The BirdLife International Marine Programme, hosted by the RSPB, has been central to global efforts to tackle seabird bycatch for nearly two decades. This work takes us from engaging at a grassroots level through collaboration with industry on the decks of fishing vessels to influencing international fishery management decisions, working to embed seabird-friendly measures in fisheries regulations. 

What's the role about? 

We are looking for an International Bycatch Project Officer to support our Programme and collaborating teams worldwide to meet ambitious targets to reduce seabird bycatch in priority fisheries, including longline, trawl, purse seine and gillnet fleets.

We are seeking an early career project officer who is passionate about marine conservation, articulate, confident, knowledgeable and has good social and organisation skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in marine conservation and/or fisheries management and knowledge of seabird bycatch mitigation solutions.

The role will require the management of multiple complex tasks, working autonomously and at times to tight deadlines. The ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances is an essential part of the profile. It will require excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to find creative solutions.

The main duties of the successful applicant will include absorbing and summarising complex information into clear and concise progress reports; liaising with project teams and stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions; developing communication materials to promote the objectives of the campaign; engaging with seafood market supply chain and certification processes; maintaining project databases; and assisting with fundraising proposals.

The post holder will be a confident communicator in English, preferably a fluent speaker in Spanish and have a high level of awareness of cultural sensitivities. They will have demonstrable experience producing project reports to a high standard and ideally benefit from a background working as part of a multi-national team.

This is a chance to join an exciting and dynamic team with direct conservation impact – so get on board!

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

1. An Undergraduate Degree in a relevant discipline.
2. Knowledge of marine conservation and fisheries management
3. Experience writing clear and concise progress reports.
4. Proven time management and organisational skills.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

1. Organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings
2. Experience of producing written materials, newsletters and similar project related communications
3. Fluency in a second language, preferably Spanish

Additional Information

This is a Fixed-Term (6-month) role for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 28/06/2023. For further information, please contact yann.rouxel@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application, you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to explain how you m, meet the criteria set above. 

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people on nature's side and more diverse people. People of colour and disabled people are underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sectors. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.