The position will serve in the role of National Programme Officer, Plastics - South Africa, for the End Plastic Pollution Collaborative (EPPIC) Project. H/she will aid the implementation of the Project in South Africa and will be responsible for engagement at the national level to deliver the project objectives, in coordination with the Senior Programme Manager for EPPIC and the Regional EPPIC Focal Point for IUCN ESARO.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES;
Ensure EPPIC Project activities in South Africa are implemented according to the workplan in close collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager for EPPIC, the Regional EPPIC Focal Point for IUCN ESARO, and the relevant sector focal government ministry, department or authority;
Develop in-country work plans and facilitate coordination and integration of partner national activities, planned by the Aspen Institute, Ocean Foundation, Searious Business and the IUCN global team into the national context;
Facilitate preparation of workshops, meetings both in-country and regional (where required), including the follow-up activities, such as reporting;
Prepare, monitor and manage contracts with consultants, review consultants’ deliverables in collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager EPPIC and the Regional EPPIC Focal Point for IUCN ESARO;
Prepare national technical reports on the EPPIC Project and support the finance department on financial reporting to ensure timely reporting to the US Department of State; and provide regular inputs into EPPIC’s overall monitoring and evaluation matrix;
Prepare regular updates, draft and edit content and coordinate with the communication officer, on activities, materials, meetings, project webpages, policy briefs, fact sheets, letters and events;
Liaise with EPPIC Project counterparts in other regions to ensure synergies and good collaboration; and with the IUCN IslandPlas project team and the UNEP-led National Plastics Action Plan (SA NPAP) project, as needed;
Liaise with national government representatives and relevant networks to ensure the project is aligned with country’s priorities on plastic pollution, with emphasis on supporting engagement in public-private partnerships. This includes keeping government representatives updated and seeking advice and support in relation to project activities;
Identify and maintain relationships with potential stakeholders including Small and Medium Enterprises, informal sector, women’s, youth and community networks, IUCN members, and partners to engage with EPPIC;
Support EPPIC’s in-country small-grants program, provide technical assistance, review reports, provide feedback and monitor the management and implementation of grants;
Support the advancement of regional and national work portfolio development to address plastic pollution, including through identification of additional funding sources to scale the regional programme;
Collaborate closely with team members across technical and policy workstreams to ensure research supports and informs policy positions advanced by the team;
Maintain broad knowledge and keep abreast of developments and solution options to tackle plastic pollution;
Carry out other technical support as required.
REQUIREMENTS:
University degree in environmental sciences, sustainable development or any other discipline that is relevant to nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources;
Four to six years of relevant experience;
Ability and excellence in English, written and oral expression, indispensable.
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Good organizational, administrative, reporting and communication skills;
Proven knowledge and experience in plastic pollution and waste management.
Reside in Pretoria.
Willingness to travel within and outside Pretoria, as may be required.
