Senior Technical Director - GLTFCA

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Acornhoek, South Africa

Conservation South Africa (CSA), as a local affiliate of Conservation International, is committed to helping societies adopt a more sustainable approach to development - one that considers and values nature at every turn and improves human well-being through the conservation of healthy ecosystems and the good and services they provide. CSA seeks to influence policy, develop markets, engage the private sector, and support communities to develop and implement conservation - based on economic growth models and long terms human well-being.

The Senior Technical Director for the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) Landscape reports to the Chief Executive Officer of CSA and assists in the delivery of CSA's rangeland portfolio. This position is based at the CSA office just outside of Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, close to Hoedspruit, Limpopo.

The Senior Technical Director is responsible for overseeing and guiding the implementation of CI/ CSA's designated landscape activities in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), and provision of strategic leadership and guidance to landscape staff to ensure goals and outcomes are in line with CSA's mission, vision, and strategies that ladder up to CI's Southern Cross targets. A key responsibility of the Senior Technical Director will be the creation and maintenance of strategic partnerships with Government (national, provincial and local), local governance structures, Traditional Authorities, landscape partners, and stakeholders, and the GLTFCA conservation agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic oversight and technical leadership to effectively implement program activities and ensure high-impact outputs by leading and collaborating with key project partners in the GLTFCA landscape, ensuring goals and outcomes are in line with key programs, initiatives, and projects.
• Provide strategic oversight and team technical leadership to effectively implement program activities and ensure high-impact outputs by leading and inspiring landscape program and technical staff, ensuring goals and outcomes are in line with CSA’s mission, vision, and strategies.
• Ensure the effective coordination and implementation and long-term sustainability of the program in the landscape, with specific focus on the signature projects of the Herding 4 Health Program (H4H), K2C Rangeland Restoration Carbon Programme, and other CI/CSA projects in the K2C, Greater Kruger, and GLTFCA Landscape, through effective delivery on existing donor-funded pilots and the implementation and management of new projects. This includes project management throughout the project life cycle.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director: Conservation Strategy and Development and K2C senior management, provide strategic inputs on Herding 4 Health Program (H4H), K2C Rangeland Restoration Carbon Programme, M&E, Climate Change, and EbA/NBS, and Sustainable Rangeland activities and strategies pertaining to the K2C / GLTFCA Landscape demonstration projects.
• Maintain strategic partnerships with GLTFCA, Government (National, Provincial, and Local), local governance structures, traditional authorities, landscape partners, and other stakeholders.
• Continuously cultivate and engage stakeholders, including donors, government, and NPOs, technical colleagues, and other partners critical to program success, being conscious of unintended consequences and the impact of decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

This position will be responsible for the management of staff in the GLTFCA Landscape and requires a balance of high challenge, high support for employees:

• Create a nurturing environment of mentorship and guidance for staff, whilst providing clear boundaries.
• Contribute to the formulation of annual plans, operating plans, budgets, and project expenditure requests in line with all CI’s strategic goals and objectives, and operations.
• Ensure sound administration of funds and other assets that are allocated to the GLTFCA Landscape.
• Directly oversee and ensure program compliance with CI policies and Code of Conduct, funding agreements, and local requirements.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial and progress reporting to Senior Management, donors, and key partners.
• Represent the CSA at relevant meetings and workshops at International, National, and local levels as requested by senior management.
• Implement a communication protocol for Project staff to facilitate appropriate and professional communication to all relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate site visits by donors or Program leadership as and when required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Local office conditions in a rural landscape.
• 30% travel domestically & regionally.
QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• 10 or more years of experience in environmental/conservation management, rural development, sciences/natural sciences/agriculture/rangeland management, integrated water resource management, or a related field. Experience in project management.
• 5 or more years of extensive people management experience.
• Working knowledge of conservation management, rangeland management, and experience in the implementation of both climate change and conservation & development programs.
• Proven awareness and fair experience with Transfrontier contexts and collaboration.
• Proven history of planning, managing, and implementing large landscape-scale and multi-stakeholder integrated conservation and development programmes/projects.
• Proven ability to lead and work in and lead a diverse team in a rural setting.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proven experience with monitoring and reporting on donor projects.
• Experience in managing budgets and solid managerial finance knowledge.
• Practical community engagement experience with an understanding and passion for working with rural people.
• English and beneficial vernacular language (Tsonga, Sepedi, or Siswati).
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred

• Experience working with government-funded conservation, poverty alleviation, and rural development programs.
• Experience working in the NPO sector.
• Previous work experience in working in the GLTFCA Landscape will be an advantage

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: June 25. 2026 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

Employment Equity & Legal Compliance Disclaimer: We are committed to fair employment practices and abide by the Employment Equity Act (Act No. 55 of 1998, as amended), the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and all related regulations. We promote transformation by eliminating unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures for designated groups, including Black people, women, and people with disabilities.
As a designated employer, we have implemented an Employment Equity Plan aligned with sectoral and national benchmarks, and we monitor and report progress annually in compliance with the Employment Equity Regulations (2025).
When entering into offers or contracts with any organ of state, we comply with Section 53 of the Act by attaching either a valid Employment Equity compliance certificate or a declaration of compliance with Chapters II and III of the Act, as required.

Application Outcome & Future Opportunities: Should you not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date for this advertisement, please consider your application not successful. We encourage you to apply for any future roles that align with your skill set.