Flyway & Migrants Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa

BLSA is looking for a qualified and knowledgeable Flyway & Migrants Project Manager to support BirdLife’s East Atlantic Flyway Initiative (EAFI) Coordination Group with the implementation of its conservation and species monitoring projects along the East Atlantic Flyway in Africa. The ideal candidate would have a strong background in the natural sciences, display good administrative and leadership skills, be a team player, have the ability to work independently, be strategic and innovative, and a passionate conservationist. Liaising with partners is a key part of the role so good communication skills are essential.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Flyway & Migrants Project Manager will include, but not be limited to:

•  Implementing a BLSA EAFI Project Strategy (with short-/immediate-, medium- and long-term objectives).
•  Supporting BirdLife’s EAFI Coordination Group with the implementation and revision of the BirdLife EAFI project strategy.
•  Developing, reviewing, implementing and ensuring successful execution of EAFI projects, strategies and priorities.
•  Supporting the RSPB in its objectives to prioritise key sites (KBAs) and countries along the East Atlantic Flyway, including species and site threat identification, site safeguarding (OECMs) and associated species research and monitoring.
•  Unlocking and catalysing interest in KBAs in southern Africa, and subsequent identification, delineation, protection and monitoring of these sites.
•  Assisting the EAFI Coordination Group with fundraising for the implementation of priority EAFI projects.
•  Nurturing key relationships with existing donors, BirdLife Partners and other key stakeholders in the region (such as the SADC Secretariat).
•  Increase the awareness of the importance of migratory birds through promotion of World Migratory Bird Day and other key events.
•  Aside from the primary EAFI-related responsibilities, also work with the Regional Conservation Programme Manager towards establishing key conservation projects in southern Africa, including projects in Transfrontier Conservation Areas.
•  Provide support in the development of an avitourism route within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
•  Provide ongoing support to the work of the Convention on Migratory Species Avian Working Group.
•  Supporting the Regional Conservation Programme Manager to explore innovative ways to advance BLSA’s Regional Conservation Programme strategic objectives in the African region.
•  Liaising with and maintaining key partnerships with the RSPB, the BirdLife Africa Secretariat, BirdLife partners, relevant African government departments, non-government organisations, academic institutions and other strategic role players.
•  Working collaboratively across BLSA’s conservation programmes.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements for the position are:

•  MSc degree in natural sciences (or an applicable post-graduate qualification)
•  Managerial experience in a similar environment, with proven experience in stakeholder engagement and management, financial administration, data management and all other related duties and responsibilities.
•  Proven ability to liaise and collaborate with donors, funders, government officials, and other key stakeholders on a regional level.
•  Knowledge of African countries’ environmental legislation and relevant international multi-lateral environmental agreements.
•  Knowledge of key IUCN knowledge products about protected and conserved areas, KBAs and OECMs.
•  Proven ability and experience in the design, implementation, coordination and management of complex conservation projects, cutting across science and implementation.
•  A proven track record in successful fundraising, identifying donor prospects, donor cultivation and grant writing.
•  Code 8 driver’s licence.

Recommendations

•  Extensive knowledge of Africa’s birds and the main threats to these species and their habitats.
•  Proven scientific and analytical skills.
•  Proven knowledge about spatial prioritisation, protected areas, particularly privately protected areas, and conservation areas.
•  GIS proficiency.
•  Ability to develop policy briefs and position papers.
•  Track record of working collaboratively with diverse groups.
•  Diplomacy and conflict resolution skills.
•  Superior communication skills with proficiency in English (written, spoken and graphical means). French and/or Portuguese will be an added advantage.
•  Ability to multi-task, problem-solve, prioritise and delegate effectively.
•  Scientific publication record.
•  Skilful use of the Microsoft Office suite.
•  Willingness to travel both locally and internationally.

GENERAL

• The successful candidate will report to BLSA’s Regional Conservation Programme Manager.
• The position is ideally based at BLSA’s Head office (Isdell House, 17 Hume Road, Dunkeld West) in Johannesburg, but other locations will be considered.
• The nature of the position requires the incumbent to sometimes work after-hours and over weekends and, at times, may involve extensive travel.