The Projects Officer (PO) is responsible for the smooth coordination, updating and expansion of the SIF portfolio of projects which can include projects on management, conservation, research, invasive species, biosecurity and education/outreach. The role includes coordination of larger projects, which are usually externally funded and require associated reporting duties to funding agencies, as well as internal projects (for example student or volunteer projects) and biosecurity duties. The PO is responsible for all stages of project management, from submitting funding applications, to coordinating project staff, to preparing final reports and budgets for funders, as well as ensuring that the project results are disseminated in appropriate ways. This position is based on Mahé in SIF Head Office (HO) with some time to be spent on Aldabra and at the Vallée de Mai depending on need and transport availability. The PO reports directly to the SIF Research and Conservation Director (RCD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and line manages project team staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The PO has the responsibility for coordinating all SIF projects including workplans and budgets at both sites
• Ensure the highest standards of project implementation according to project documents and professional quality are met by all of SIF projects.
• Coordinate projects in line with project documents and proposals or otherwise as agreed in official meetings.
• Input with scientific perspective and knowledge into SIF management and conservation strategy at the two sites on request
• Maintain and update a portfolio of project documents and funding proposals (readily available) for submission to potential donors, in line with the management plans for the two sites
• Evaluate, seek and follow up funding opportunities on national and international level including the maintenance of a database of potential donors and collaborators
• Ensure effective project implementation and follow-up in line with the project documents
• Manage the team of project staff and students including logistics coordination (e.g. ensuring transport and accommodation of staff is arranged), being a point-of-contact within SIF HO, checking on project progress, holding regular meetings, conducting appraisals and making recommendations to HR, and reporting project progress and concerns to the RCD/CEO.
• Responsible for administrative matters in relation to the projects in coordination with the Finance Officer and Administrative Officer.
• Provide support and advice to projects and research students and volunteers
• Ensure project results are written up as required and disseminated widely, as e.g. technical reports and financial reports to funders/supporters, popular articles for newsletters and annual reports, social media posts for Facebook and Twitter, co-authorship of scientific papers as appropriate, email summaries of results to stakeholders
• Act as the SIF HO focal point and coordinator for execution of the SIF biosecurity project
• Ensure that biosecurity measures are implemented for transit of supplies, equipment and staff
• Liaise with the operations staff, site managers and designated biosecurity officers at each site to ensure internal biosecurity processes operate smoothly
• Liaise with IDC/vessel operators visiting Aldabra regarding biosecurity measure implementation
• Ensure that all new staff and visitors are aware of SIF biosecurity measures
• Ensure that biosecurity is institutionalized into SIF operational and administrative procedures
• Ensure that designated biosecurity officers receive relevant training and information
• Ensure that national biosecurity operations manuals and legislation are adhered to
• Liaise with relevant partners and agencies on biosecurity matters
• Step in as required to cover the role of Aldabra Scientific Coordinator or Vallée de Mai Scientific Coordinator on a short-term basis while staff are on leave or training courses or during staff changeovers
• Assist with scientific support to the RCD, for example, reviewing or contributing reports, protocols and papers, verifying data quality, reviewing proposals, coordination of external researchers, drawing up research agreements.
• Develop and implement project workplans on request
• Facilitate the export/import of biological research samples/specimens and liaise with researchers and relevant government authorities concerning sample transport
• Assist and lead the sourcing of project equipment on request
• Provide technical input into management decisions as required
• Advise SIF’s tourism and education programme as required to ensure accuracy of information
• Visit both sites on request to fulfil and oversee project commitments
• Review environmental proposals and documents relevant to the two sites and national interests in the field on request
• Represent SIF at national and international meetings and events on request
• Monitor regional and national environmental projects and streamline the SIF Project activities with these initiatives
• Ensure SIF procedures and financial rules and regulations are followed
• Perform any other duty relevant to the assignment

Qualifications and professional experience:

• Min. BSc, preferably post-graduate qualification (at least MSc) in an environmental subject focusing on environmental conservation (essential)
• Min. 2 years successful environmental project management/support experience (essential)
• Experience of fund-raising (essential) 
• Min. 3 years experience of conservation/environmental management in Seychelles (essential)
• Involvement in science and research
• Strong background of writing documents in English (essential; ideally a range of work including research reports, technical reports, proposals and popular articles)
• International exposure is considered an asset for this position (preferred).

Skills:

• Excellent organizational, planning and multi-tasking skills  - ability to establish priorities and to plan and coordinate work; ability to effectively coordinate different projects
• Strong communication skills – writing, presenting plus effective interpersonal skills
• Well-developed sense of professionalism
• Good teamwork and respect for diversity – ability to manage and motivate teams of staff to achieve results
• Proven adaptiveness, resourcefulness and positivity
• Commitment and diligence – Committed to and diligently working towards achieving results for sustainable future of Aldabra and Vallee de Mai.
• Fully computer literate

Languages: Fluency in English speaking and writing (essential), Creole (preferable), French (asset)

The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

If you think you are the right candidate for the above position, please send your application to the Administration & Human Resources Department, Seychelles Islands Foundation, P.O Box 853, La Ciotat Building or contact us here or by phone on 4321735 for enquiries.  Application forms can be collected at our Head office on Mahé and at the Vallée de Mai on Praslin or downloaded here.