Environmental Officer Control Grade A: MPA’S (OC06/2025) needed at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

REQUIREMENTS :

• An appropriate 4-year honours’ Degree (NQF 8) in Natural or Environmental Management/Sciences or equivalent qualification plus 6 years post qualification experience in related field. Knowledge and working experience of the following: relevant and applicable policy development and implementation, and legislation (e.g. NPAES, Biodiversity Act, Protected Areas Act, Marine Living Resource Act, etc.);
• and MPA management issues: Purpose and functioning of MPAs; Co-management approaches; Socio-economic issues around MPAs and Natural Resource Management; Biodiversity Conservation Planning principles and application; methods of assessing sites for MPAs; Compliance and Enforcement measures. Project management and strategic planning. Public Service and Departmental Procedures and Prescripts

DUTIES :

• Design and expand the MPA network to represent bioregions, including deep water and high sea areas. Participate and influence the conservation planning processes. Facilitate the declaration process of the Marine Protected Area and establishment of OECMs network.
• Develop, implement relevant policies and legislation regarding MPAs and OECMs and coordinate the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPS). Prepare implementation reports in line with the National Biodiversity Monitoring Framework. Development and monitor the implementation of contracts (MoAs, SLAs, MoUs, etc.). Operationalise management arrangements for Marine Protected Areas and OECMs.
• Develop and monitor the implementation of the workplans. Prepare necessary administration and SCMs processes to enable the MPA management authorities to effectively manage MPAs on behalf of the Department. Review and implement international targets relating to marine conservation areas. Develop, implement and review of national strategies in line with national, regional and international obligations.
• Facilitate the development and effective implementation of MPA management plans. Facilitate and conduct the management effectiveness tracking tool (METT) for MPAs.
• Establish and strengthen public private partnerships to advance the implementation of conservation obligations. Establish stakeholder engagement platforms to foster effective participation in conservation and decision-making. Lead stakeholder consultation on potential expansion areas for conservation purposes.