an understanding of the implementation of stewardship for water and biodiversity in South Africa;
• Holistic understanding of the water sector in South Africa and drivers of change;
• Understanding of the regulatory and policy environment for spatial planning;
• Experience in developing spatial plans with multiple stakeholders and sectors;
• Ability to inspire various networks to act on freshwater challenges;
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills;
• Experience in managing multi-stakeholder processes and projects;
• Highly driven, self-motivated individual;
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.

To apply, submit a CV and motivational letter, together with the names, current e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three relevant references to hr@wwf.org.za

www.wwf.org.za