Community Development Coordinator

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 Thaba Chicha, Matatiele Municipality, Eastern Cape

The Community Development Coordinator will coordinate and strengthen community-based implementation of Conservation South Africa’s regenerative rangeland management and sustainable livestock production initiatives in the Umzimvubu Catchment. This role will bridge technical rangeland management approaches with community governance systems, supporting grazing associations and overseeing a team of village-based Stewardship Officers (SOs). The incumbent will ensure that local institutions are functional, inclusive, and capable of sustaining improved grazing practices and livelihood outcomes.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Community Development Coordinator will coordinate field implementation of regenerative rangeland management and sustainable livestock production activities across targeted communities in the Umzimvubu Catchment. The role will:

• Supervise and mentor village-based Stewardship Officers,
• Support the establishment and effective governance of grazing associations, and
• Strengthen inclusive community participation in improved grazing and land stewardship practices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating programme delivery.
• Supporting field planning and reporting.
• Facilitating community engagement and capacity building.
• Monitoring progress and lessons learned.
• Liaising with government, NGO, and development partners to align project activities with broader landscape-level initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively within the catchment.
• Ability to work under challenging field conditions.
• Proficiency in isiXhosa/Sesotho is essential.
  QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 2 to 4 years of experience in community stewardship coordination, natural resource management, or rural development.
• Proven experience working with communal grazing systems and livestock producers.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising field teams or community facilitators.
• Experience working in the Eastern Cape or similar rural landscapes is highly advantageous.

Technical

• Understanding of regenerative rangeland management principles.
• Knowledge of livestock production systems in communal settings.
• Familiarity with participatory planning and community governance structures.

Leadership & Coordination

• Strong team leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex field operations.

Community Facilitation

• Excellent facilitation and communication skills in rural contexts.
• Ability to manage conflict and negotiate solutions among stakeholders.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with traditional leadership systems.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Rural Development, or related field.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently in remote areas.
• Strong problem-solving and adaptive management skills.
• Commitment to conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment.

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

Application Deadline: July 17, 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.