The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) is an action-oriented non-profit organisation founded in 2011. We drive programmes and catalyse initiatives that nurture resilience in nature and communities within the 3.2-million-hectare region that has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a diverse team of passionate individuals doing mission-driven work in conservation and sustainable development. We are seeking an innovative Chief Executive Officer to lead a transformational and adaptive strategy that advances the GCBR’s 10-year vision and strategic priorities. This hands-on leadership role requires a results-driven leader who will set a bold mission, inspire collective action and integrate strategic insight with disciplined execution to deliver sustainable outcomes for the landscapes and communities it serves.

JOB DETAILS

Job title:  Chief Executive Officer

Employment type: Full-time

Duration: 4-year fixed term contract

Remuneration: R900,000.00 total cost to company per annum

Reports to: Chairman of the Board of Directors

Location: Riversdale, Western Cape

Purpose of position: To provide strategic vision and proactive leadership that strengthens the GCBR’s impact and long-term sustainability through strategy execution, effective resource mobilisation and building purpose-driven partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Qualification(s): Minimum Master’s degree in environmental science, conservation or a related field. MBA or post-graduate business qualification will carry a distinct advantage.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Minimum 10 years’ leadership experience in strategy implementation and organisational development, ideally within the non-profit, conservation or environmental sectors.
• Proven experience in resource mobilisation, fundraising and building strategic partnerships.
• Strong financial and business acumen, and understanding of organisational governance principles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire diverse teams in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Must embody the GCBR’s values of respect, integrity, collaboration, innovation and sustainability.
• Willingness to relocate to the GCBR region.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally, as and when required.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Strategic leadership and governance

• Set a clear strategic direction towards organisational growth, stability and long-term impact.
• Develop and implement strategies aligned with the GCBR’s vision, mission, values and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve framework.
• Strengthen governance as a strategic enabler, ensuring frameworks and policies align internal structures with national and global biodiversity priorities.Lead the organisation’s transformation plan to ensure operational effectiveness and agility.
• Model the GCBR’s values to foster a motivated, engaged and purpose-driven workplace.

Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement

• Strengthen and maintain relationships with key partners, including government agencies, local communities, research institutions, donors and conservation bodies.
• Represent the GCBR at strategic forums, conferences and public engagements to build visibility and influence.Promote an outward-looking, partnership-oriented approach to strategy and decision-making, positioning the GCBR as a trusted leader within the conservation and sustainability landscape.
• Foster collaboration across sectors to advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and local resilience.Demonstrate a high level of cultural intelligence and contextual awareness in engaging the lived experiences of people and communities within the GCBR domain.
• Enable local agency and inclusion through authentic partnerships that respect and respond to the social and economic realities of the communities served.

Financial resource mobilisation

• Lead innovative approaches to resource mobilisation and diversification of funding sources, with a focus on blended financing to safeguard the GCBR’s mission and organisational effectiveness.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities to strengthen revenue generation and long-term organisational viability.
• Align financial decisions to strategic priorities and ensure transparent communication of financial performance to the Board and external stakeholders.

DEADLINE AND CONTACT FOR SUBMISSION

Should your profile meet the requirements, please email your CV along with a brief letter (no longer than one page) outlining your leadership philosophy and motivation for applying, to melissa@phoenark.com by 17:00 on Friday, 15 May 2026.

Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from us within four (4) weeks of applying. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The GCBR reserves the right not to make an appointment.