Manager Forestry Development - Richards Bay at Mondi Group

Purpose of the position:

• The incumbent in position will be responsible for the development of a small grower database, digitalizing all the data into Mondi Database System and extension services for growers with a view to migrating to an APP based extension and transacting platform.

Qualification & Expertise

• Minimum BSc or BTech in Forestry

Job Experience

•  Minimum 5 years operational experience in forestry 
• Added advantage - community forestry/ small growers work experience

RESPONSIBILITIES / KPAS:

• Provide practical forest operational support to the community forestry and related fibre enterprises.
• Drive the collection, digitalization, co-ordination, and verification of small grower data onto the Mondi Integrated Forest Management System (from GPS mapping, compartment data
•        (size, age, species planted), per grower, per Area) 
• Conduct annual update of emerging timber growers' plantation management details.
• Monitor seedling suppliers, support Agents in development of the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs), timber establishment and harvesting verification thereof
• Facilitate the onboarding of new growers, compliance, and assessment of small grower plantations, 
• Conduct Chain of custody check, support in closing out of FSC Audit Corrective Action Preventive Actions (CAPAs)
• Conduct required interfaces with Tribal authorities & Community growers committee on timber flow and small grower matters when required. 
• Develop and implement forestry extension support for emerging growers (from establishment, maintenance, fire prevention standard operating practices, including development of manuals) 
• Drive Agents, growers, and contractors in achieving FSC & PEFC and meeting National Forestry standards.
• Develop and implement Forestry community owned- business mentorship and support small grower Agents and Contractors, including compliance and governance standards and audits.
• Conduct regular interfaces to discuss and monitor business & operational development progress in all aspects of transacting between Timber agents and growers, logistics and operational 
•        management.
• Support Forest enterprises and emerging growers with the management of timber volumes, establishment and market facilitation and optimization, through development of reports and scorecards 

JOB COMPETENCIES / ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS – ESSENTIAL:

• Demonstrate excellent business acumen.
• Good understanding of forestry plantation and costing
• Self-management and self-motivation with high integrity
• Good verbal, interpersonal and communication skills in both English and Zulu (both verbal and written)
• Adopts a Continuous Improvement approach in their work.
• Strong administration skills including planning and organizing, project management and budget management.
• Ability to work to deadlines in a high-pressure environment and make high value decisions.
• Valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of small business management an added advantage
• Demonstrate excellent conflict resolution skills
• Self-driven, entrepreneurial and results driven