Chief Executive Officer (Level 15) - Cape Town Office, Bridgetown

CapeNature seeks to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Entity under the guidance of the Board. The CEO will provide strategic direction for the implementation of CapeNature’s vision, mission, strategy and legislative mandates as required by the Western Cape Biodiversity Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2021).

The CEO will be accountable for all aspects of the Entity’s performance (including financial), the development of a cohesive team, maintaining a good working relationship with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, and managing CapeNature's external image. The CEO will be responsible for the implementation of the Western Cape Biodiversity Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2021) and all other relevant laws, and will report to the Board and the relevant Provincial Minister on a regular basis on the activities of the Entity and on matters of strategic importance.

CapeNature is a Schedule 3, Part C, Provincial Public Entity, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999). The successful candidate should be a results-driven and dynamic leader with strong proven managerial and strategic leadership experience in the public sector, a similar public entity or a conservation-related entity.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS Include but not limited to;

Strategic Management

• Provide overall strategic leadership and management; and identify leverages for growth and sustainability of the Entity.
• Ensure the application of the highest standards of conservation in protected areas, biodiversity management, ecosystem services provision, ecological infrastructure maintenance, eco-tourism enhancement, financial management, effective governance, and robust administration of the Entity.
• Provide strategic leadership to facilitate revenue generation opportunities in the biodiversity economy sector.
• Monitor and ensure the performance of the Entity on a continuing basis against pre-determined annual key measurable objectives and standards.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts in respect of adequate and appropriate record keeping of the activities of the Entity, and of the resources employed by it.
• Foster a culture of innovation and inclusion within the Entity.
• Develop and maintain sound relations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate at a strategic level with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) and other key Provincial and National Organs of State.
• Facilitate the development of an equitable and sustainable biodiversity economy in the province, including the promotion of eco-tourism in areas under the management of CapeNature.
• Oversee an adaptive and fit for purpose identification, reduction and monitoring risk system.

Financial Management

• Take accountability and provide strategic leadership for the financial management function to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and minimize risk exposure for the Entity.
• Actively promote the sourcing of alternative funding for the Entity.
• Take accountability for the safeguarding of the Entity’s assets, including the assets managed by the Entity.
• Ensure that comprehensive records of the financial affairs of the Entity are kept in accordance with prescribed national and legislative norms and standards.

People Management

• Provide strategic leadership to build a cohesive team and enhance staff morale.
• Ensure the Entity’s performance to achieve and maintain excellence in service delivery.
• Oversee the performance, evaluation and remuneration of employees.
• Promote sound labour relations within the Entity.
• Foster a culture of personal responsibility, accountability and consequence management throughout CapeNature.
• Address employment equity.
• Ensure appropriate inclusion of priority groups (women, youth, and persons living with disability).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• An appropriate Postgraduate Degree (NQF level 9) in biodiversity conservation and/or relevant fields.
• Evidence of outstanding leadership abilities.
• Evidence of successful corporate governance and managerial best-practice at a senior or executive level for at least 10 years.
• Evidence of strong communication, media management and public relations skills.
• Strong understanding of finance and budget development and management.
• A valid driving license.

In addition to the above minimum requirements, preference may be given to:

• Candidates from historically disadvantaged groups.
• Candidates with business management, public administration, governance, finance, environmental management and natural resource management experience.

Competency assessment, background and reference checking, and qualification verification will be undertaken as part of the selection process.

Kindly note that it is compulsory for the successful candidate to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If the successful candidate is an existing member of a medical aid, he/she/they will be required to provide proof of such membership before the commencement of his/her/their employment with CapeNature.

AS AN EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle.
• Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees.
• Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape.
• Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
• The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.

Applicants who meet the above minimum requirements, and who wish to apply for the post, should submit their applications by visiting the “Work for us” page on the CapeNature Website https://www.capenature.co.za/work-for-us.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates who have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date must accept that their applications were unsuccessful.
• CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

*Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package.

Enquiries can be directed to Ms Z Parkar, [email protected] OR 087 087 3211

Closing Date for Applications: midnight on 13 September 2026