Officer: Socio-Economic Transformation

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the above position in the Meerkat National Park. The purpose of the position is to enable stakeholders to derive maximum and equitable benefit from opportunities created through the Meerkat National Park and to improve the participation of local communities, thereby promoting a national conservation ethic.

Location

Meerkat National Park

Requirements

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Social Sciences / Education/ Community Development/ Nature Conservation or equivalent.
• 5 years’ proven experience in community facilitation, engagement, or development, preferably in a conservation, environmental or educational context.
• A driver’s licence (code 8).
• Proficiency in Afrikaans.
• Administration, report writing and financial management.
• Experience in community facilitation will serve as an added advantage.
• Computer literacy with a working knowledge of Microsoft packages.
• Good communication, interpersonal, project management and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

Implementation of SET programmes, strategy, and policies:

• Implement the Socio- Economic Transformation strategy.
• Manage and support the people and conservation projects.
• Coordinate sustainable resource utilisation initiatives.
• Facilitate programmes related to cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, keeping these alive and integrating them into SANParks’ operations.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop sustainable partnerships with communities and stakeholders that will be used as
• mechanisms to ensure constructive and intentional interaction in mutually beneficial programs and projects.
• Liaise with community- based interest groups and NGOs.

Corporate Social Investment (CSI) & Wildlife Economy Projects:

• Promote initiatives that enable participation and benefit in business opportunities provided in the park.
• Facilitate the creation and maintenance of community based economic development projects.
• Facilitate the establishment of environmental awareness programmes in neighbouring community schools and with visiting interest groups inside the park.
• Coordinate or support CSI initiatives as well as wildlife economy projects that involve local benefit (skills development, job creation etc.).
• General administration and report writing.

Financial Management:

• Ensure sound budget management.
• Facilitate the procurement of services and goods.
• Ensure adherence to SCM policies and procedures.
• Inventory, stock control and assets management.

Please Note

The remuneration package includes an all-inclusive cost to company salary, based on the scale of a position with a Paterson C4 job grade, allowances, and benefits as specified in the HR tariff document and Conditions of Services of SANParks.

SANParks is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Appointment will be in accordance with EE targets plan.

Paterson Grade

C4

How To Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should forward their applications accompanied by the required documentation listed below to the following:

Documents Required

A Cover letter, CV, certified copies of ID and relevant qualifications to be submitted to the following address:

Subject Line: SET Officer MENP

ATT: Claudia Malgas

Human Resource Department

Meerkat National Park

9 Joppie Vermeulem Street

Carnarvon

8925

Email: claudia.malgas@sanparks.org

If you have not been responded to within 21 days of the closing date, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

Closing Date

25 June 2026