About us

The Wild Bird Trust (WBT) runs hands-on conservation projects in South Africa, Botswana, and Angola. Working from bases in Hogsback, Eastern Cape and Tzaneen, Limpopo,the Cape Parrot Project, founded in 2009, focuses on ensuring the survival of the Cape Parrot through research on the species to implement conservation action and to address the threat of habitat degradation and historical destruction. The Cape Parrot Project works closely with local communities by hiring staff from within these communities and in creating community tree nurseries which supply trees needed for restoration.

Why work for us?

We are a small but dynamic team making a practical difference to our parrots, our forests and the communities in which we are based. We are part of a bigger organisation that provides operational and human resource support. The salary is competitive and the other benefits include 21 days of leave and a beautiful working environment. This role will require someone who is willing to work early mornings on an ongoing basis - parrot observations mean being up before the parrots to get to various sites - this can be as early as 3h30 in summer but the day will still be 8 hours - so you will usually finish up early. Although the Hogsback base is remote (the nearest Steers is 35km away in Alice and we have only one store!), there are lots of beautiful walks and spots to visit. Bear in mind that you will need to be self-sufficient and comfortable in a small community. There is no doctor or pharmacy in the village but there are great support networks.

The role

The Research Field Officer (RFO) will report directly to the Research Manager(RM) and will interact with the full research team

Key Result Areas will include:

• Daily - all field observations including monitoring feeding & breeding behaviour and habitat surveys at various sites around the base and up to an hour’s drive away; capturing all data and reporting to the RM; contributing to academic research.
• Monthly - updating monthly report summaries; attending meetings.
• Annually or now and then - install nest boxes, deploy research equipment; contribute to strategic planning; support for funding applications
• Occasionally - first aid response.

If you like being outdoors and having close interaction with the environment while contributing to meaningful conservation work, then this role is for you.

About you

It is important that:

• Your educational background should include a tertiary qualification that supports the key aspects of this role.
• Your experience is sufficient that you can jump straight in once onboarded and can work independently with Microsoft Office and Google Suite (especially Drive) and that you can fast track new technological updates. Multi-tasking is definitely required. You should be able to confidently orientate yourself in the landscape using maps and a GPS.
• You have a valid Driver’s Licence - Hogsback is far from most places and driving is a must; you should have demonstrable experience with off-road driving.
• You are a competent communicator, verbally and with writing skills, and can work independently alone in remote places.
• This is an Affirmative Action / Employment Equity vacancy.

Application Process:

For a more detailed job description, or to apply, send the following to: susan@wildbirdtrust.com and use “Research Field Assistant” as the subject line:

• Cover letter of motivation outlining your interest in applying for the vacancy.
• Curriculum Vitae including at least three contactable references

Please note:

• Applications close on 22 June 2023.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Background

This rapidly growing conservation organization is seeking a highly experienced, hands-on and energetic individual to join its team as the Marketing & Communications Director.

The Wild Bird Trust (WBT) runs conservation projects which presently have operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola through the presence of local operating entities, namely, The Wild Bird Trust in South Africa, The Botswana Wild Bird Trust, and the Lisima Foundation in Angola. These entities in addition to the USA-based 501c3 organization, The Wild Bird Foundation of America are collectively referred to as the WBT family.

In South Africa, the WBT’s flagship is the Cape Parrot Project, which is run from their bases in Hogsback, Eastern Cape and the newly established Tzaneen, Limpopo base. The Cape Parrot Project was founded in 2009 with the express purpose of ensuring the survival of the endangered Cape Parrot through research on the species to implement conservation action and landscape restoration activities to address the threat of habitat degradation and historical destruction. The Cape Parrot Project works closely with local communities in creating community tree nurseries which supply the reforestation teams employed by the project in addition to its own large-scale indigenous tree-growing operations.

Additionally, the WBT has a collaboration agreement with the National Geographic Society for the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project with a specific focus on the following:

• Exploration and Field Research expeditions to Angola, Namibia and Botswana.
• Fixed-base research operations in Angola and Botswana.
• Organizing, implementing and supporting community-based projects.
• Infrastructure development projects in Angola and Botswana.
• Sustainable livelihood projects in Angola and Botswana.
• Developing engaging conservation media relevant to local and global audiences.
• Organizing events which support and advocate for the various causes linked to the project.

As part of the project, the WBT is named as the implementing partner under a partnership agreement between the National Geographic Society and De Beers Limited UK (De Beers) which is called Okavango Eternal. This Partnership aims to both support the existing National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project and its critical next phase in Angola.

Job Title

Marketing & Communications Director, Cape Parrot Project

Job Overview

The Marketing & Communications Director is responsible for creating and maintaining a successful brand and image for the Wild Bird Trust that attracts a larger awareness in the public domain and an increase in followers, target audience, partners, sponsors, donors and collaborators for the Wild Bird Trust in general and with the bulk of the focus in this regard towards the Cape Parrot Project in South Africa in particular.

This person will be responsible for making high-level decisions and developing an overall communication and marketing plan, developing campaigns and measuring the return on investment of various marketing, communication and brand awareness methods. This person is responsible for overseeing the communication and marketing of all facets of the organization and its various brands and projects.

The Marketing & Communications Director will lead an already existing marketing team of 2 people to ensure all tasks are appropriately assigned and all marketing requirements and aspects for the WBT, including but not limited to branding, communications, public relations, press, publishing, events, digital media functions are managed appropriately. In particular, the intended outcome of these tasks and activities is the development of potential new sponsors and donors for the Cape Parrot Project by raising its profile locally in South Africa.

Reporting Lines

The Marketing & Communications Director will report directly to the CEO with frequent liaison with the WBT Impact Director.

Responsibilities / Duties / Key Result Areas

Communication, Marketing Strategy and Development

• Complete a thorough analysis of the current marketing and communication strategy and outputs to ensure that both present and future work and endeavours are aligned with the overall marketing and communication strategy for the organization.
• Develop, plan, budget and implement the marketing strategies and campaigns for the entire organization. This will require the person to:
  • Build an understanding of specific target niche audiences that will further the goals of the project whether it is political support, fundraising or local community stakeholder engagement.
  • Ensure strong alignment with the WBT family’s core vision, mission and objectives.
  • Collaborate and strategize with all business entities, projects and support and operational departments such as Finance and Research.
  • Research opportunities for building and raising the profile and awareness of all of the projects of the WBT family with a specific focus on the Cape Parrot Project.
  • Work efficiently to create a budget for campaigns which are focused on our target audience in order to build further / stronger brand awareness.
  • Help the WBT family understand the implications of developing content specifically for these niche audiences, how to reach them and evoke action as required.
• Review the current marketing, social media and brand strategies to determine their effectiveness for the organization.
• Work with the relevant staff and departments to develop successful strategies and campaigns that not only keep the current audience but also attract and grow a larger and wider audience.
• Select, create and oversee the appropriate marketing activity to build a positive and successful organizational identity within conservation and public forums.
• Oversee the development of digital media campaigns for the various digital platforms to be used for storytelling and post updates to help ensure awareness and audience growth and participation.
• Analyze the increase in the organizational audience in comparison to the marketing budget in order to determine which campaigns are most effective.
• Research the marketing trends and campaigns of other industry-related organizations, both locally and globally, to not only ensure that we remain current but preferably to also offer other options that ensure we stay “ahead of the pack”.
• Direct audience/target market research, and competitive analysis to identify potential opportunities in the market that can be exploited and worked on.
• Oversee the development and execution of a sound digital marketing strategy for the entire organization based on market research and feedback.
• Continually direct and measure the impact of the marketing and brand awareness strategies that are implemented both internally and externally for the organization to ensure their effectiveness.
• Oversee, direct and monitor the marketing team staff to ensure they are effectively aligned and reach the organizational marketing, communication and brand awareness strategies and goals.

Internal & External Communication / Relationships / Sponsors and Donors

• Utilize and build upon your large existing network of relevant contacts in the industry to:
  • Ensure that the organization (and individuals within the organization) receive optimal social and media coverage at every opportunity e.g., media contacts, and public figures.
  • Engage and secure new financial support for the WBT and the CPP in particular e.g., donors or sponsors.
  • Ensure thorough knowledge of work being conducted by the WBT, by participating in project meetings, expedition work and events.
• Understand the broader context within which this work is being conducted - conservation, socio-economic influences, cultural limitations etc.
• Collaborate with the relevant business units to identify feasible work to maintain communication (both internally & externally).
• Along with the CEO, develop and oversee sponsorship strategy and leverage planning and develop initiatives to recruit new sponsors.
• Follow up on possible leads and contacts to nurture and engage with potential new customers, sponsors and donors.
• Build relationships and collaborate with organizations that complement our work and who may offer collaborations with various projects.
• Create and maintain a database of all sponsorship activity such as stakeholder meetings, progress timelines, contract values etc.

Event Creation & Management

• Develop and suggest new ideas/opportunities for events to engage a wider audience as well as the more influential niche audiences and to increase and promote brand and project awareness of the work of the organization.
• Attend internal and external related conservation industry events in the southern African region to make a name both for yourself and the organization for whom you work.
• The need to attend such events would also be crucial to:
  • Help build relationships with individuals and other organizations who could potentially offer financial assistance for the WBT and its work.
  • Provide an increase in brand awareness and the work of the WBT.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

Education / Experience

• Recognized degree or diploma in Marketing / Public Relations.
• Minimum 10 years of proven working experience within the industry and in a similarly relevant role.
• Working experience in a conservation and/or not-for-profit environment would be considered highly advantageous.
• Previous experience in utilizing marketing and communications activities to acquire sponsorship, donations, and partnerships which fundraise/generate revenue.
• Proven in-depth work experience and knowledge of building a successful brand specifically, something that drove social change or call to action in terms of an environmental or social justice cause.
• Ability to interact on a peer-level basis and lead WBT interactions with the experienced communications team at our partner the National Geographic Society.
• Proven negotiating and people skills.
• Brand awareness in today’s market and all the components that need to be managed to achieve success.
• Experience managing and overseeing teams of staff, conducting performance appraisals, working on staff development needs and expanding small teams.
• Essential to have an already existing database of industry contacts, strong relationships and reliable suppliers to assist in ensuring efficiency and success for the responsibilities of the role.
• Extensive knowledge of the power of digital media and how creating multimedia content for digital platforms can be used for storytelling/campaigns and successful growth of a brand.

Computer Skills / Requirements

• Confident IT skills preferably with knowledge and experience in software including Google Workspace Suite (particularly Google Sheets and Docs); MS Office (particularly Word and PowerPoint) with the ability to quickly learn any new technological updates related to the position as they arise.
• Knowledge and experience with Social Media platforms.

Competencies

• Able to analyze and look for new ways to improve the WBT brand; its project brands and its work and then having the know-how to introduce the WBT work to a far larger audience.
• Accurate worker with strong attention to detail.
• Creative, organized and systematic in your work.
• Respond timeously to any marketing and communication issues as they present.
• Ability to quickly see a marketing opportunity and translate that into an opportunity to build brand awareness and/or a larger audience following.
• Ability to translate a potential donor and close the deal.

Personal Skills

• Confident, with excellent verbal & written communication skills.
• Able and confident to stand in front of an audience and conduct a presentation.
• Able to adapt and communicate at all levels.
• A natural willingness and ability to problem-solve.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to set and work within deadlines efficiently.
• Proactive, able to use your initiative and always looking for potential communication and marketing opportunities.
• Highly motivated with a strong commitment to meeting both personal work and teamwork deliverables and goals.
• Strong sense of accountability for your role.
• Hands-on, aware and up-to-date within the communication, marketing and conservation fields of work in southern Africa and how these relate to the processes and obligations of the role.
• Unafraid of change and a willingness to quickly adapt to changes.

Working Hours / Place of Work

• This is a newly created role and the WBT is placing great emphasis on finding the right candidate for the vacancy. The WBT is therefore willing to either consider:
  • A candidate who will be able to fulfill the job requirements as an approximately 120 hours per month work role or,
  • A candidate who would take on the duties and responsibilities of the role as a full-time position.
• Due to the need to build industry-related contacts as well as relationships with potential donors or partners your work will involve the need at times to attend events which will involve both travel and evening/weekend work time.
• You will be required to work from home and must have a suitable home office set up to support optimal and efficient work output.
• In addition to work-related events, you will also be required to travel in the Southern African region to the WBT offices and places of expedition and exploration work e.g., Maun, Windhoek, Luanda.

Application Process

To apply, interested candidates should send the following to jobs@wildbirdtrust.com and use “Marketing and Communications Director Application” as the subject line:

• Cover letter motivating and outlining your interest in the role and must also include both your salary expectations and whether your application would be for either an approximately 120 hours per month work role or a full-time position.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae which must include,
  • Contact information.
  • Three role-related contactable references.

Please note:

• Applications close Friday 25 November 2022.
• Please take careful note of the required specifications, skills & experience before submitting your application.
• Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• This is a diversity, equity and inclusion role.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Background

This rapidly growing conservation organisation is seeking an experienced, hands-on, and energetic individual to join its team as the Project Assistant of the Cape Parrot Project.

The Wild Bird Trust (WBT) runs conservation projects which presently have operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola through the presence of local operating entities, namely, The Wild Bird Trust in South Africa, The Botswana Wild Bird Trust, and the Lisima Foundation in Angola. These entities in addition to the USA-based 501c3 organisation, The Wild Bird Foundation of America, are collectively referred to as the WBT family.

In South Africa, the WBT implements the Cape Parrot Project from their bases in Hogsback, Eastern Cape and Tzaneen, Limpopo. The Cape Parrot Project was founded in 2009 with the express purpose of ensuring the survival of the endangered Cape Parrot through research on the species to implement conservation action, and restoration activities to address the threat of habitat degradation and historical destruction. The Cape Parrot Project (CPP) works closely with local communities by hiring staff from within these communities and creating community tree nurseries which supply trees needed for restoration.

Job Title

Project Assistant, Cape Parrot Project

Reporting Lines

The Project Assistant (PA) reports directly to the Project Manager(PM) but will assist all team members in terms of the responsibilities outlined below or as required by the PM.

Job Overview

The Project Assistant’s role is to provide administrative, logistical and operational support to the Project Manager and other members of the CPP team. This includes procurement, financial and human resource administration, asset management, basic marketing duties and data capturing, including the capturing of research data.

The role is broad and varied, and the PA will play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the CPP. On limited occasions, the person could be required to assist with research and fieldwork which would involve hiking in mountainous terrain under various conditions either early in the mornings (before 6 am) and/or late evenings (after 5 pm). While the PA will seek advice and direction from the Project Manager, they should have the knowledge and skills to work on their own independently.

Responsibilities / Duties / Key Result Areas

To perform this job successfully, the Project Assistant will have the following duties and responsibilities although additional duties may be assigned by the PM as and when required.

In line with WBT Policies and Standard Operating Procedures assist with:

Human Resources

• Attend to the administration of the documentation relating to community and project-based staff/ contractors.
• Manage the CPP internal and external staff timesheets.
• Ensure CPP HR documentation online (including on the Sage HR system) and in the office is in order.

Financial Administration

• Submit CPP team expense claims with the necessary documentation and keep supporting documentation up-to-date.
• With the PM, monitor all credit card, cash and online expenditure, assist with allocations and keep all supporting documentation in order.
• Manage the CPP petty cash boxes and cash payments and keep supporting documentation up-to-date.
• Assist the CPP team with payments of external project staff and keep all supporting documentation in order.

Asset Management

• Work with the CPP team to update and maintain the various CPP asset inventories.
• Liaise with the PM to update the insurance policy and assist with claiming from insurance if necessary.
• Assist with asset procurement processes.
• Renew vehicle and trailer licences.
• Monitor and assist with organising regular maintenance of various assets.

General Administration / Other

• Procurement and management of operational, office and staff supplies.
• Host visiting guests and make necessary arrangements in this regard.
• Arrange outings and other activities for staff.
• Arrange outings and other activities relating to education and partnership outreach.
• Attend meetings and capture & disseminate meeting minutes.
• Create and maintain project report summaries and other historical reference documentation.
• Support the PM to maintain Health & Safety standards through familiarisation with the WBT Health & Safety Sop’s and policies, procurement, administration and implementation.

Social Media & Marketing

• Alert the WBT Media & Marketing team to relevant content for the CPP social media platforms, providing content where necessary and providing a communication channel with them in this regard.
• Join relevant social media platforms to monitor and respond as required.
• Assist with marketing of CPP locally, through stalls, attending functions and the like.
• Manage marketing resources locally.

Research

• Assist the CPP team with data capture including but not limited to nursery data, monitoring and evaluation data and other research data.
• Keep progress reporting sheets up to date.
• Assist with the compilation of funding reports.
• On occasion assist with the collection of data in the field.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

Education / Experience

• Matric and a relevant tertiary qualification in Administration or similar.
• Minimum of 5 years of working experience in a similar role.
• Being a confident driver with a driver’s licence and the ability to drive both on-road and off-road will be an advantage to assist with collections, deliveries and dropping off staff in the field.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (particularly Google Docs).
• Familiarity with working on Cloud applications, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive.
• Ability to quickly learn any new technological updates related to the role as they arise.

Competencies

• Strong English verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organisational and prioritisation skills and the ability to deliver on deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work accurately across a range of tasks.
• Fit and willing and able to hike and assist with fieldwork.

Personal Skills

• Adaptability to varying circumstances.
• A natural willingness and ability to use your initiative and problem-solve.
• Motivated and hands-on with a strong commitment to meeting both personal and team goals.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Unafraid to ask for guidance in situations where more information or clarification is needed.

Place of Work / Working Hours

• The offices are based on a smallholding off the central road of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape.
• The person will work according to the core office hours from 8h00-16h15, Monday to Friday.
• Working hours other than the core office hours will be required on occasions for either assisting with research in the early mornings or evenings or to meet operational or research deadlines.

Application Process

To apply, interested candidates should send the following to susan@wildbirdtrust.com and use “Project Assistant” as the subject line:

• Cover letter of motivation outlining your interest in applying for the vacancy. Please include salary requirements.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information
• At least three contactable references

Please note:

• Applications close on 30 November 2022.
• Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Please take careful note of the requirements, skills and experience before submitting your application.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. evaluation data and other research data.
• Keep progress reporting sheets up to date.
• Assist with the compilation of funding reports.

Background

This rapidly growing conservation organisation is seeking an experienced, hands-on, and energetic individual to join its team as the Restoration Officer of the Cape Parrot Project.

The Wild Bird Trust (WBT) runs conservation projects which presently have operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola through the presence of local operating entities, namely, The Wild Bird Trust in South Africa, The Botswana Wild Bird Trust, and the Lisima Foundation in Angola. These entities in addition to the USA-based 501c3 organisation, The Wild Bird Foundation of America, are collectively referred to as the WBT family.

In South Africa, the WBT implements the Cape Parrot Project from their bases in Hogsback, Eastern Cape and Tzaneen, Limpopo. The Cape Parrot Project was founded in 2009 with the express purpose of ensuring the survival of the endangered Cape Parrot through research on the species to implement conservation action, and restoration activities to address the threat of habitat degradation and historical destruction. The Cape Parrot Project works closely with local communities by hiring staff from within these communities and creating community tree nurseries which supply trees needed for restoration.

Job Title

Restoration Officer, Cape Parrot Project

Reporting Lines

The Restoration Officer (RO) will report to the Operations Manager (OM). The General Staff Team Leader (TL), and, at times, the General Project Assistant (GPA) will report to the Restoration Officer.

Job Overview

The RO will work with the Operations and Landscape Conservation Managers to drive the practical implementation of the Project’s habitat restoration plans. Working with the General Staff team, the RO will engage best practices to ensure the best possible outcomes of the restoration work undertaken by the Project to attain its vision of keeping birds safe in the wild by securing critical habitat for the benefit of wildlife, ecosystems and people in perpetuity. The job will involve a great deal of outdoor work instructing and monitoring the teams. In addition, the RO will be required to contribute to planning, data entry and report writing in an office environment. The RO will need to work closely with both management and the implementing teams and hence require excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as the relevant practical knowledge for this role.

Responsibilities / Duties / Key Result Areas

Restoration

Assist the Operations Manager with tree planting and alien vegetation management (AVM) on CPP restoration sites, including the maintenance of previously planted sites through:

• Monitoring and evaluating the quality of work done by the teams clearing alien invasive species and planting by:
  • Assessing that teams work in the correct areas.
  • Assessing that teams work according to set standards and targets.
  • Assessing that herbicide protocols are applied.
  • Providing guidance and information in correcting work.
• Identifying needs and making recommendations for training where required, in discussion decided with OM and the PA.
• Overseeing implementation of training conducted.
• Mapping restoration sites and areas worked using GPS and Google Earth and maintaining databases pertaining to AVM.
• Implementing and maintaining filing systems/databases related to tracking and logging site work.
• Assisting with the development and implementation of long-term AVM plans.
• Working alongside the Maintenance Officer to ensure the maintenance of machines for site work.
• Developing and maintaining protocols regarding site work in the form of standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Procurement of PPE, tools and equipment, herbicide and consumables in consultation with the PA.
• Identifying staffing needs and assisting with the recruitment process.

Ecological Monitoring

Assist the Landscape Conservation Manager (LCM) with activities related to timely ecological monitoring on restoration sites, including:

• Measuring the growth and survival of planted trees and other relevant ecological variables.
• Entering monitoring data and photographs into relevant databases, and drafting brief monitoring reports for each site.
• Collecting ecological data from restoration sites for research purposes.
• Assist with collaborative research on restoration sites for example, by conducting visits for students to the research sites.

General

• Attend monthly health & safety meetings and implement any health & safety requirements.
• Develop health & safety standards relating to site work.
• Contribute to the OM and LCM monthly reports as relevant.
• Attend and provide feedback on all community engagements.
• Engage with other relevant local partners on restoration-related projects.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

Education/ Experience

• Tertiary qualification in conservation management or similar.
• Minimum 5 years experience in alien vegetation management with a proven track record in landscape restoration.
• Supervisory experience.
• Pest Control Officer certification is valuable.
• A confident driver with a driver’s licence and the ability to drive both on-road and off-road.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (particularly Google Docs).
• Familiarity with working on Cloud applications, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive.

Competencies

• Fit and willing and able to work in the field in all conditions.
• Strong supervisory skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, particularly report writing.
• Ability to lead a team.
• Well-developed interpersonal and conflict management communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organisational and prioritisation skills and the ability to deliver on deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work accurately across a range of tasks.
• Ability to communicate in Xhosa is beneficial.

Personal Skills

• Adaptability to varying circumstances.
• A willingness and ability to use your initiative and problem-solve.
• Motivated and hands-on with a strong commitment to meeting both personal and team goals.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Unafraid to ask for guidance

Place of Work / Working Hours

• The offices are based on a smallholding off the central road of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape.
• The person will work from 8h00-16h15 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
• Working hours other than the core office hours will be required on occasions for either assisting with research in the early mornings or evenings or to meet operational or research deadlines.

Application Process

To apply, interested candidates should send the following to: susan@wildbirdtrust.com and use “Restoration Officer” as the subject line:

• Cover letter of motivation outlining your interest in applying for the vacancy. Please include salary requirements.
• Curriculum Vitae including contact information
• At least three contactable references

Please Note:

• Applications close on 9 December 2022.
• Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Please take careful note of the requirements, skills and experience before submitting your application.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.