Regional Programme Manager - Invasive Alien Species

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced person to manage a 4-year, European Union-funded programme: Local Livelihoods - Combating Invasive Alien Species in the Pacific for the benefit of biodiversity and people’ aimed at reducing the spread and the negative environmental and socio-economic impacts of invasive alien species in the Pacific region. The overall purpose of the position will be to lead the development of field-tested models for the eradication, control and bio-security of invasive alien species (IAS) that demonstrably reduce their impact on the environment and livelihoods. Developing research and monitoring will be a key component of the role. The project will begin early 2011 and will be implemented by BirdLife Pacific Partners under the overall supervision of the BirdLife International Pacific Partnership Secretariat in Suva, Fiji.

BirdLife International, a global Partnership of national conservation NGOs that aims to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources, operates in 120 countries worldwide. Within this setting, BirdLife's Pacific Regional Programme aims to achieve biodiversity conservation through the development of a network of national non-governmental Partner and Affiliate organisations. The process is driven by a programme of research, advocacy, action, institutional development and training and focuses on the four themes of BirdLife's work, Species-Sites-Habitats-People.

The BirdLife network in the Pacific currently comprises Birds Australia (Australia), Te Ipukarea Society (Cook Islands), Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie (French Polynesia), Société Calédonienne d'Ornithologie (New Caledonia), Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society (New Zealand), Palau Conservation Society (Palau) and O Le Siosiomaga Society (Samoa). The Pacific Partnership Secretariat, based in Suva, Fiji, also manages a country programme in Fiji pending the admission to the network of a suitable NGO.

Key functions of the role will be managing the overall project including work planning and coordinating activities with Partners, financial management, and technical reporting. The development of models will require provision of technical advice in invasive species management particularly the eradication of small mammals, control of ungulates, and development of national quarantine procedures. The role will lead the development of research that will assess the impact of the eradication, control and bio-security activities on environmental and social indicators. Research and monitoring needs will be supported by a technical advisory group to the project which in addition to scientific project design and analytical skills will require good networking and facilitation skills. The project provides an opportunity for growing political and organisational support for invasive species management in the region which will be enhanced through effective communication and relationship skills. More generally, the appointee will work closely with the Seabird Programme Manager in the coordination and development of habitat management and invasive species projects and needs for the Partnership and region.

The ideal candidate will have a graduate-level qualification with further training or experience in invasive species management plus five or more years relevant conservation experience in the region and demonstrated abilities in leading environmental research projects, successful project design, fund-raising, implementation and reporting. He or she will have a good understanding of conservation, cultural, development and political issues in the Pacific and experience within conservation NGOs. Experience with applied fieldwork, particularly in the Pacific region, will be well-regarded. Other qualities required are excellent oral and written presentation skills, an ability to work strategically and independently yet also as a team-member, networking skills and fluency in English and (ideally) also French. The post demands an ability to act independently and a willingness to travel and to work long hours when necessary.

Applications, including a covering letter summarizing the applicant’s suitability for the position, a detailed CV and names and contact addresses of three referees known to the applicant in a professional capacity, should be addressed to:

The Regional Director

BirdLife International Pacific Partnership Secretariat

GPO Box 18332

Suva, FIJI ISLANDS

E-mail: birds@birdlifepacific.org.fj

Tel: +679 331 3492 Fax: + 679 330 1723

Further information and full details of the employment package can be obtained from birds@birdlifepacific.org.fj

To see the full job description click here