WWF is the world\u2019s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans 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.<\/p>\n
WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that has worked for 50 years with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the wellbeing of all our people. WWFs work is for nature, for you.
\nOur work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.<\/p>\n
Background:<\/strong> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Job Title: Senior Manager: Food Systems<\/strong> Job Summary:<\/strong> \u2022Provide thematic leadership to WWF South Africa\u2019s work on Food Systems, which includes the areas of sustainable agriculture and small-holder farmer support initiatives.
\nWWF is looking for a dynamic leader to drive engagement in the food and sustainable agriculture sector to deliver WWF\u2019s intended conservation impact. The Food Systems team will be responsible for designing, leading and or forming part of teams who work in pursuit of WWF South Africa\u2019s environmental outcomes. The Food Systems team is composed of highly competent and dynamic individuals working across multiple themes, value chain building, Producer support, certification standards & stepwise improvement mechanisms, sustainable market access, nutrition, climate & water smart practices, producer incentives, urban & informal markets, food waste, Agroecology & farming with biodiversity.
\nThe successful candidate needs to be able to build productive and lasting partnerships, lead a diverse and dispersed team and co-develop innovative approaches at the interface of food, agriculture, and small holder farmers.<\/p>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
\nReference #:<\/strong> Senior Manager: Food Systems
\nContract Type:<\/strong> Permanent
\nSalary: <\/strong>Market Related<\/p>\n
\nThe Senior Manager Food Systems will function within the organization\u2019s broader Environmental Programme and will report to the Programme Impact Lead and Programme Delivery Lead. The position will predominantly be based either at the WWF South Africa office in Newlands Cape Town or Braamfontein Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022In addition to understanding contemporary global developments and impact of Food and Agricultural production on natural systems, provide expertise on regenerative production and consumption practices related to food systems, including emphasis on smallholder farming practices.
\n\u2022Work with multidisciplinary teams and provide strategic and technical content for policies work related to related thematic portfolios including freshwater, wildlife, climate & energy, biodiversity stewardship & land, and urban systems.
\n\u2022Work with the Strategic Communications team to develop internal and external communication material regarding relevant support for the Food Systems work in order to meet project goals, broaden and engage constituencies.
\n\u2022Participate in WWF Corporate partnership, Business Network and other corporate relations management processes that are linked to the thematic portfolio.
\n\u2022Work with partners to build regenerative value chains including a developmental approach to market access while observing both Environmental and Social safeguards according to set guidelines.
\n\u2022Build sustainable funding streams to support implementation of the plan of work on Food Systems.
\n\u2022Assist with relevant and appropriate staff recruitment, development, and mentorship of associated staff and, where relevant, partners linked to the Food Systems theme.
\n\u2022Oversee an effective project cycle management process and manage reporting and alignment processes for related projects
\n\u2022Ensure alignment with the WWF 2025 Strategy
\n\u2022Implement Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning approaches to support and enhance WWF-SA strategic impact
\n\u2022Serve as WWF-SA\u2019s spokesperson in engagement with media on matters of Food, Agriculture and Smallholder farmers.
\n\u2022Perform further duties as necessary to achieve key outcomes of WWF Strategy for Food, Agriculture and Smallholder support projects.
\nRequirements
\n\u2022At least a master\u2019s level qualification in Food and\/or Agriculture related discipline
\n\u2022At least 10 years\u2019 experience in the area of environmental issues associated with the Food and Agricultural sectors
\n\u2022A practical appreciation for South Africa\u2019s Food &Agricultural context and the spectrum of nature positive, regenerative practices (standards and their derivatives) in production and consumption.
\n\u2022A demonstrated ability to network and build strong partnerships.
\n\u2022In addition to a balanced understanding of land tenure in South Africa\u2019s context, an experience of building sustainable value chains in fishing and\/or farming.
\n\u2022Ability to positively engage stakeholders (in government, business and society) to act on the challenges that we face together in the Food, Agriculture (including water) sector.
\n\u2022An integrated understanding of Food and Agriculture policy landscape, with high level strategic relationships in government.
\n\u2022 A highly versatile and adaptable food and agricultural sector professional who can grasp and communicate concepts quickly and well.
\n\u2022A clear understanding of the contemporary political economic imperatives to South Africa\u2019s environmental challenges.
\n\u2022Exceptional leadership skills, including the ability to contribute to teams lead by others and a willingness to innovate and drive interdisciplinary approaches.
\n\u2022A good understanding of the broad range of projects undertaken by WWF and knowledge of the relevant institutional landscape in South Africa.
\n\u2022Experience with budget planning, project monitoring and evaluation, and reporting to donors.
\n\u2022Experience with development of funding proposals.
\n\u2022Demonstrated writing, media communication and presentation skills.
\n\u2022An ability to convey complex environmental issues in a powerful way to diverse audiences.
\n\u2022A strong command of English as a working language is essential and ability to speak another of South Africa\u2019s official languages, particularly relating to small producers will be an advantage.<\/p>\n