The Eurasian Curlew is classified as Near Threatened worldwide, making it one of just 13% of bird species occurring in Europe that are of global conservation concern and it is one of the most urgent bird conservation priorities in the UK which has seen it's breeding population decline by 48% since the mid-1990s. This is your chance to be involved in a major new project which aims to reverse these declines across six priority landscape areas for the species using a combination of monitoring, direct intervention and community engagement. The ‘Curlews in Crisis’ project is funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union, with generous support from the four country Statutory Agencies to improve the fortunes of this iconic species. This funding is due to expire on 31st December 2024, and therefore this is a 3.5 year fixed-term contract.

This role will support the Project Manager to establish and manage effective reporting systems and processes to keep the project on track. Key working relationships will be with the Project Manager and with teams delivering conservation activities across five priority landscapes in Northern Ireland, Wales, Northern England and Scotland. 

Although it is predominantly office-based there will be some travel, requiring overnight stays, to provide support to sites. The successful candidate will be part of the Global Species Recovery Team, but will work closely with teams across the four countries.

Key Tasks:

• Develop and deliver appropriate communication materials including managing the project website and working with site-based project staff and communications colleagues to develop suitable project materials
• Support the financial administration of the project
• Data management of project information
• Project administration
• Work with staff, partners, external contractors and volunteers to ensure actions are delivered to agreed standards of cost, quality and time
• Produce relevant project documentation and contribute to project reviews
• Co-ordinate meetings and report to the project manager (and project board, if appropriate)
• Ensure that risks and issues are highlighted to the project manager
• Support the development of the project legacy

• Previous experience of being involved in the delivery of a project or some knowledge of the theory and practice of project management 
• Competent user of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Proven time management and strong organisational skills with a good eye for detail and ability to multitask
• Ability and experience of producing clear written project documentation and updates to communicate the project in a passionate and credible manner
• An ability to persuade, inspire and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally
• A team player who is also capable of working well under their own initiative and as part of a cross-functional and dispersed project team
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find solutions quickly, efficiently and creatively
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Basic financial administration skills - processing invoices, purchase orders and time sheets
• Experience of organising training events, workshops or facilitated discussions and meetings

Desirable:

• Ability to travel to remote locations without the use of public transport