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Manager: Research, Development & Monitoring
Sustainable Seas Trust
Posted on Oct 27, 2025
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Education: A Master’s degree (or higher) in one of the environmental sciences (or a closely related field) is required.
- Professional Experience: At least 7 years of relevant experience in environmental research, conservation, sustainable development or a related discipline, including a minimum of 3 years in a management and leadership role.
- Leadership in Research: Proven track record of successfully leading research teams and innovating in research methods. You should have experience initiating new research projects and driving them to completion with meaningful outcomes.
- Research and Writing: Demonstrated excellence in research and professional writing. This includes experience producing high-quality reports and publications for various audiences (beyond just academic papers, e.g., policy briefs, technical reports, or industry publications).
- Analytical Skills: Strong competence in statistics and data analysis. At least a working knowledge of data modelling techniques and familiarity with emerging tools (such as applications of Artificial Intelligence in data analysis or environmental monitoring) is expected.
- Strategic Planning: A proven history of developing and implementing strategic plans in a professional setting. You should be able to translate strategic objectives into operational plans and then execute and adapt those plans effectively.
- Teamwork and Management: Excellent ability to lead and work within a team. You should have experience building high-performance teams, as well as collaborating across departments or disciplines.
- Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is essential. The role may involve travel to field sites, and the candidate must be comfortable driving alone when necessary.
The Ideal Candidate
Beyond the required technical skills and experience, we are looking for a particular type of leader who will thrive in SST’s environment and drive our mission forward.
The ideal candidate will exemplify the following qualities:
- Mission-Driven: Has an authentic passion for environmental sustainability and conservation. You are deeply motivated by a mission bigger than yourself, and you measure success by the positive impact you create for communities and the planet.
- Dominant and Decisive Leadership: A natural leader with a dominant, assertive, and decisive style (think **“high-D” or ‘Red’ on the DISC profile). You take charge of situations, make clear decisions quickly, and confidently drive teams toward ambitious goals.
- Results-Oriented: Highly output-focused and results-driven. You set high targets for yourself and your team, and you have a track record of delivering on goals. You thrive under pressure and view challenges as opportunities to excel.
- Accountable and Proactive: You take full ownership of your projects and responsibilities. Rather than waiting for direction, you anticipate needs and take initiative. You hold yourself accountable to the highest standards and expect the same of others.
- Organised and Detail-Oriented: Exceptionally well-organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. You pay attention to detail and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks, even while keeping the bigger strategic picture in mind.
- Continuous Learner: Stay well-informed on the latest global developments and best practices in relevant fields, whether it’s the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, innovations in marine pollution mitigation, climate change adaptation strategies, or advances in education for sustainability. You naturally update your knowledge and use it to inform SST’s work.
- Stakeholder Savvy: Excellent understanding of stakeholder engagement and partnership strategies. You know how to identify, approach, and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders – from local community leaders and governmental officials to international researchers and donors – and you can align their interests with SST’s mission.
- Superior Communication: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. In particular, you excel at public speaking and presenting research plans and results in a compelling way. You can distil complex information into clear messages for various audiences, and you inspire confidence when you speak.
- Adaptable and Resilient: Able to adapt to changing circumstances and handle setbacks with resilience. You maintain a positive attitude and solution-oriented approach, even when projects encounter obstacles.
- Team Player: While you are a strong leader, you also value collaboration. You work effectively as part of a team, respect diverse perspectives, and contribute to a supportive, high-performance team culture.
If this profile does not sound like you, then this role may not be the right fit. We are intentionally seeking a high-calibre, mission-aligned individual who meets the above criteria.
Compensation and Terms
- Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. This is an on-site position – candidates must be willing to relocate to or reside in Gqeberha. Remote work or telecommuting is not an option for this role.
- Employment Type and Duration: Full-time 12-month fixed-term contract. The contract is renewable annually based on performance, with potential renewals up to February 2028 (aligned with the end of our current core funding cycle). Extension beyond that period is contingent on future funding.
- Compensation: Paterson Grade D level, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
- Benefits: SST offers a supportive leave policy (with extra leave days included in the CTC package) and the opportunity for performance-based bonuses. Being part of SST also means working in a passionate team committed to a meaningful cause, with opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Start Date: As soon as possible – we are looking to fill this position urgently with the right candidate.