Bycatch Project Manager, BirdLife International Marine Programme

BirdLife International is the world’s largest nature conservation partnership. Through our unique local-to-global approach, we deliver high impact and long-term conservation for the benefit of nature and people. Recognising the multiple threats affecting seabirds, BirdLife International established its International Marine Programme in 1997, now working in 120 countries and in waters beyond their national jurisdictions, known as the high seas.

 

The objective of the programme is to halt the decline of seabird populations. We work through (i) influencing marine policy where we advocate for the conservation of seabirds at national, regional and global levels by safeguarding sites and species and tackling the pressures on them; (ii) promoting conservation through sound science to stop seabird declines through collaborative action and research, particularly by working to protect and manage important marine sites for seabirds and other biodiversity; and (iii) tackling seabird bycatch a component where we work with fishermen, national experts and the scientific community to reduce seabird bycatch through testing and implementing solutions.

 

This exciting opportunity will see you, as a core staff member of BirdLife International’s Marine Programme team, undertake a wide range of duties to minimize seabird and turtle bycatch in West Africa.

 

In this role, you will be managing our bycatch project related to BirdLife International’s work with existing partners in West Africa, particularly in the PRCM Region (from Mauritania to Sierra Leone including Cabo Verde). In addition, you will lead the bycatch team, primarily to ensure the Bycatch Instructors achieve their requisite sea time and other duties.

 

Due to funding requirements, the eligible candidate will be originally from one of the PRCM Countries – Mauritania, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, or Sierra Leone. 

 

The ideal candidate will have : 

? A significant track record of project management, monitoring and report writing.

? Knowledge of West Africa environment in particular the PRCM countries.

? Experience organising meetings and workshops in international settings with a range of audiences.

? Understanding of seabird and turtle conservation needs and Ecosystem Approaches to Fisheries, particularly within the geographical scope of the bycatch project.

? Ability to work comfortably in both French and English.

? Strong background on bycatch and fisheries management work will be an asset 

? Good knowledge of marine capture fisheries and/or seabird and turtle bycatch.

 

A detailed job description can be found here. 

 

Closing date: 17 June 2018

Applications should include:

? A covering letter summarising the applicant’s suitability for the position (maximum 1 page);

? A detailed CV with contact details of two referees known to the applicant in a professional capacity. 

 

Applications should be sent by email to: recruitment-west-africa@birdlife.org

 

Interviews: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be held on 25 June  2018.