(This is a permanent position based in Newlands, Cape Town)
WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 6 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
WWF South Africa is a national office that is part of the WWF network. We are a local NGO that has worked for 50 years with the aim of inspiring all South Africans to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of our country and the wellbeing of all our people. WWFs work is for nature, for you.
Our work is challenging and exciting and we love what we do. To join our team, you need to be brilliant at what you do, passionate, results-orientated and have a positive attitude.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
Join WWF South Africa and help shape the next generation of environmental leaders! The Campus Engagement Coordinator will lead and grow our flagship campus programme, building a dynamic network of young sustainability champions and creating exciting opportunities for students to engage with WWF. Working with student leaders, universities and partners, you’ll co-create impactful initiatives that inspire action and drive positive change across South Africa’s higher education sector.
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- A postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in programme coordination, stakeholder engagement or project management.
- Experience working with universities, higher education institutions or youth programmes.
- Experience facilitating partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience planning and coordinating events and campaigns.
- Experience in sustainability, environmental education or behaviour change initiatives would be advantageous.
- Understanding of sustainability and environmental issues.
- Excellent knowledge of the South African higher education environment.
- Understanding of student leadership structures and campus culture.
- Familiarity with project planning, monitoring and reporting.
- Ability to manage and build relationships
- Good communication skills
- Project coordination skills
- Innovation
- Strategic thinking skills
- Adaptability
- Enthusiastic about WWF’s mission and values
- Positive and resilient team player
- Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel are required
To apply, please submit a detailed CV and cover letter combined into a single document, fully motivating the relevant skills, experience, and creativity you can bring to the role. Kindly include the names, current email addresses, and telephone numbers of three relevant references.
Programme Development, Management and Implementation
- Lead the development of WWF’s campus engagement programme.
- Manage the ongoing implementation and growth of the programme.
- Develop and deliver annual calendars and plans in collaboration with campus staff and student representatives.
- Ensure programme activities align with existing WWF campaigns, environmental awareness days and organisational priorities.
Research and Co-creation
- Conduct research and engage with students to understand their sustainability interests, priorities and preferred methods of participation.
- Facilitate and co-design processes to ensure campus activities are relevant, inclusive and student-led where appropriate.
- Identify existing campus sustainability initiatives that can be strengthened through collaboration with WWF.
Engagement and Participation
- Identify and develop incentives that encourage sustained student participation, including:
External Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with:
- Campus staff / sustainability offices
- Environmental clubs and societies
- Academic departments
- Serve as WWF’s focal point and day-to-day contact for participating campuses.
Internal Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Work with WWF Communications colleagues to build on existing activities and develop relevant promotional content for campus audiences.
- Work with WWF Environmental Programme staff to create speaker opportunities and field trips, and for technical input into the campus programme.
- Work with Business Development to assist with building institutional relationships to support the greening of campuses.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Track participation, engagement levels and programme outcomes across campuses.
- Prepare regular reports highlighting progress, lessons learned and opportunities for growth.
