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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 goods and services they provide. Conservation South Africa seeks to influence policy, develop markets, engage the private sector, and support communities to develop and implement conservation based economic growth models and long-term human well-being.
Conservation South Africa currently has an internal vacancy for a Science Communication Associate.
The successful candidate will be employed at the management level concomitant with experience.
Summary
The Science Communication Associate is responsible for developing various science and strategic communication materials for Conservation South Africa (CSA). Materials will support the CSA mission of empowering societies to restore and manage rangelands as ‘natural climate solutions’. Audiences include practitioners of rangeland restoration as well as policy makers, partners, donors and the public. One focus will be the provision of adult learning guidelines to practitioners on sustainable rangeland use and Ecosystem-based Adaptation /Mitigation, informed by the target audience and peer-review science, and tested with the target audience. These guidelines should also inform existing adult learning curricula developed by partners, be formally published, and subsequently made available on public platforms. Other materials for policy makers, donors, partners, and science platforms may take forms as diverse as diagrams, brochures, posters, policy papers, booklets, film and video. Also, our mission and research about rangeland restoration as a natural climate solution should be communicated via an updated website and improved social media presence. Finally, the manager will assist where needed to develop material for science publications and fundraising.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic communications (25%)
Together with key members of the CSA and CI teams, complete the draft communications strategy and enable a broad uptake and understanding of the strategy across the country programme;
Develop supporting templates, presentations, case studies and other relevant materials to support the communication of CSA’s strategy and key scientific outputs;
Regularly conduct collaborative assessments of target audiences and key messages for each audience;
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Lead the conceptualization, content management and procurement of key CSA communications including the Annual Report, website and donor updates;
Manage the CSA social media platforms by clarifying key messages and target audiences and overseeing social media outputs by various staff, interns and consultants;
Support
key messages and content management for funding proposals and ensure they are aligned to the CSA strategy and scientific outputs.
Science communication (75%)
Building off science and our demonstrations, work with technical and landscape teams to develop and support the implementation of relevant learning materials (videos, presentation, fact sheets, case studies);
Procure services of any designers, writers, etc., for the development of materials as needed;
Lead the communication and integration of CSA learning material into existing curricula by partners;
Publish written and video material on public platforms with appropriate partners;
Communicate learning materials to staff through meetings, workshops and webinars;
Provide training on materials as needed for staff and external partners;
Visit landscape demonstrations and partners to collect and share communications content and materials.
People and resource management responsibilities
Work with CI staff to develop science and climate communications, learning materials, protocols and land use plans;
Work with outside parties such as vendors, contractors and partners on learning materials.
Qualifications
A postgraduate degree in a science-related field with a proven background (internship or on-the-job) in communication and outreach OR a postgraduate degree in journalism/communication with a proven background in science writing;
A proven body of science communication work on written, audio and visual platforms;
Demonstrated experience working with graphic designers and film-makers;
Experience managing small teams of 3 to 5 people;
Demonstrated experience interpreting scientific information into practical materials an advantage;
Experience in teaching adult learners an advantage.
Working conditions
Work is performed in a typical office (including home office) environment;
Some travel up to 25% of time may be required;
Flexibility in work schedule may be needed to meet deadlines or communicate with headquarters in USA.
Application Process and Disclaimer
Please forward your Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter with email title Application: Science
Communication Manager to: [email protected] Applications close 12pm midday on Thursday 04 November 2021 and no applications received after this date will be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly and should be available for interviews and competency tests. If you do not receive feedback from us within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Conservation South Africa retains the right not to fill this position.CSA is an affirmative action employer, wherever possible, selection will favour previously disadvantaged individuals, provided they are in possession of the required skills, knowledge, and experience.
Opportunity closing: 12pm midday Thursday 04 November 2021