Head of Programmes and Impact

SANCCOB is a leading seabird conservation organisation dedicated to conserving southern Africa’s seabirds, particularly the Critically Endangered African Penguin.

With the African Penguin facing an escalating extinction crisis and functional extinction predicted by 2035 without significant intervention, SANCCOB has identified the need for a senior leader to strengthen and scale existing conservation programmes, drive the development of new initiatives, advance advocacy and policy change, establish robust impact measurement systems, and align programme delivery with organisational strategy and donor priorities.

SANCCOB is therefore seeking an experienced, strategic, and dynamic Head of Programmes and Impact, to lead and grow its programme portfolio, maximise conservation impact, and ensuring the work remains scientifically credible, financially sustainable, and outcomes driven.

Institution The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)

Location Table View, Cape Town (not remote or hybrid)

Job Title Head of Programmes and Impact

Closing Date 15 July 2026

Starting Date As soon as possible, however, negotiable

Full-time / Part-time Full-time and permanent position

Work Hours Given the nature of the work required, work hours will need to be flexible, however roughly equal to 8 hours per workday, and 40 hours per week.

Travel Be willing and able to travel, both locally and internationally.

THE POSITION

The Head of Programmes and Impact is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and support across SANCCOB’s conservation programmes. The successful candidate will lead programme growth and development, strengthen advocacy and policy influence, oversee impact measurement and reporting, actively solicit and secure restricted funding opportunities, build strategic donor partnerships, and ensure that SANCCOB’s programmes deliver measurable conservation outcomes.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Programmes and Impact will work closely with the Head of Resource Development and the Head of Business Division, as part of SANCCOB’s senior leadership team. The role will provide strategic leadership and oversight to conservation programme managers, ensuring the effective delivery, growth, and impact of SANCCOB’s conservation portfolio. The Head of Programmes and Impact will work closely with conservation partners, government stakeholders, researchers, and donors to ensure SANCCOB remains a leading force in seabird conservation and marine biodiversity protection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead SANCCOB’s conservation programme strategy in alignment with organisational objectives, conservation priorities, and scientific evidence.
• Translate organisational strategy into actionable, measurable, and outcomes-focused programmes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen, expand, and scale SANCCOB’s programme portfolio.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to programme managers and multidisciplinary teams.

Programme Design, Development and Delivery

• Oversee the design, growth, implementation, and evaluation of conservation programmes.
• Ensure programmes are evidence-based, impact-focused, and aligned with conservation best practice.
• Lead programme planning, prioritisation, performance monitoring, and adaptive management processes.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement across programmes.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

• Lead SANCCOB’s advocacy and policy agenda.
• Develop and implement evidence-based advocacy strategies and campaigns.
• Build new and strengthen existing relationships with government, industry, NGOs, academic institutions, and conservation partners.
• Represent SANCCOB at relevant forums, working groups, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact:

• Establish and oversee Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems.
• Develop impact indicators and frameworks to assess programme effectiveness.
• Monitor conservation outcomes and organisational impact.
• Lead impact reporting and contribute to SANCCOB’s annual and integrated reporting processes.

Fundraising and Financial Sustainability:

• Support the development of a sustainable pipeline of restricted funding opportunities.
• Work closely with the Head of Resource Development to ensure programmes are fundable, scalable, and aligned with donor priorities.
• Provide strategic input into concept notes, grant proposals, budgets, donor reports, and funding applications.
• Support donor engagement and stewardship activities.
• Ensure compliance with donor agreements and effective utilisation of restricted funding.

Governance, Risk and Partnerships:

• Monitor policy, regulatory, and sector developments relevant to SANCCOB’s work.
• Identify programme risks and opportunities and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Contribute to organisational governance and strategic planning processes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Postgraduate qualification in Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Biology, or a related field.
• A master’s degree will be advantageous.
• Significant senior-level experience managing, developing, and scaling conservation, environmental, or impact-focused programmes.
• Demonstrated experience leading managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience in programme design, strategic planning, and impact measurement.
• Experience in advocacy, policy engagement, and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated experience supporting fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, and grant-funded programmes.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and donors.
• Strong understanding of conservation science and evidence-based decision-making.
• Experience establishing monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks will be advantageous.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Planning, execution and accountability
• Relationship building and influencing
• Communication and presentation
• Adaptability, innovation and continuous improvement
• Financial and commercial acumen

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to play a leading role in the conservation of the endangered African Penguin and other seabird species.
• A dynamic, mission-driven working environment.
• The opportunity to influence conservation policy and drive meaningful impact.
• Exposure to leading conservation, scientific, and donor networks.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A passionate and committed team dedicated to saving seabirds.

REMUNERATION

Subject to negotiation. Remuneration package commensurate with qualifications, experience, and SANCCOB’s remuneration model.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter, detailing your relevant experience, to [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. SANCCOB is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. We invite you to join us in our mission to protect seabirds and make a difference for the future of our planet’s ecosystems. SANCCOB reserves the right not to make an appointment should a suitable candidate not be found.