Project Officer: Food Systems

WWF South Africa is hiring a Project Officer for its Food Systems initiative, responsible for coordinating an agroecology project in the Eastern Cape. The role involves implementing WWF's Sustainable Food Systems Programme, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting smallholder farmers. Key tasks include community engagement, data management, and ensuring high-quality project delivery in line with WWF's 2030 strategy. This position is based in South Africa and not remote.
WWF’s mission is to build a future in which people and nature thrive. As a science-based, nonpartisan, civil society organisation, we work to conserve and restore biodiversity, the web that supports all life on Earth; to reduce humanity’s environmental footprint; and to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources to support current and future generations.
The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the agroecology project across Eastern Cape sites and selected WWF South Africa priority landscapes, while actively contributing to the delivery of WWF South Africa's 2030 strategy and programme targets. The role will support the translation of strategic objectives into practical, field-level action by driving farmer mobilisation, capacity building, stakeholder coordination, data management, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery of project activities.


Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Alignment, Partnerships and Programme Support


Support the implementation of WWF South Africa's Sustainable Food Systems Programme and 2030 Strategy objectives at field level, ensuring high-quality delivery of project activities.
Assist in translating programme strategies and workplans into practical, site-level action across Eastern Cape project sites and other priority landscapes.
Contribute to the development and implementation of a holistic, landscape-based support approach for smallholder farmers, aligned to WWF priority areas and water source catchments.
Support the strengthening of strategic partnerships with NGOs, government, private sector, service providers and community structures to ensure coordinated, aligned and impactful interventions.
Facilitate knowledge sharing, learning and documentation of best practices, case studies, and lessons learned, promoting collaboration across WWF programmes and external partners.


Stakeholder Relationships and Community Engagement

Community Engagement


Support the introduction of the project to community members, traditional leadership, local authorities and partner organisations alongside the Senior Technical Specialist.
Facilitate the establishment and functioning of local steering committees with farmers, NGOs, private sector, municipalities and relevant government departments.
Ensure active and inclusive participation of stakeholders in project planning, implementation and review processes.


Farmer Database and Profiling


Develop and maintain a detailed register of participating farmers, stakeholders and rightsholders (including GPS mapping and profiling).
Assess farmer readiness, capacity needs and enterprise potential to inform tailored support plans.
Project Implementation and Coordination


Operational and Logistical Support


Ensure effective use and basic maintenance of the project vehicle and equipment.
Support procurement, distribution, tracking and accountability of project materials and inputs.


Project Implementation and Field Support


Coordinate day-to-day activities across agroecology project sites.
Support the establishment and management of demonstration plots, seedling nurseries and learning sites.
Provide ongoing agronomic and technical support to participating farmers in collaboration with partners and specialists.


Capacity Building and Training


Assist in organising and delivering farmer training sessions, exchange visits and learning events.
Support knowledge sharing on agroecology, soil health, biodiversity and climate-smart agriculture practices.
Link farmers and stakeholders to relevant resources, services and information, and facilitate networks for peer learning and knowledge exchange.


Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning


Conduct regular field visits and maintain up-to-date records of activities and outcomes.
Collect data for project indicators, case studies, and success stories.
Compile monthly and quarterly progress reports for submission to the Senior Technical Specialist


Minimum Requirements


Honours, bachelor's degree or Diploma in Agriculture or a related field.
A master's degree (MSc) in a relevant field will be a strong advantage.
Minimum 3 years' experience in agroecology; community-based agricultural project implementation.
Demonstrated experience in agroecology, farmer mobilisation, training, and coordination of agricultural activities.
Experience working with NGOs, local municipalities, or rural development programmes will be advantageous.
Good understanding of agroecology, conservation agriculture, and smallholder production systems.
Skills in data collection, farmer profiling, and reporting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
High integrity and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Flexibility and adaptability to work in remote, multi-stakeholder environments.
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
Valid South African driver's license (Code 8/B) and willingness to travel extensively.
Advanced driving skills
Languages
Excellent command of English (both written and verbal).
Proficiency in local languages (IsiXhosa and/or Sesotho) is essential.
You recognise yourself in the values of WWF: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration and Inclusion


Deadline:3rd April,2026