The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture tasked with an overall legislative mandate to identify, assess, manage, protect, and promote heritage resources in South Africa. SAHRA invites suitably qualified individuals for the following vacancy.

MAIN PURPOSE:

To manage massacre sites and conduct research relating to massacre sites. Provide assistance to the Unit Manager as well as provide administrative and technical support to the unit. 

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

1) Identification & Management of burial grounds and graves of cultural significance

• identification and management massacre sites related to the liberation struggle
• Compilation of nomination dossiers.
• Submit to declaration and submissions unit for grading and declaration
• Monitor historical graves and cemeteries
• To monitor compliance to protected graves 

2) Stakeholder Management

• Facilitate and coordinate specialist meetings;
• Liaise with experts, Heritage conservation bodies, State institutions and community organisations.
• Engage with the community via meetings and ongoing engagement.
• Participate in public participation through education and awareness programmes aimed at improving the community’s’ understanding of the NHRA Act.
• To represent SAHRA at external fora, e.g. conferences, seminars, etc and present papers related to the Heritage field.
• To partake in negotiations with stakeholders with regard to problems concerning the management of burial grounds and graves
• Identify gaps and initiate contact with interested and affected parties.
• To enable opportunities for formal networking sessions with key players after consultation
• To promote heritage awareness, education and conservation campaigns to all stakeholders to ensure the effective protection of graves..
• To inform heritage bodies and other stakeholders of national heritage legislation, policies and heritage management processes
• To provide professional assistance to staff and public in answering enquiries and locating information.
• Respond to queries.
• Media engagement.
• Create awareness and provide input on heritage issues to inter-governmental departments.

3) Research

• Build a database of experts and conservation bodies; 
• Conduct background research on massacre sites when necessary.
• Conduct new research to add to existing theory and data relating to burial grounds and graves.
• Work with other employees in the unit to produce at least one research paper.
• Conduct research for integrated heritage management.
• Conduct historical mapping.
• Keep updated with current trends and changes within the environment.
• Provide data to Marketing and Communications department relating to burial grounds and graves
• Undertake research and publish papers related to the management sites related to massacres in South Africa.

4) Policy Development

• Participate and inform the development of policy.
• Participate in the update and reviewing of BGG guidelines.
• Assist in the development of new policies and guidelines based on changes in the heritage sector. 

KEY REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor’s degree in Arts, History, heritage studies or related field as well as 2 to 3 years experience in a heritage related environment .The ideal candidate will demonstrate considerable knowledge of the uniqueness of South Africa’s Historical cemeteries and graves, knowledge of the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999, relevant legislation and heritage management principles, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, inter-personal skills, understanding of administrative processes and computer literacy, as well as a code 8 driver’s license would complete the profile of the candidate.       

Closing Date: 06 December 2016

Job Grade: Paterson C3 (basic plus normal company benefits) 

Applications must be accompanied by a detailed CV with contact details of three referees and certified copies of 1) relevant qualifications; 2) driver’s license and 3) Identity Document.

Please note that SAHRA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. SAHRA reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Click here for more details and to apply.