Senior Flyway Programme Officer

The East Atlantic Flyway is one of the world’s eight super-highways for bird migration
extending from Iceland to South Africa. The RSPB is committed to work closely with other
national BirdLife partners to establish examples of best practice for conservation delivery at
three landscapes along the flyway, two of these being located in West Africa. We are looking
for an exceptionally qualified and experienced manager to initiate, manage and deliver an
innovative approach to flyway conservation through landscapes. This job is for you if you have
a passion for nature conservation through empowering local communities, a flare for negotiation
and diplomacy, and strong fundraising and project delivery acumen.

About the role:

With flexible location in the UK and regular visits to West Africa, the post holder will report
to the Head of Flyway Conservation at RSPB and work very closely with the Ghana Wildlife
Society (GWS), the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) and others as required. You will
be responsible for delivering agreed landscape-scale programmes of work between these partners
and the RSPB to establish an integrated approach to conservation in agreed locations. We have
secured a three-year funding from the Ecological Restoration Fund for the Savannas Landscape in
northern Ghana.

You will serve as the primary RSPB-GWS liaison officer by maintaining and developing trusting
relations with the GWS board and staff. You will identify organisational development
opportunities and facilitate RSPB and other BirdLife support to strengthen GWS’s national and
international standing as a conservation NGO, especially in relation to conservation action as
well as policy and advocacy. You will develop and negotiate annual and ad hoc contracts and
oversee wise financial management of delegated programme budgets.

You will be willing to lead on, or support, the development of joint projects and programmes on
the East Atlantic Flyway, focusing on savannas and Guinean forests ecosystems of West Africa.
This will include setting strategic direction for programmes and projects within the
landscapes, and maximising possible synergies with other BirdLife Partners across the
sub-region. You will also contribute to the RSPB’s support on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
delivery in West Africa, by collaborating with the National Coordination Groups for KBAs.
Finally, your input will be required in contributing to the team’s communications and outreach,
by which you will help to promote the work in the landscapes to a wide variety of audiences.

You will have strong skills in capacity-building and mentoring, managing a team, work planning,
financial management, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement. Lastly, you will have an
interest in protected area management, natural resources management, and community engagement
on sustainable livelihoods.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Master’s degree in biodiversity conservation, protected areas management, international or
  rural development, or related fields
• Outstanding experience working in nature conservation, natural resource management or
  related fields, especially in sub-Saharan Africa
• Critical understanding of global conservation issues, tools and opportunities for action in
  sub-Saharan Africa, especially in West Africa
• Good understanding and proven application of participatory approaches, partnership work,
  and gender mainstreaming to conservation and/or rural development programmes
• Experience in programme (or major project) design, implementation, monitoring and
  evaluation and grant reporting with preference for managing and directing field operations
• Strong background in financial management including developing and managing budgets and
  reporting
• Experience working with partner organisations (including NGOs) and good skills in
  developing inter-organisational relationships
• A proven track record in fundraising for major projects in developing countries, with
  experience of influencing ODA or development bank investments an advantage

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• An understanding of, and interest in bird conservation and the flyways’ approach
• An interest in how policy tools are used to achieve and sustain conservation outcomes and
  impacts at scale
• Willingness to operate from remote offices where modern amenities may be limited
• Good cultural literacy including some experience of working with local communities,
  traditional governance, NGOs and national governments or their agencies in sub-Saharan Africa
• Basic knowledge of French would be an asset

This is a permanent role for 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this
position between the 16th and 22nd November 2023. For further information please contact
[email protected]. 

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, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of
colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. 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.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974. The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa
Sponsorship. 

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete
an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience
listed above. This role also will require completion of an Overseas Medical Assessment in
addition to the standard pre-employment checks.