National NGO, The Wildlands Conservation Trust is to be one of 32 beneficiaries of a massive national project aimed at building human capacity and creating jobs in the biodiversity sector. The large-scale project, titled ‘Groen Sebenza’ or ‘Green Work’ is being led by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as nominated by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The project is funded by National Treasury as part of the Jobs Fund Programme.
Groen Sebenza is aimed at developing priority skills in the biodiversity sector to create sustainable job opportunities for 800 unemployed graduates and matriculants. The partnership is made up of organizations from all tiers of government, NGO’s and the private sector, of which the Wildlands Conservation Trust is one. Some of the other partner organisations include WESSA, WWF, SAN Parks, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Department of Environmental Affairs, Cape Nature, Endangered Wildlife Trust and the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The programme is based on an “incubator model” giving 800 unemployed youth the opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience through a structured mentoring programme, together with skills development and training opportunities for a period of two-and-a-half (2½) years.
Strategic Manager at Wildlands, Simone Dale, reported that the Trust had been allocated 38 posts; 29 graduates and 9 school-leavers (matriculants), the majority of which will be based in KZN but there will also be placements in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. “We’re really excited about this initiative. As an organisation we have always believed in nurturing potential and giving passionate people an opportunity to shine. These funded positions will give us the chance to add depth to our projects and give our knowledgeable team the opportunity to share what they’ve learned in the field. Education is important but without mentorship this knowledge takes a long time to take root. We believe this programme is going to be a major boost for the sector at a vital time on this fragile planet”.
The posts are targeted at South African citizens from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly from rural areas. There is a focus on unemployed youth who must have either a matric certificates or a national diploma or bachelor’s degree. There is no gender bias. The programme offers a stipend of R7,100.00 to graduates and R4,500.00 to school-leavers (matriculants) per month. Successful candidates will commit to a contract of two-and-a-half (2½) years with their host employer.
“We are looking for people who are passionate about the environment, sustainability, and community development” said Dale. “Hard-workers who will lead by example in their roles at work and at home, those who are willing to ‘be the change they want to see in the world’, as Mahatma Gandhi put it.”
Some of the positions available at Wildlands include: Community Development Workers, Environmental Waste Offices, Grant Administrators, Geographers, Communications Officers, Educators, Social Ecologists and Data Capturers, amongst others.
Anyone interested in applying for a Groen Sebenza position at Wildlands should visit the Wildlands website:www.localhost/import-data-post (see YOU – vacancies) for the full list of available positions and information on the application process. Applications close on Thursday, 31st January 2013.
For more information on the Groen Sebenza programme visit the SANBI website: www.sanbi.org
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)