Location: Thaba Chicha, Matatiele Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Work Type: Full-Time
Salary: Not disclosed
Experience Level: Mid-Level (3 to 5 years)
Application Deadline: August 14, 2026, at 11:49 PM EST
About Conservation International
Conservation International is a global organization that works to protect nature while improving human well-being through science, policy, finance, and field-based conservation.
Operating in approximately 30 countries and supporting projects in more than 100 countries, the organization partners with governments, businesses, civil society organizations, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to develop solutions that address biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development challenges.
This is where conservation meets community development.
The Opportunity
The Community Development Coordinator will support Conservation South Africa's regenerative rangeland management and sustainable livestock production initiatives within the Umzimvubu Catchment.
This role goes beyond traditional conservation.
You will work directly with rural communities to strengthen communal grazing systems, improve land stewardship, enhance sustainable livestock production, and build community institutions that can support long-term environmental and economic resilience.
The position combines conservation, agriculture, community governance, and rural development into one integrated role.
What You'll Do
Regenerative Rangeland Management
Coordinate the implementation of regenerative rangeland management activities
Support sustainable livestock production initiatives across target communities
Promote improved grazing practices that strengthen both environmental and livelihood outcomes
Connect technical conservation approaches with local land management practices
Community Governance & Grazing Associations
Support the establishment of grazing associations
Strengthen governance systems within community-based institutions
Promote inclusive participation in communal land stewardship
Help communities develop systems for managing shared grazing resources effectively
Team Leadership & Capacity Building
Supervise and mentor village-based Stewardship Officers
Provide guidance and support to field teams
Facilitate training and capacity-building activities
Strengthen local leadership and institutional capacity
Field Operations & Programme Delivery
Coordinate field activities across multiple communities
Support field planning, implementation, documentation, and reporting
Monitor programme progress and evaluate outcomes
Document lessons learned and identify opportunities for improvement
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners
Coordinate with conservation stakeholders across the region
Support multi-stakeholder collaboration
Ensure programme activities align with broader landscape-level conservation and development initiatives
Requirements
Core Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Rural Development, or a related field
Postgraduate qualifications will be considered an advantage
Three to five years of professional experience in community stewardship, rural development, natural resource management, or related fields
Technical Expertise
Experience working with communal grazing systems
Knowledge of sustainable livestock production practices
Understanding of natural resource management and community conservation approaches
Experience coordinating field-based programmes
Leadership & Field Experience
Experience supervising field teams, community facilitators, or similar personnel
Ability to coordinate multiple activities across different locations
Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities
Experience managing community-based programmes
Language & Field Requirements
Proficiency in isiXhosa or Sesotho is essential
Valid driver's licence required
Willingness to travel extensively
Ability to work independently in remote and challenging field environments
Experience working in the Eastern Cape or similar rural landscapes will be an advantage
Mindset Fit
Strong problem-solving abilities
Adaptive management skills
Commitment to conservation and sustainability
Passion for community empowerment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups
Benefits & Perks
Opportunity to work directly with rural communities
Hands-on experience in regenerative rangeland management
Exposure to community-led conservation initiatives
Leadership and team management experience
Collaboration with government agencies, conservation organizations, and development partners
Meaningful contribution to sustainable land management and rural livelihoods
Why This Role Matters
Conservation succeeds when communities become active participants rather than passive beneficiaries.
Healthy landscapes depend on healthy institutions.
By strengthening grazing associations, improving livestock management, and supporting local stewardship, this role helps create a future where conservation and livelihoods reinforce one another instead of competing for the same resources.
The impact extends beyond protecting ecosystems.
It strengthens communities that depend on them.
Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter.
Position: Community Development Coordinator
Job ID: 2764