Job Description

CapeNature is looking for a Compliance Officer to join our Biodiversity Conservation unit.

This position is suited to a competent, analytical, dedicated, innovative and professional person to assist with the administration of environmental legislation, directives and policies of fauna, flora, hunting and CITES.

The ideal candidate should have well developed interpersonal, communication and writing skills and have a high level of professionalism.

The successful candidate will report to the Team Leader: Compliance in the Biodiversity Capabilities Directorate of CapeNature.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct and enable the development and integration of knowledge, planning and monitoring systems to advance the practice of biodiversity conservation and integrated catchment management
To contribute to the development of strategic plans focusing on areas of high conservation value, which requires compliance action to achieve the necessary conservation objectives.
To contribute to the development of biodiversity plans and strategies as well monitoring and assessment reports.
Contribute to the development of systems, decision-making processes, models, policies, strategies, and protocols to support the implementation of strategic adaptive management.
To contribute to the implementation of compliance strategies by CapeNature to ensure and regulate the sustainable use of biodiversity, mitigate, and curb the impact of unsustainable and harmful activities on biodiversity.

Direct, develop and integrate effective conservation, biodiversity legislation, policies, procedures, and guidelines
To control compliance with policies, conditions, procedures and directives with regards to environmental legislation.
To contribute to the timeous, lawful, compliant and consistent authorisations for biodiversity use.
To process permit applications within legislation timeframes
To capture complete permit applications and permits finalised on manual tracker.
To check entries on manual tracking of permit turnaround times to identify and facilitate areas for improvement.
Responsible to capture and maintain data for legislative compliance reports (Quarterly BABS Research Permit Report, Annual CITES report, Annual Professional Hunting Report and Annual Bontebok Register)

Generate compliance impact through the enablement, development and integration of leading-edge technologies, practice, policy, science, and innovation
Responsible for issuing of permits in the electronic permit system and maintain the integrity and reliability of data input in the permit system.
Responsible for the compilation of reports and database management.
To contribute to the improvement of web-based integrated conservation and biodiversity management systems.
Coordinate, consolidate and compile technical reports.
Contribute to, develop, expand, maintain, and improve inventories and databases.

Engage, collaborate and direct engagement with strategic partners for advancing, securing and enabling the development and deployment of biodiversity compliance capabilities
Engage with internal and external stakeholders, to ensure compliance and build capacity in operations.
Responsible to supply guidance and advise to staff and clients with regards to environmental and legislative issues.
Client liaison with regards to awareness and to promote and improve biodiversity regulatory compliance of mandated legislation to improve biodiversity conservation.

Development of biodiversity compliance capability, capacity and the integration of innovation and technology
Provide advisory, regulatory and liaison support functions.
Provide appropriate support to CapeNature personnel and role-players, related to compliance procedures, guidelines and policies.
Provide training, mentoring and skills development of CapeNature staff and stakeholders in the landscape to ensure compliance.
To raise awareness within the regulated community regarding applicable legislation and how it relates to environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS::

Mandatory: Qualifications and Experience

NQF 5 (Higher certificate) or higher with relevant administrative experience.
2-3 years administrative experience
Bilingualism in at least two of the official languages of the Western Cape.
Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) Course (Grade 2 or higher)
Excellent communication in English both written and spoken.
In possession of a valid driver’s license with the willingness to travel when required
No criminal record

Competencies:

Knowledge of the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974 and good knowledge of environmental legislation.
General knowledge of South African law.
Good communication, written and verbal skills.
Good organizational and administrative skills.
Good inter-personal skills
Good analytical, problem-solving skills; accuracy and numeral skills.
Ability to work independently under pressure within targeted timelines.
Sound computer literacy including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and electronic permit system.

Recommendation/Added Advantage:

Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) designation

Please send your resume/CV