Executive Director: Biodiversity and Conservation

About the role

Reporting to the CEO, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for biodiversity and conservation across the Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency. The role guides scientific services, conservation management, protected‑area expansion and stewardship, and oversees the agency’s nature reserves in line with the ECPTA Act and national legislation. It also leads infrastructure projects and social responsibility initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction of biodiversity conservation and ensure alignment with national and provincial legislation.
• Direct provincial and national protected‑area expansion strategies.
• Provide strategic oversight and management of ECPTA reserves, including implementation of reserve‑specific management plans.
• Manage reserve infrastructure, prioritising asset efficiency before capital investment.
• Oversee financial reporting, budget preparation and adherence.
• Develop and implement human‑resource and organisational structures to support the operation’s objectives.

Required profile

• Matric (Grade 12) certificate.
• Valid driver’s licence (minimum code 8).
• Minimum three‑year tertiary qualification with a postgraduate NQF Level 8 in Business Management, Conservation or Tourism (post‑graduate NQF Level 9 preferred).
• At least ten years of relevant experience, including five years in senior or executive management within biodiversity conservation or commercial operations.
• Demonstrated experience in protected‑area management, conservation research and strategic planning.