WWF South Africa – Project Officer: Freshwater Stewardship – Apply Before 18 June 2025

Location: Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Contract: 24-month fixed term
Job Type: Full Time, Hybrid
Closing Date: 18 June 2025

About WWF South Africa

WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with a global network operating in over 100 countries and supported by more than six million people worldwide. Our mission is to halt the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future where humans live in harmony with nature. We achieve this by conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of natural resources, and reducing pollution and wasteful consumption.

WWF South Africa is a key part of this global network, operating nationally for over 50 years. We inspire South Africans to live in harmony with nature for the benefit of the country and the wellbeing of its people. Our work is both challenging and rewarding, and we seek passionate, skilled, and results-oriented individuals to join us in making a lasting impact.

Role Overview

WWF South Africa is seeking a Project Officer: Freshwater Stewardship to join our team based in KwaZulu-Natal. This position is a 24-month fixed-term contract and will operate in a hybrid working environment. The successful candidate will support WWF’s freshwater ecosystem stewardship by providing technical and administrative assistance to water stewardship initiatives, catchment management, and community engagement programs.

The Project Officer will be instrumental in strengthening freshwater monitoring, spatial planning, and data management systems, contributing to research, and fostering local custodianship of water resources through citizen science initiatives and stakeholder collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Water Stewardship and Catchment Management

• Provide technical support for water stewardship initiatives and catchment management projects across WWF’s priority landscapes.
• Assist field teams in implementing freshwater ecosystem management strategies.
• Support monitoring and reporting on freshwater and biodiversity outcomes to ensure data-driven decision-making.
• Maintain and update project databases, ensuring accurate tracking of activities and indicators.
• Assist in spatial planning and prioritization efforts linked to catchment and landscape management.

Community Engagement and Citizen Science

• Promote and support freshwater citizen science programs involving communities, schools, and local stakeholders.
• Facilitate engagement and training sessions to build local awareness and encourage active participation in water quality monitoring.
• Develop and distribute educational and training materials to empower local custodianship of freshwater resources.

Research and Technical Support

• Collect, manage, and analyze environmental data related to freshwater ecosystems to support interventions and restoration projects.
• Contribute technical expertise to the development of catchment management strategies.
• Support the use of innovative freshwater monitoring tools and methodologies.

Communications and Knowledge Sharing

• Assist in creating communication materials such as blogs, reports, fact sheets, and social media content to raise awareness of freshwater issues and project outcomes.
• Support the organization and facilitation of learning journeys and capacity-building workshops within WWF priority landscapes.
• Provide training and technical support to WWF Landscape Teams.

Administrative and Logistical Support

• Coordinate meetings, workshops, and events, including logistics and minute-taking.
• Maintain project documentation and support procurement and other administrative functions as required.
• Assist in facilitation during field visits and stakeholder engagements, capturing key insights and documenting activities.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Ecology, Geography, or a related discipline.
• At least one year of relevant experience in freshwater ecology, water and biodiversity stewardship, community engagement, or environmental education.
• Experience working in rural or catchment management contexts.
• Proven project coordination and administrative skills.
• Strong communication abilities, including content development for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with online collaboration platforms.
• Experience with GIS, data management, and environmental data analysis is advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving 4×4 vehicles off-road.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in at least two South African languages such as isiZulu, isiXhosa, or Sesotho is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Excellent time management, organisational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a dynamic and deadline-driven environment.
• Conflict resolution skills to mediate community or stakeholder disputes.
• Commitment to WWF’s core values: Courage, Collaboration, Integrity, Respect, and Inclusivity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV and a combined cover letter explaining how their skills and experience align with the role at WWF website. The application should demonstrate creativity and motivation relevant to freshwater stewardship and conservation. Please include contact details for three referees.

Applications must be submitted by 18 June 2025. For further information or questions, please contact WWF South Africa directly.

WWF South Africa is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.