Impact Officer

About Sayari Earth 

Sayari Earth is an impact-driven ecosystem engineering company developing large-scale nature-based carbon removal and land restoration projects.  Our mission is to partner with people to sustain life on Planet Earth. We work in partnership with landowners, municipalities, and communities to restore landscapes, strengthen livelihoods, and support long-term stewardship through practical land management and conservation.

About the Role

Sayari Earth is seeking a proactive and community-oriented Impact Officer based in Beaufort West to lead on-the-ground social impact work for our Karoo Sustainable Landscapes Program.

This role is central to building strong partnerships with municipalities, small farmers, community groups and farm workers. The Impact Officer will support community livelihood improvement, stakeholder engagement, needs assessments, benefit-sharing frameworks, community institutional governance support, and impact reporting. The role will also play an important function in collecting and organizing field data to support Sayari Earth’s science and monitoring teams.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working in rural environments, skilled in stakeholder engagement, and motivated to contribute to meaningful environmental and social impact.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Engage with municipalities, small-scale farmers, and farm worker communities.
• Support ongoing discussions with municipal partners regarding commonage inclusion in projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders.
• Map and review impact organizations operating within project municipalities.

Needs Assessment & Community Impact

• Conduct needs assessments with farm workers and local communities.
• Identify opportunities for social impact partnerships and programs.
• Support the development of benefit-sharing models and carbon rights agreements.
• Assist in establishing grazing associations on municipal commonage land.

Capacity Building

• Support training and capacity-building initiatives with farm workers and grazing groups.
• Facilitate workshops and community information sessions.
• Contribute to awareness and sensitization efforts around project participation.

Data Collection & Reporting Support

• Collect, organize, and manage field data for project.
• Coordinate data flow to the Science Team for monitoring and reporting.
• Maintain clear records of stakeholder engagement and project activities.
• Support documentation required for monitoring and impact reporting.

Geographic Focus

Primary focus areas include:

• Beaufort West.
• Uniondale.
• Beyers Naudé municipality.

Travel between sites will be required.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 3+ years of experience in community engagement, social impact, rural development, or related fields.
• Experience working with municipalities, farming communities, or rural stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in field-based environments.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regularly.
• Fluency in English and Afrikaans; isiXhosa advantageous.
• Strong organizational and data management skills.

Preferred

• Background in social sciences, rural development, environmental management, or a related discipline.
• Experience with needs assessments and participatory community processes.
• Familiarity with land management, agriculture, or conservation contexts.
• Experience supporting monitoring or project reporting.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A meaningful role in a fast-growing climate impact organization.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• A collaborative, mission-driven team culture.
• The chance to contribute to real social and environmental change.

Why Join Sayari Earth?

• Work at the intersection of climate action and community development.
• Support projects that restore landscapes and strengthen livelihoods.
• Collaborate with a diverse and passionate team.
• Be part of a purpose-driven organization focused on measurable impact.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a tailored cover letter to aloha@sayari.earth with the subject line: Impact Officer Application – [Your Name].

Your cover letter should highlight your experience in community engagement and your interest in working in rural climate and land restoration projects.

We are committed to building a diverse team and warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring varied perspectives and experiences.

Due to the high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.