JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Assomption Conservation Coordinator
SALARY BAND: SG 11
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Assomption & Biosecurity
LOCATION: Assomption Island with occasional support duties on Mahé and Aldabra
HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week (expected to work overtime)
(Including weekends and public holidays as required by field schedule)
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CONTEXT & BACKGROUND
The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) seeks to engage an Assomption Conservation Coordinator to oversee the biosecurity and environmental management of Assomption Island. The CC will also lead biodiversity surveys and ecological assessments, ensuring rigorous data collection and reporting. The Assomption Conservation Coordinator ensures full biosecurity and biodiversity compliance during project implementation by leading on-site inspections and quarantine enforcement, coordinating stakeholders to uphold BMP standards, leading biodiversity surveys and ecological monitoring, reporting on biosecurity incidents and mitigation measures, supervising and mentoring conservation and environmental monitoring staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Biosecurity enforcement
- Conduct inspections of all incoming cargo, equipment, and personnel, ensuring full compliance with BMP protocols.
- Enforce quarantine procedures and verify documentation for all transfers from Mahé or other islands.
- Monitor for signs of invasive species and contamination, escalating risks with mitigation recommendations.
- Maintain daily inspection logs, photographic records, and incident documentation.
- Uphold strict adherence to BMP protocols and national quarantine regulations.
B. Biodiversity Monitoring
- Lead biodiversity surveys and ecological assessments in line with the NOA requirements.
- Implement monitoring protocols for key species and habitats, including tortoise populations and vegetation plots in line with SIF biodiversity assessment for Assomption (Annex 5).
- Coordinate data collection, entry, analysis and storage, ensuring scientific rigor and timely reporting.
- Produce biodiversity monitoring reports and contribute to long-term ecological datasets.
- Collaborate with conservation staff and SIF’s key staff to refine survey methods and address emerging ecological risks.
- Facilitate and supporting visiting researchers and technical experts in fieldwork, logistics, and data access.
C. Stakeholder Coordination
- Serve as the primary point of contact for biosecurity and biodiversity matters between SIF, DOE, IDC, and the developer.
- Facilitate monthly coordination meetings and circulate compliance reports.
- Attend site briefings, cargo inspections, and planning sessions with logistics teams.
- Escalate non-compliance issues to DOE and SIF senior management with documented evidence.
D. Reporting and incident management
- Prepare fortnightly environmental and biosecurity reports—covering vessel and flight arrivals, inspections, compliance updates, biodiversity monitoring, and minor incidents—for review and finalization with the Head of Science and Conservation and Head of Projects, before circulating them to key stakeholders including the IDC Biosecurity Champion, the developer’s representative, and the Environment Authority.
- Immediately report serious environmental or biosecurity incidents or regulation breaches to SIF, the Aldabra Island Manager, IDC, the developer, and MACCE, accompanied by formal incident reports and recommended mitigation actions.
- Report weekly to SIF Head of Science and Conservation and Head of Projects regarding biosecurity matters.
- Maintain a central database of inspection records, permits, survey data, and incident logs.
E. Supervision and Capacity Building
- Provide technical guidance and oversight to Conservation Officers, Environmental Monitoring officers, and Assistant Officers.
- Mentor staff on inspection protocols, biodiversity survey techniques, and documentation standards.
- Lead performance reviews and identify training needs for biosecurity and biodiversity personnel.
- Uphold professional conduct, safety standards, and strict adherence to BMP and EIA protocols.
F. Resource and Logistics Management
- Maintain inventory of biosecurity and biodiversity tools and equipment, ensuring calibration and proper use.
- Identify resource gaps and submit requisition requests aligned with enforcement and monitoring needs.
- Coordinate with Mahé-based teams to ensure timely delivery of inspection and survey materials.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum MSc in Environmental Science, Biosecurity, Ecology, or related field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in biosecurity enforcement and biodiversity monitoring
Proven experience in leading ecological surveys and implementing BMPs in island ecosystems
Prior experience in cross-sectoral or development projects (advantageous)
Strong technical writing and incident reporting skills
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
- Expert understanding of invasive species risks, quarantine legislation, and ecological monitoring
- Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office, GPS/GIS tools, and biodiversity data analysis
- Assertive, ethical, and professional in remote, high-responsibility environments
- Physically fit and prepared to work in isolated island conditions
- Detail-oriented and solutions-driven with sound judgment