Position: African Liaison for Government Affairs
Location: South Africa
Department: Government Affairs


Who We Are
https://www.safariclub.org/
Hunting is an ancient tradition passed down from the earliest times of man to the present day. Hunters participate directly in the natural world and care enough to make sure that it continues in all of its awesome beauty and diversity.
Safari Club International is a U.S.-based organization of more than 50,000 hunters and nearly 200 chapters worldwide, dedicated to protecting the right to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation. Between SCI and its sister organization, the SCI Foundation, we have put more than $70 Million on the ground for conservation since 2000. In the U.S. and abroad, hunters are part of a system that keeps the rivers, forests and fields intact and maintains the wildlife.
All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunters’ rights and wildlife conservation.


Position Summary
The African Liaison represents SCI to all African governmental entities, hunting organizations and/or associations, special governmental committees, task forces related to hunting, wildlife conservation or other areas of interest to SCI. The African Liaison engages government officials, membership, any hunting organizations or associations on actions or issue which may affect hunters or hunting including importation and transportation of firearms, trophy animal import or export restrictions or bans, licensing or permit issues or any other interests in hunting or wildlife conservation. The African Liaison position shall serve as the communications conduit to SCI from all potentially affected interests in Africa increasing the footprint of SCI in Africa and supporting rural areas and community leadership. When warranted and practical, assist SCI members with logistical problems encountered with permitting, firearms transportation, travel or contractual issues while hunting in Africa. The Liaison informs and educates all members of the African government, organizations, or associations as to the benefits of SCI advocacy, legislative and litigative, membership in SCI, SCI record book and encourages attendance and participation in the SCI International Hunters Convention. The African Liaison informs all potentially affected interests as to the successful Hunter Advocacy, Conservation, and other meaningful and pertinent programs the Club accomplishes. The Liaison will report on the activities of the Club and be an advocate and spokesman for SCI. The Liaison will be actively engaged in the African Wildlife Consultative Forum and CITES issues as appropriate and is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive and productive relationships with all potentially affected interests and will coordinate any special SCI workshops such as measuring instruction courses or membership events. The Liaison position will work closely with other SCI and SCIF employees engaged in African or other worldwide issues.


Responsibilities

• Have a strong working understanding and work-related experience in African government operations and affairs, hunting in Africa, African wildlife conservation issues and experience and the ability to work positively to enhance hunting, conservation, and scientific awareness.
• Establish and maintain a positive and productive relationship with governmental entities, hunting organizations and other potentially affected interests promoting the mission and goals of SCI.
• Ability to serve as an official representative of SCI, promoting and representing SCI programs such as Advocacy, Record Book, Membership and Convention.
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, and activities to promote SCI and SCI programs including official measuring workshops, meeting, and opportunities to discuss pending regulations and other instruments that may affect hunting, hunters or any import, export issues.
• Create monthly report of activities. Included in the report should be any intelligence news, challenges and successes, volunteer and staff contact information updates, and notable highlights from interactions with the public, government, agency, or organizational officials.
• Track regulations or proposed legislation resulting in changes to the professional hunting industry.
• Provide counsel and advice to SCI on issues arising in Africa concerning SCI mission and goals.
• Attend other meetings as approved such as the SCI International Hunters Convention and/or SCI Board meetings, AWCP and/or AWCF, industry trade shows and other events as they are identified.
• Provide guidance, expertise, and counsel to the SCI on current or arising issues.
• Participate in the weekly, monthly calls with the Government Affairs section of SCI.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. Attends meetings, conventions, trade shows, and other events as appropriate.

Work Location and Travel Requirements
This position travels up 50% of the time, nationally and internationally, including to the SCI annual convention, site visits, Board Meetings, and any other trade shows or events of interest to SCI/F or supported by SCI/F.


Skills and Abilities

• Proven problem solving and leadership skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software, to include One Drive, Share Point, Teams with an ability to become familiar with SCI-specific programs and software.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and customer service skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders; ability to respond to needs in a tactful and strategic manner.
• Ability to build long-term relationships with stakeholders.
• Motivation and strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.

Qualifications and Education

• Experience in African government operations and affairs, hunting in Africa, and African wildlife conservation experience
• Five years of experience in the outdoor or sportsman’s industry required
• Direct experience as a hunter and understanding of international hunting required
• Valid driver’s license with ability to be insurable on SCI policy
• Must be able to travel internationally