Marine and Coastal Conservation Manager (Principe)

Marine and Coastal Conservation Manager (Príncipe)
Fauna & Flora International

Salary: USD 30,000 – 40,000 depending on skills and experience
Start Date:   1 October 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter
End Date: 31 March 2018, with potential to extend subject to business need and funding availability
Location:  Initial 2 months based at Fauna & Flora International, Cambridge
Following 28 months based in Príncipe with regular trips back to the UK.

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.

FFI’s Eurasia Programme is helping to raise awareness of forgotten land and seascapes and the need for action amongst other international conservation and development charities to protect these areas. Many of our projects have laid the foundation and infrastructure for other organisations to move in and help tackle the challenges of conservation in less well known areas. We aim to build local capacity to conserve priority species and habitats and are working with our partners to implement an exciting range of initiatives focused on ecosystems, habitats and species conservation.  Activities include supporting the creation of marine protected areas and no-take fishing zones, addressing human wildlife conflict, biodiversity and protected area planning, capacity building for conservation, alternative livelihood development and community outreach.

FFI has been working on marine issues for a number of years with a particular focus on coastal environments. In 2010, we set out to enhance our efforts to safeguard vulnerable marine systems, and to create an innovative and more forward-looking marine programme. Our marine work engages a network of partners from around the world and builds on core strengths held across the organisation. Our marine strategy has three main aims:

• To significantly increase the area of marine habitat under conservation management, and to improve management of existing sites.
• To tackle wider threats to the oceans through engagement with national governments, the corporate sector and by collaborating with policy-focused organisations. 
• To build our own skills and experience in marine conservation and use this to help partners improve their impact on marine conservation.

In this respect, the Eurasia Programme is addressing marine and coastal conservation issues in Turkey and Cape Verde and most recently on the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea.

FFI’s Eurasia Programme has established a working partnership with the Príncipe Trust to strengthen the conservation of both marine and terrestrial biodiversity, integrated with a strong focus on the development of sustainable livelihoods approaches, on the island of Príncipe.  A joint FFI / Príncipe Trust team will develop and deliver 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 livelihoods and the local 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. 

We are now seeking qualified candidates to join this small team to lead activities focused on the theme of Marine and Coastal Conservation. Based in Príncipe, the successful candidate will be formally seconded for the full duration of the contract to the Príncipe Trust and work as part of the team to manage and develop projects focused primarily on the conservation of marine and coastal habitats and species. You will also be expected to contribute to and support the delivery of other aspects of the Trust’s conservation strategy including island wide biodiversity planning and community focused activities. 

The post would be ideal for someone with strong project management skills together with an excellent understanding of and experience in marine and coastal conservation and related issues, e.g. fisheries. In addition, you will have strong technical skills in conservation, and practical experience in using science and current approaches to develop and deliver effective conservation projects. You will also ideally have demonstrable experience in community engagement, participatory approaches, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

A strong team player, you will enjoy working in a dynamic team environment where strategic approaches and conceptual thinking are being brought to deliver project concepts. Experience raising funds for projects will also be an advantage. A higher degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline and strong experience in a related role 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 13 September 2015.  No agencies please.

FFI values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity