In February 2024, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council approved a Project Preparation Grant (PPG) for the GEF-8 project titled “Reimagining National Parks for People and Nature – Mega Living Landscapes Project” (GEF ID 11347). In April 2024, a PPG for the GBFF project “Reimagining National Parks for People and Nature – Leveraging Durable Financing for Mega Living Landscapes (MLL) to achieve Target 3 in South Africa” (GEF ID 11588) was also approved. These projects form part of a unified Mega Living Landscapes (MLL) Programme, underpinned by SANParks’ Vision 2040 strategy.
The detailed design of both projects and the development of their CEO Endorsement Documents and Annexes (CEODoc) were carried out as part of a single programmatic effort. SANParks acts as the Lead Executing Agency, with WWF-US as the GEF Accredited Implementing Agency. In January 2025, SANParks’ Board approved the final draft CEO Endorsement Documents for submission to the GEF. On 19 May 2025, SANParks received confirmation of final approval of the GEF-8 project. Approval of the GBFF project is anticipated in the coming months.
Project implementation will commence following the conclusion of grant agreements between SANParks and WWF-US and is expected to run over a six-year period. A dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU), housed in SANParks’ Vision 2040 Lead Unit, will coordinate and oversee project execution.
In line with the project preparation process, SANParks now seeks to appoint four Sub-Executing Agencies (SEAs) through a transparent, inclusive process. These SEAs will be critical delivery partners, responsible for the day-to-day execution of project activities in targeted landscapes or across landscapes.
The envisaged sub-executing agencies are:
- Greater Kruger (Barberton) MLL Sub-Executing Agency
- Grasslands MLL Sub-Executing Agency
- Addo MLL Sub-Executing Agency
- Cross-cutting Sub-Executing Agency (responsible for the development and coordination of three Framework Plans and Investment Strategies across all landscapes)
Each SEA will work in close coordination with the SANParks PMU to implement project interventions, build local capacity, and contribute to the overall sustainability and impact of the MLL programme. SEAs will also play a central role in ensuring compliance with the projects’ Environmental and Social Safeguards Frameworks (ESMF) and associated plans including:
- Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs)
- Process Frameworks
- Social Inclusion Plans
- Gender Action Plans
The program will establish three MLL Hubs, one in each landscape, as the operational base for project implementation. These hubs will serve as strategic centres of coordination and delivery, staffed by core project teams, and linked directly with their respective SEAs.
SANParks invites Expressions of Interest from eligible organisations who meet the following criteria:
I. Credibility and Reputation within the Landscape
- Demonstrated trust, integrity, and long-term presence in the proposed project landscape.
- The applicant institution or organisation must have a proven record of working with the local, provincial, or national Conservation Authorities as applicable for at least 5 years.
- Strong community engagement track record and cultural alignment including, where applicable, direct involvement with Local Traditional Authorities, Local government, and local community organisations.
- Diverse staffing reflective of local linguistic and cultural dynamics.
II. Conservation and Socioeconomic Development Expertise
- Proven experience in biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
- Alignment with GEF-8 and GBFF project goals.
- Successful delivery of similar projects at local or regional scales.
III. Governance, Transformation, and Financial Systems
- Robust governance and transformation practices.
- Sound financial and human resource management systems and compliance with national and donor procurement regulations.
- Demonstrated practice of recruitment from local communities, as relevant, and of well-developed structured career paths for such employees.
- Effective internal controls and anti-corruption measures.
IV. SANParks Expression of Interest GEF 8 Sub-Executing Institutional Contribution
- Demonstrated community trust and leadership in the landscape.
- Capacity to mobilise co-financing or in-kind support.
- Strategic vision, innovation, and alignment with the goals of the Mega Living Landscapes Programme.
Documents
- SANParks Expression of Interest GEF 8 Sub-Executing
Enquiries
Bidding Enquiries
- Contact: Ntombentsha Nkwentsha
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 084 530 4031
How To Apply
Bid Submission
Interested organisations are invited to submit an EOI that includes:
- A cover letter expressing interest and outlining suitability for the role.
- Organisational profile and proof of legal registration (including B-BBEE certificate, NPO/NPC registration, tax compliance, Central Supplier Database registration etc.).
- Description of relevant project experience including quantum of money received or administered. (with references and/or supporting documentation).
- Governance and staffing structure.
- Overview of financial systems, controls, and past audit records (where available).
- Full staff list and outline of relevant recruitment practices.
Any additional information that supports the application, including partnerships, co-financing commitments, letters of support and contact details for key references.
EOIs must be submitted electronically by 04 August 2025 to:
[email protected]
Subject Line: “EOI – Sub-Executing Agency for GEF-8/GBFF MLL Project”
Shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit full proposals and participate in a due diligence and capacity assessment process.
Closing Date
04 August 2025 at 00:00 AM
