SIF SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER/SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER (FIXED TERM CONTRACT)

Type: 
Paid
Closing date: 
14 Oct 2026
Section: 
Mahe

Summary:

The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) requires a motivated and professional Senior Project Officer (SPO) to support the implementation of externally funded projects. The role includes supporting and leading the coordination of varying sizes of projects, which are usually externally funded and require associated reporting duties to funding agencies. The SPO will be involved in all stages of project management, from writing funding applications, to preparing final reports and budgets for funders, as well as ensuring that the project results are disseminated appropriately.

As an environmental organisation SIF aims to follow high sustainability standards during its operation in all four sites (Head office, Vallée de Mai, Fond Ferdinand and Aldabra) to ensure the long-term protection of our natural resources. The SPO also holds the role of SIF’s sustainability officer (SO) to support SIF it it’s aims to inspire the wider Seychellois community as well as visitors to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by promoting environmentally responsible operational practices across all sites. The SPO reports directly to the Head of Projects (HoP) and this position is based at the SIF Head Office on Mahé.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management:

  • Research, review and evaluate different grant announcements and funding opportunities in consultation with senior SIF staff in projects, science and management
  • Lead the development of project proposals and SIF projects as assigned by HoP including workplans, reporting and budgets at all sites
  • Coordinate internal SIF consultation to develop project proposals and funding bids and contribute to the development of a project portfolio aligned with SIF’s priorities
  • Lead adequate reporting and processing of all financial expenses incurred under assigned project funding
  • Ensure that the highest standards of project implementation and reporting are met according to individual donor guidelines for all of SIF projects
  • Assist with the supervision and training of project staff
  • Ensure project results are written up as required and disseminated widely, e.g. technical reports and financial reports to funders/supporters, articles for newsletters and annual reports, social media posts, co-authorship of scientific papers as appropriate
  • Ensure compliance with SIF/donor procedures and financial rules and regulations
  • Lead the sourcing of project equipment and services as assigned
  • Research, review and evaluate services and products purchased under project fundings
  • Liaise with relevant authorities to assist with the import of products and tax exemption requests
  • Visit all sites on request to familiarise with, fulfil and oversee project commitments

Biosecurity

  • Support biosecurity measures in accordance with established biosecurity protocols and ensure they are implemented to the highest standards for transit of supplies, equipment, and staff including biosecurity checks/briefings and reporting

Other duties:

  • Support reviewing and/or contributing to reports, protocols and papers, verifying data quality, reviewing proposals, and preparing project agreements.
  • Support Assomption & Biosecurity department incl. AIME project as required
  • Support the planning and implementation phases of Aldabra Rat and Cat Eradication (RaCE) project
  • Advise SIF’s tourism and education programmes as required to ensure accuracy of information
  • Represent SIF at national and international meetings and events when required
  • Prepare oral and poster presentations as requested
  • Provide technical input into management decisions as required
  • Due to the diverse nature of the organisation, other duties may be required

Deliverables:

  • Survey analysis report of staff’s recommendations to SIF’s operational strategies
  • SIF’s sustainability strategy incl. action plan focusing on sustainable office operation, procurement, retail and catering guidelines etc
  • Review report of SIF’s operations with regards to sustainability including summary of best practices and environmental technologies available
  • Sustainability workshops (at least one)
  • Annual reports on SIF’s sustainability performance incl. analysis of consumption (water, electricity, fuel, printing etc) for publication in SIF’s annual report

Qualifications and professional experience:

  • BSc, in an environmental/conservation subject or in project management (essential)
  • 4 years of work experience in project management (essential), ideally for natural sites or in conservation/protected areas (preferred)
  • Professional understanding of conservation, scientific research and environmental management in Seychelles and in a global context (essential)
  • Excellent writing skills in English with extensive experience of reporting, presenting and proposal writing (essential)

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
  • Strong leadership and motivational skills
  • Good teamwork and respect for diversity – ability to manage and motivate teams of staff to achieve results
  • Proven adaptiveness, resourcefulness and positivity
  • Proactiveness especially when addressing challenges
  • Commitment and diligence – committed to and diligently working towards achieving results for sustainable future of SIF including Aldabra, Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand.
  • Fully computer literate

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

Note: The Senior Project Officer is on a Fixed Term Contract and position is open to local applicants only