TRAFFIC - Programme Officer

LOCATION: Johannesburg, South Africa DURATION: Full-time permanent position CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 April 2008 TRAFFIC's East/Southern Africa Regional Programme (TESA) is seeking a Programme Officer to lead TESA's research programme into a variety of traded natural resource issues including medicinal plants and timber, enabling TESA to achieve its conservation programme within the region and to contribute to TRAFFIC's larger global objectives. The position will be based Johannesburg, South Africa, and will report to the National Representative, TESA-South Africa. BACKGROUND TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC actively monitors and investigates wildlife trade and provides information to diverse audiences worldwide as a basis for effective conservation policies and programmes. The organization was founded in 1976 and has grown into an international network, with 22 offices worldwide, organised in eight regional programmes. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of WWF, the conservation organization and IUCN - the International Union for Conservation of Nature. DUTIES Characteristic duties The Programme Officer will have direct responsibility for the development and execution of a variety of wildlife trade related natural resource programme activities in South Africa. These activities will typically include the monitoring of wildlife trade through research, collection and collation of data, the production of analyses of trade in and utilization of wild flora and fauna and wildlife products, facilitating implementation of sustainable trade programmes, contributing to capacity building initiatives and ensuring sound administration of projects in accordance with donor contracts and TRAFFIC’s financial procedures. Specific duties: · Coordinating implementation and finalizing a management plan for the medicinal plant Pelargonium sidoides using the International Standard for Sustainable wild Collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP) in Lesotho and South Africa; · Coordinating implementation and completion of a timber trade study in southern Africa in conjunction with relevant conservation agencies and institutions; · Assisting with the preparation of TESA’s work programme, budget, project proposal development and fund-raising as required; · Identifying trade that may be detrimental to the survival of species in the wild; · Establishing and maintaining strong links with the CITES Management and Scientific Authorities in the East and Southern African region, assisting with efforts to strengthen implementation of CITES and other wildlife trade related laws in the region, and where appropriate, utilizing the resources of the TRAFFIC network to provide assistance in the process; · Liaison with the CITES Secretariat, wildlife authorities and non-government organizations on matters relating to trade in wild animals and plants as appropriate; · Liaison with other offices of the TRAFFIC network in accordance with established procedures, and providing policy advice and information in a timely manner to TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa and the TRAFFIC network on matters related to international trade in and utilization of wild animals and plants, and; · Representing TRAFFIC at national, regional and international meetings as appropriate. REQUIREMENTS Qualifications and experience • A higher degree (Masters) in conservation, natural sciences, environmental impact assessment, management, international development or related social sciences. • Technical proficiency in the field of conservation, natural-resource management or international development, with at least three to five years professional experience in east or southern Africa and demonstrated success in the execution of complex research programmes. Skills and Competencies • The candidate should be a self-starter with proven abilities to develop and manage projects and programmes from start to finish, including financial and personnel management. • An understanding of economics, policy development or legal issues within the conservation context would be a recommendation. • The position demands the ability to work as part of the regional and international TRAFFIC team. • Writing skills, an ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, communications skills, enthusiasm, perseverance and commitment are essential. • The candidate should be prepared to travel and work extensively in the East and Southern African region. • Demonstrated fund-raising skills and experience with donor/government aid agencies. • Excellent inter-personal skills, ability to operate at all levels and liaise effectively with local communities, universities, government agencies, governmental policy and decision makers as well as the business community. • Excellent oral and written communications skills in English required and in at least one other southern African language an advantage. • Familiarity with standard office computer packages including word-processing and database software. • A valid driver's licence.   SUPERVISION: Staff and consultants as required.