JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE: Assomption Invasive Mammal Eradication Technical Assessment Consultant
SALARY: Subject to qualifications and experience
REPORTING TO: CEO
START DATE: 15/05/2026
DURATION: Deliverables-based (April – Dec 2026)
LOCATION: Assomption Island and Remote
INCLUDES: Travel costs for one site visit to Assomption Island
SIF is seeking to recruit a globally recognised expert in invasive mammal eradication planning to oversee the feasibility technical assessment for the eradication of rats, cats and mice from Assomption Island in the southern Seychelles. The consultant will have extensive experience in tropical island small mammal eradications, including a successful track record of eradication programmes targeting all three species. The role will provide high-level technical leadership and guidance to ensure that the feasibility assessment is designed and implemented according to international best practice and to maximise chances of eradication success.
The consultant will be responsible for reviewing and finalising the eradication technical assessment workplan and protocols for the Assomption Invasive Mammal Eradication Project, in close collaboration with SIF science and conservation staff. This will cover the on-site field trials and data gathering needed to inform the eradication, which are due to take place from July to October 2026 (although this is to be confirmed), in preparation for the eradication to happen in 2027.
The consultant will critically review field project reports, and regularly evaluate project progress, adapting the work plan elements when needed. The role will include analysing emerging data and recommending adaptive approaches where necessary. The consultant will also provide expert advice on field safety, operational planning, equipment procurement, and risk management, including mitigation strategies to minimise impacts on native biodiversity.
The final deliverables for the consultant will be a comprehensive and science-based invasive mammal eradication feasibility technical assessment report for Assomption Island and an eradication Operational Plan that will form the basis of operational planning for a full-scale multi-species eradication of invasive mammals on Assomption.
The role will require one 2–3-week field visit to Assomption Island in July/August 2026 to lead the set-up and initiate implementation of feasibility trials, and provide field training if required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Internationally recognised and world-leading expert in invasive mammal eradication science and practice (essential)
- Extensive experience in leadership or advisory roles on multiple successful island eradication projects targeting rats, cats, and mice (essential)
- Demonstrated experience in feasibility and technical assessments for subsequently successful large-scale island eradications, including projects on large and/or tropical inhabited islands (essential)
- Significant hands-on experience in operational planning and implementation, including aerial baiting operations (e.g. helicopters or drones) and trapping programmes (essential)
- Experience working with invasive mammals in Seychelles or the wider Indian Ocean region (desirable)
- 10+ years of experience developing and implementing pre-eradication feasibility and technical assessment trials and ecological monitoring protocols (desirable)
- Experience of trialling and applying pioneering methods in successfully to address eradication challenges (desirable)
- Data compilation, management and analysis of feasibility trial and technical assessment data, in-line with global best practice (essential)
- Comprehensive knowledge of rodent and feral cat eradication methods, including recent advances in the field (essential)
- Strong publication record and recognised leadership within the invasive small mammal eradication community (essential)
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate challenges, identify risks, and pioneer effective solutions during the planning phase of a tropical island small mammal eradication (essential)
- Well-established international professional network within the invasive mammal eradication field (desirable)
- Demonstrated experience of working closely with an international team, and a good understanding of cross-cultural working with strong communication/sensitivity (essential)
CHARACTERISTICS/SKILLS
- Outstanding communication skills both in-person and remotely
- Extremely high level of professionalism
- Excellent logistical planning and organisational skills
- Ability to work and thrive in cross-cultural international teams
- Ability to adhere to strict deadlines
- High level of physical fitness