General Manager: Land Claims

South African National Parks is one of the world's leading conservation and scientific research bodies and a leading proponent of maintaining the indigenous natural environment. South African National Parks, (SANParks), manages a system of parks which represents the indigenous fauna, flora, landscapes and associated cultural heritage of the country. Of all the national parks, most have overnight tourist facilities, with an unrivalled variety of accommodation in arid, coastal, mountain and bushveld habitats. National parks offer visitors an unparalleled diversity of adventure tourism opportunities including game viewing, bush walks, canoeing and exposure to cultural and historical experiences. Conferences can also be organised in many of the parks. The national parks are: Addo Elephant, Agulhas, Augrabies, Bontebok, Camdeboo, Garden Route, Golden Gate, Karoo, Kgalagadi, Kruger, Mapungubwe, Marakele, Mokala, Mountain Zebra, Namaqua, Table Mountain,Tankwa Karoo, West Coast and |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld.Salary

R943,635.00-R1,415,505.00

Requirements NQF level 8 in Land Reform and Rural Development, Community Development, Sustainable Development, or related field. NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. 6 years of experience in socio-economic development, transformation, or related field. Understanding of transformation imperatives of government. Understanding of SANParks Vision 2040 and its relevant policies and programmes. Understanding of Beneficiation Models. Understanding of the tourism and conservation industry. Implementing business improvement initiatives. Understanding of relevant land reform and conservation policy and legislation. Knowledge of contract drafting. Project management. Financial management principles. Governance and risk management principles. Stakeholder Management. Communication (verbal and written). Negotiation skills. Interpersonal skills. Presentation and facilitation. Change management. Financial management & reporting. Planning and organising. Feasibility and business planning. Leadership and teamwork. Problem-solving and decision-making. Analytical thinking. Conflict management and resolution. Strategic thinking. Information management. Ability to deliver business improvement initiatives. Ethical practice and adhering to organisational values. Independent worker. Responsibilities Lead, guide, and manage the SANParks land claims programme. Develop SANParks land claims policy, protocols, and strategic frameworks in line with sectoral policies. Lead the development of a common government position for all outstanding land claims against national parks in collaboration with the Commission of Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR). Provide inputs on the draft settlement agreements. Engage with stakeholders, claimant communities, park and regional managers, as well as relevant government departments on the resolution of land claims. Lead the development, review, and implementation of Co-management Agreements (including lease agreements) and associated beneficiation schemes. Develop cooperation agreements with strategic partners to ensure effective implementation of agreements. Undertake feasibility studies to assess the economic development opportunities and benefits for claimant communities. Develop business plans to support inclusive economic participation and increased investment and capital inflow for the development and poverty alleviation of land claim beneficiaries. Negotiate and facilitate agreements between claimants and other parties. Facilitate community benefits through sustainable land use practices. Conduct skills needs analysis for the implementation of a successful land claims programme Develop and implement the land claims capacity building programme for claimants and SANParks staff. Facilitate training, coaching, and mentorship to enhance skills for land reform beneficiaries, CPAs, and co-management committees. Monitor and evaluate the success and impact of the capacity-building interventions. Mobilise post-settlement funding from both the private and public sector. Evaluate technical support needed and identify strategic partners. Facilitate the development of partnership agreements to support the land claims programme. Monitor and evaluate the impact of the land claims programme, including co-management agreements. Monitor, review, and provide detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on the SANParks land claims programme. Closing Date 12 August 2026