Partnership and Consultancy Officer

SANCCOB is a leading seabird conservation non-profit organisation that seeks to employ a Partnership and Consultancy Officer to join its energetic and dedicated team based in Cape Town on a full-time fixed-term contract basis. 

The Partnership and Consultancy Officer will report directly to the Preparedness and Response Manager and will be responsible for identifying, developing and securing consultancy agreements, preparedness retainers, service contracts and strategic partnerships that strengthen SANCCOB’s oiled wildlife preparedness and response capacity. The role focuses on commercial and institutional partnerships within the maritime, environmental and government sectors, while also supporting selected grant and donor opportunities where appropriate.  

THE POSITION

Please note: This is primarily a business development, partnership development and consultancy-focused role. The successful candidate will be expected to secure service agreements, preparedness retainers, consultancy contracts and strategic partnerships. While experience working with grants, donors or philanthropic funders may be advantageous, this is not primarily a donor fundraising position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Generate income to support SANCCOB’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme and ensure that income targets are met.
• Identify and prioritise funding opportunities from industry, government, and philanthropic sources.
• Conduct a needs assessment and market interest assessment for funding oiled wildlife preparedness and response.
• Identify and engage potential clients and partners, including oil and gas operators, shipping companies, governments, and regional bodies. 
• Develop tailored proposals and presentations to secure preparedness and response retainers and consultancy agreements.
• Monitor tender platforms and identify relevant consultancy and service contract opportunities.
• Represent SANCCOB at industry events, conferences, workshops and networking opportunities to develop strategic partnerships and business opportunities.

Strategic Planning and Coordination

• Collaborate with SANCCOB’s internal teams to align consultancy offerings with organisational capacity and expertise.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments to inform strategic outreach.

Reporting and Administration

• Track and report on partnership development activities and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and reporting requirements.
• Support grant writing and donor engagement where relevant.
• Contributing to the development of technical assignments.
• Compile a funding landscape assessment report.
• Develop an oiled wildlife preparedness resource mobilisation strategy.
• Develop a donor and partner engagement plan.
• Submit at least 3 funding proposals or concept notes to secure funding

Required Skills and Experience:

• Degree/Diploma in Business Development, Sales or related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in consultancy, business development, or emergency response planning.
• Proven track record in securing consultancy contracts, service agreements, commercial partnerships, retainers, business development opportunities or funding arrangements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and travel (both locally and internationally).
• A valid driver’s license.
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office package).
• Only open to South African citizens.
• This position is suited to candidates at an intermediate professional level with approximately 3 – 5 years of relevant experience in business development, partnership management, consultancy services, contract acquisition, sales, or resource mobilisation.

Preferred skills:

• Experience engaging with corporate, maritime, environmental, government or industry stakeholders.
• Multilingual (English required; French or Portuguese advantageous).
• Understanding of oiled wildlife response and marine environmental protection.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

The successful candidate will require the following:

• A hard-working, compassionate individual with a clear understanding of SANCCOB’s mission to conserve seabirds is essential.
• Ability to cope under pressure and manage personal stress effectively, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging situations.
• Be able to contribute to emergency responses such as oil spills, disease outbreaks or mass rescue and abandonment incidents.
• Be proactive and self-motivated and take initiative, identify opportunities and follow through without requiring constant direction. 
• Be results-driven to achieve measurable outcomes and be comfortable working towards and being accountable for defined income and fundraising targets. 
• Be tenacious and resilient and able to remain motivated and persistent when pursuing funding opportunities and managing setbacks. 
• Be commercially minded and able to identify opportunities, build relationships and convert these into tangible financial support for the organisation.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the conservation of seabirds.
• A dynamic, creative, and supportive work environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

REMUNERATION:

Basic salary commensurate with qualifications, experience, and SANCCOB’s remuneration model. A performance-based incentive structure.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please submit a two-page CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience to monica@sanccob.co.za. 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.