Conservation Programme Assistant, Fundação Príncipe Trust, São Tomé and Príncipe

Start Date:                             1^st July 2017 or as soon as possible

Duration of Contract:           One-year fixed term contract, with potential to extend subject to business need and funding availability

Location:                                Fundação Príncipe Trust, Santo Antonio, Príncipe, São Tomé & Príncipe

Founded in 1903, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s longest established international conservation organisation. Our vision is to create a sustainable future for the planet where biodiversity is conserved by the people living closest to it. We aim to do this through the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. We have become a trusted entity in the world of conservation. Today FFI is active in over 40 countries.

With important forest and marine ecosystems and levels of endemism comparable to the Galapagos Islands, Príncipe is recognised world-wide for its high biodiversity and is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Fundação Príncipe Trust (FPT) is one of the few locally established NGOs operating on the island. It was established in 2015 to promote sustainable development and biodiversity conservation, through projects that strongly focus on supporting the local community and building local capacity. This work aligns with the purposes of the Biosphere Reserve and the FPT works closely with government to support their commitment to safeguard the island’s natural and cultural heritage. FPT’s projects currently focus on sea turtle conservation, establishing and strengthening protected areas (marine and terrestrial), promoting community livelihood, ecotourism and environmental sustainability.

FFI has established a partnership with the FPT to strengthen the conservation of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity, integrated with a strong focus on the development of sustainable livelihoods approaches, on the island of Príncipe. The Príncipe Trust team has an exciting programme of activities including biodiversity and social surveys and assessments, strengthening marine and terrestrial protected areas, species and habitat conservation projects and capacity building support to local conservation agencies, closely integrated with the promotion of sustainable livelihoods approaches for local communities. Engaging proactively with people to improve local culture and economy is central to our strategy in Príncipe: local support is critical to this work and local people stand to gain the most from the protection of the island’s biodiversity. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of the core FPT team. Established by the company HBD, and after three years of direct support and sponsorship, the FPT is transitioning towards being a fully self-sufficient organisation. The FPT is seeking qualified candidates to join this small team in Príncipe, contributing to the development and management of a programme focused on the conservation of habitats and species and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.

You will also contribute to island wide conservation activity including protected area and land use planning processes, support the delivery of conservation capacity building to local groups and other aspects of the Trust’s conservation strategy including marine and coastal conservation and community focused activities.

The post would be ideal for someone with experience in biodiversity conservation linked to sustainable livelihoods. You will use your technical skills and practical experience in using science and current approaches to develop and deliver effective conservation projects. You will have good project management skills and demonstrable experience in community engagement, participatory approaches, and sustainable livelihood initiatives, for example agrobiodiversity and the promotion of beekeeping.

A strong team player, you will enjoy working in a dynamic team environment where creative approaches and thinking are being brought to deliver project concepts. Experience raising funds for projects will alsobe an advantage. A degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline and good experience in a related role and working situation are expected. In return, the role offers the opportunity to work within two ground breaking and entrepreneurial organisations, at the forefront of conservation.

For further details and to apply please visit: http://www.fauna-flora.org/about/jobs/

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 28 May 2017.  No agencies please.

FFI values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity