Economic Inclusion Manager

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.

Conservation South Africa (CSA) is an independent affiliate of Conservation International that seeks to secure key reservoirs of nature across South Africa for the benefit of all, drawing on best practice from our global affiliate. Our Vision is a South Africa where growth and development are catalyzed through the sustainable stewardship of nature. We do this through working closely with government, local communities, NGO’s and the private sector to create scalable green economic demonstrations underpinned by climate science within the Namakwa District Municipality (Northern Cape), Alfred Nzo District MunicipalConservation South Africa – Africa Field Divisionity (Eastern Cape) and the Greater Kruger Landscape (Mpumalanga and Limpopo). We deliver benefits for people and nature through four integrated portfolios – Jobs 4 Nature, Healthy African Rangelands, Climate Positive Planning & Finance, and Ocean Conservation at Scale.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Matatiele, uMzimvubu Catchment, Eastern Cape Landscape, South Africa (but serving all three landscapes)

CSA has a vacancy for an Economic Inclusion Manager who will play a pivotal role in the Economic Inclusion and Empowerment of Women, Youth, and LGBTQ+ community members (ECOWYL) in three climate-vulnerable communities in the Programme. The Economic Inclusion Manager will be responsible for coordinating the collection of project data and implementation indicators across all objectives and landscapes where CSA operates. This role involves management of project implementation in the Umzimvubu Landscape and oversight and support of project monitoring and evaluation, research, and communication activities across three landscapes.
 

Conservation South Africa is committed to the economic inclusion and empowerment of women, youth, and LGBTQ+ community members in three climate-vulnerable communities in rural South Africa. We are undertaking a bold initiative to increase the economic empowerment and financial inclusion of the target groups (Women, Youth, and LGBTQ+) in rural communities by supporting and promoting their access to, and decision-making authority over, communal grazing land, livestock, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
 

The Economic Inclusion Manager will collaborate closely with existing teams to design and provide a clear Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework focused on gender and economic inclusion targets for the ECOWYL project across three landscapes. This role will support the development of M&E project and training materials, conduct both online and in-person training sessions, and collect, analyze, and present project performance data against planned and actual targets. Additionally, the position will develop plans to ensure targets are met, addressing any lagging groups.
 

CSA has a well-established Safeguards System that will be applied to this project. The Economic Inclusion Manager will support the implementation of safeguards system, management, and capacity building of CI’s Gender and Safeguard Systems at the project level. CI’s Safeguard System, comprised of policies, standards, procedures, guidance, capacity-building processes, and a grievance redress mechanism, is designed to avoid or mitigate adverse environmental and social impacts in projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Economic Inclusion Manager, will play a pivotal role in the ECOWYL Programme, responsible for collecting project data and implementation indicators across all objectives and landscapes where CSA operates. This role involves promoting monitoring and evaluation by providing communication capacity and support to field staff, partners, and beneficiaries, and overseeing all research and communication activities in the three landscapes.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Develop and implement a gender and safeguards monitoring and evaluation system to track progress, identify gaps, and inform programmatic decisions.
• Gather and analyze project data and implementation indicators. 
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on project progress.
• Assist field staff in data collection and collation.
• Develop and implement a gender and safeguards monitoring and evaluation system to track progress, identify gaps, and inform programmatic decisions.
• Gather and analyze project data and implementation indicators related to ensure accurate and timely reporting on project outcomes, targets, and progress.
• Assist field staff in data collection and collation.

Communication and Capacity Building - Facilitate effective information sharing among project stakeholders:

• Provide guidance and support to project staff on ECOWYL targets through training, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide training and support in communication to field staff, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Develop and execute communication strategies to advance project goals.

Research and Policy Oversight:

• Supervise all research activities (e.g., Baseline survey and other surveys scheduled throughout the ECOWYL programme) related to the project.
• Disseminate research findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Support field staff in conducting and documenting research.
• Conduct gender analyses to assess project activities, policies, and institutional arrangements to identify gender-based constraints, needs, and opportunities.  

Economic Empowerment Initiatives:

• Design and support the implementation of specific economic empowerment interventions targeting rural women, youth, and LGBTQ+ community members.
• Mobilize rural women, youth, and LGBTQ+ community members to participate in economic inclusion initiatives in their areas of operation.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Up to 30% travel within South Africa.
• The incumbent must be legally able to work in South Africa.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process. 
• This role will be a two-year fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in August 2025 till July 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Work experience must be in project management and implementation in a development and conservation context.

• Bachelor's degree (from a recognized institution) in business management, rural enterprises development, business development services, etc.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in a project management role in rural enterprises development, business development services, and rural economic development in the Southern African region. Also, project management experience, including project planning, monitoring and evaluation, data management, and reporting.

Skills and Competencies:

• Very good knowledge of MS Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis tools.
• Knowledge and experience in designing, M&E Frameworks, and applying, and monitoring environment and economic safeguards (stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, grievance mechanism).
• Experience in working with M&E Teams, including developing performance indicators, designing surveys, analyzing data, and presenting findings in a user-friendly manner.
• Ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in producing and disseminating knowledge management products and training materials.
• Self-driven with strong leadership and team management experience, including the ability to motivate, reach consensus, set objectives, and manage performance.
• Proven ability to work in and lead a diverse team in a rural setting.
• Commitment to promoting economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
• Experience working with diverse communities, including women, youth, and LGBTQ+ groups.

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

Application Deadline: July 11, 2025  (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.