Jobs at Conservation International (Now Hiring) — 6 open

Partnerships & Markets Senior Coordinator

Conservation South Africa (CSA) – an affiliate of Conservation International – works to protect and restore ecosystems while supporting communities to build sustainable livelihoods. One of CSA’s key initiatives is Herding for Health (H4H), a program that helps rural communities manage livestock in ways that restore rangelands, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen local economies.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Springbok, Northern Cape

The Partnerships and Markets Coordinator will support this work in the Namaqualand region by building relationships, helping communities access markets, and supporting conservation-friendly enterprises. This role focuses on connecting farmers, cooperatives, and local partners with opportunities that improve livelihoods while protecting nature

RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnerships & Stakeholder Support

• Build and maintain relationships with farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, donors, and conservation partners to strengthen collaboration.
• Represent CSA in local and regional forums, sharing insights and promoting sustainable livestock practices.
• Develop strategic partnerships with farmer groups to strengthen market readiness and participation.
• Facilitate formal market linkages between producers and buyers (e.g. off-take and supply agreements).
• Act as a bridge between supply and demand, ensuring alignment on quality, volumes, and pricing.
• Identify and onboard market partners, including private sector buyers, processors, and distributors.
• Coordinate stakeholder platforms to foster trust and long-term collaboration within the value chain.

Market-Based Conservation & Enterprise Support

• Identify and support market opportunities that benefit communal livestock farmers while advancing conservation goals.
• Contribute value-chain development for sheep, goats, and related livestock products.
• Support community enterprises with basic business planning and alignment to biodiversity-friendly practices.
• Facilitate the establishment and growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) linked to livestock production and services.

Fundraising & Reporting

• Support the identification of funding opportunities and contribute to proposal development.
• Coordinate local inputs into donor reports, ensuring compliance and accurate reflection of community-level impact.

Governance & Risk Support

• Strengthen governance structures within cooperatives and community enterprises.
• Support the identification and monitoring of risks related to funding, compliance, and sustainability.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Requires regular travel within the region and nationally.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Agricultural Economics, Business, Conservation Finance, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience in conservation, sustainable agriculture, or related areas will be considered
• At least 4 years of experience in partnerships, market-based conservation, or sustainable agriculture.
• Experience working with communal livestock farmers or conservation projects
• Knowledge of conservation finance, policy frameworks, and donor-funded projects in South Africa.
• Valid driver’s license (Code B or higher).
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Experience in fundraising and proposal writing.
• Knowledge of market-based conservation approaches and enterprise development.
• Project coordination skills, including budgeting, reporting, and risk management.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and represent CSA in forums.

Preferred

• Training in conservation finance, impact investing, or governance.
• Experience in rural development linked to livestock and biodiversity.
• Knowledge of carbon markets, ecosystem services, and biodiversity finance.
• Familiarity with monitoring tools and market analytics.
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English for local engagement.

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

Application Deadline: July 17, 2026 (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.

Employment Equity & Legal Compliance Disclaimer

We are committed to fair employment practices and abide by the Employment Equity Act (Act No. 55 of 1998, as amended), the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and all related regulations. We promote transformation by eliminating unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures for designated groups, including Black people, women, and people with disabilities.
As a designated employer, we have implemented an Employment Equity Plan aligned with sectoral and national benchmarks, and we monitor and report progress annually in compliance with the Employment Equity Regulations (2025).
When entering into offers or contracts with any organ of state, we comply with Section 53 of the Act by attaching either a valid Employment Equity compliance certificate or a declaration of compliance with Chapters II and III of the Act, as required.

Application Outcome & Future Opportunities
Should you not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date for this advertisement, please consider your application not successful. We encourage you to apply for any future roles that align with your skill set.