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Project background:
We are looking for a Project Manager that will support and work with the Programme Manager as part of the ‘LIFE Raft project - Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland.’
Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, with a permanent community of around 150 people. Rathlin is of great importance for wildlife at both national and EU levels, but it's wildlife is under threat from invasive non-native ferrets and rats. The aim of the LIFE Raft project is to safeguard this wildlife by eradicating both the ferret and rat populations from the island, whilst embedding sound biosecurity measures to prevent their return. The project will strengthen existing local pride in, and stewardship of, the island’s natural heritage and create significant socioeconomic opportunities for a sustainable future. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders
About the role: We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated Project Manager that will take on the role of lead liaison with the Rathlin community to achieve a successful ferret and rat eradication project. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the overall outcome of the LIFE Raft project. You will be managed by the LIFE Raft Programme Manager and will be the main link between the formal Programme Management structures, operational teams and the community. You should already have a proven track record with the ability to build trust with an island community. Integrity, honesty and mutual respect will guide your approach to engaging with the Rathlin Island community. You will have experience in delivering mammalian eradication projects, specifically either mustelids or rodents by ground-based methods. You will understand the UK regulatory context relevant to the eradication of ferrets and rats from islands and ensure that the project adheres to all our legal obligations.
About you: You’ll be a passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem. You will have empathy for people and a commitment affording a small community the opportunity to contribute to species recovery. You will have substantial experience engaging with island or rural communities to tackle environmental challenges. Specific experience working with island communities during similar mammal eradication projects would be beneficial. You will have substantial experience in planning and managing fieldwork and have substantial experience of both leading teams and working within teams.
You need to be able to communicate a vision and facilitate effective partnerships to ensure the complete eradication of invasive non-native species. You’ll need a good working knowledge of how to achieve eradication of invasive non-native species from islands.
Key Result Areas: To further develop the community engagement strategy and plan, liaising with the Rathlin Island community and a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring they are kept fully involved and informed.
Description
To support the Operations Manager and lead on the development of the rat eradication operational plan and to build community support for biosecurity.
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:
- Experience of working with rural or island communities.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt your communication style as necessary
- Practical experience in either rodent or mustelid eradication, an eradication mindset, and sound knowledge of mammalian ecology.
- An ability to produce clear written communications and reports.
- Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of delivering projects and managing project budgets
- Demonstrable experience in developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
- Understanding of both rodent and mustelid eradications from islands.
- Competent IT user.
The project was made possible with funding from EU LIFE+, National Lottery Heritage Fund (development phase) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), (with contributions from RSPB NI, Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) and support from the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT).)
As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form to evidence how your meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert. Interviews will be held on Monday 4th October.
Please contact Claire.Barnett@rspb.org.uk for further details.
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