Marine Programme Project Officer

~ BirdLife International is the world’s largest nature conservation partnership. ~

Through our unique local-to-global approach, we deliver high impact and long-term conservation for the benefit of nature and people. Recognising the multiple threats affecting seabirds, BirdLife International established its International Marine Programme in 1997.

The objective of the programme is to halt the decline of seabird populations. We work through (i) influencing marine policy where we advocate for the conservation of seabirds at national, regional and global levels by safeguarding sites and species and tackling the pressures on them; (ii) promoting conservation through sound science to stop seabird declines through collaborative action and research, particularly by working to protect and manage important marine sites for seabirds and other biodiversity; and (iii) tackling seabird bycatch a component where we work with fishermen, national experts and the scientific community to reduce seabird bycatch through testing and implementing solutions.

Position Overview

This exciting opportunity will see you, as a member of BirdLife International’s Marine Programme team, leading work in Japan to support fisheries and fisheries managers to reduce seabird bycatch. Albatrosses are one of the most endangered groups of birds in the world, and one of the main risks to them is incidental bycatch in tuna longline fisheries. The post holder will work on a number of projects to reduce bycatch levels in Japanese tuna longline fleets through engagement with fisheries, and tuna purchasing companies.

This is a 2-year fixed term contract (with possibility of extension).

Qualifications

Experience & Knowledge:

• University Degree or equivalent experience in relevant subject: Biological Sciences and/or Fisheries Management.
• Good understanding of sustainable fisheries management, particularly bycatch reduction. Knowledge of seabird bycatch mitigation highly desirable.
• Proven experience of building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including; government agencies, industry and NGO’s, and the ability to build links between science, policy and industry.
• Proven experience of implementing conservation projects and producing high quality reports while meeting deadlines.

Skills & Abilities:

• Native level Japanese.
• Fluent in English.
• Excellent written skills with the ability to produce technical nature conservation reports and publications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to build relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent capacity to work independently and as part of a team of colleagues based in different countries.
• High standard of computer literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook and the Internet).

Approach to Work:

• Accuracy and precision.
• Demonstrable ability to create and follow work plan and prioritise own workload with minimum supervision.
• Flexibility and adaptability (multiple assignments, working under pressure, responsiveness to requests, follow-up of decisions).
• Openness and inclusiveness: capacity to integrate new ideas and approaches.
• Ability and willingness to travel for work and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Personal Disposition:

• Strong self-motivation and curiosity and commitment to nature conservation.
• Problem solving attitude and capacity to resolve potential conflicts.
• Assertiveness and confidence.
• Creativity both in thinking and in executing tasks.

Compensation:  350,000 JPY – 450,000 JPY / month including benefits (social/labour insurance and pension premium) plus commuter allowance (up to 30,000 JPY / month).

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your full CV and an essay (maximum three pages, all in English) setting out your reasons for applying for the post and outlining the qualifications experience knowledge and skills that you feel you can bring to the role. Please include contact details of two professional referees. Please indicate where you first saw the job advertised.

Closing date: 18 April 2018. Interviews will be held on 25 April 2018.

Shortlisting is based on CV and essay. Successful candidates will be asked to attend face to face interviews if possible, or remote interviews.

For more information on the role please contact Stephanie Winnard.