Job description
Cabo Verde is the third most important nesting site for Loggerhead turtles in the world, and Sal is the second most important island in Cabo Verde in terms of number of nests. Yet, Loggerhead turtles are listed as endangered species by the IUCN, and many threats in Cabo Verde, such as hunting of the nesting females, loss of habitat, and light pollution, are compromising the survival of the population of Loggerheads.

The Marine Turtle Conservation Programme consist in the following lines of work:

Direct conservation of the species: beach patrols, relocation of threatened nests, collection of relevant scientific data, and nests monitoring;
Habitat management;
Research;
Promotion of volunteering and creation of job opportunities.
The Project Manager have a critical role for the successful implementation of the Marine Turtle Conservation Programme, and this is a unique opportunity to work hands on of the conservation of the species in the island. Tasks are varied and challenging, so that the individual must be flexible, diplomatic and a strong team player.

The Project Manager’s job is supported by an excellent and enthusiastic team of Cabo Verdeans and internationals that we have built up over the past years. Responsibilities will involve working together and keeping good relationship with the main governmental partners.

Responsibilities
The post holder will be required to carry out the following tasks and responsibilities, under supervision and guidance of PB Director, and in coordination with The Field Coordinator, Camp Coordinator and Volunteer Manager of the Marine Turtle Conservation Programme:

Implementation of the Marine Turtle Conservation Programme in Sal Island:
– Prosecution of the objectives set for the Turtle Conservation Programme
– Direct supervision and assisting with guidance the Field Coordinator, Camp Coordinator and Volunteer Manager
– Working in coordination with the Field and Camp Coordinators to set a working plan considering the different periods along the season (nesting and hatching)
– Ensuring that the staff have the right training and resources to conduct their tasks
– Supervision of the patrol Rota
– Contracting and managing local Field Assistants
– Motivating and uniting the team
– Supervising that the protocol is correctly followed on the field and revising its adequacy
– Adapting planned strategy to changing conditions
– Supporting on emergencies
– Control good level of performance on the field and at the camp
– Ensuring the logistics for the correct development of the campaign.
– Sometimes, deployment of patrollers to the beach.

Coordination of the Marine Turtle Conservation Programme at governmental level:
– Representing Project Biodiversity and promoting conservation to government and partners, maintaining a good relationship with all key stakeholders and funders

– Liaison with the City Hall and Local Protected Areas for the implementation of the campaign following the recommendations

– Liaison with the Armed Forces of Sal to ensure the coordination of the deployment of soldiers on basis of Project Biodiversity’s recommendations for a higher success of the campaign

– Liaison with the National and Maritime Police for safety support and assistance on the beach

– Liaison with the National Directorate of Environment and the Maritime & Ports Agency for the licensing

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Turtle Conservation Programme:
– Financial management of the budget of the Programme
– Justification of the expenses to the Director
– Drafting and completion (often in English) of technical and financial reports on the Marine Turle Conservation Programme
– Evaluate, in conjunction with the Field Coordinator, the Camp Coordinator and the Volunteer Manager, the success and difficulties of the season and the strategy and elaborate recommendations for coming seasons
– Other conservation activities requested by the Director and appropriate to your experience and position.

Requirements
At least three years’ experience in conservation of marine turtles
Extensive experience managing conservation activities and project staff, including managing several projects at once
Proven experience of fundraising and financial oversight of conservation projects
Proven experience of strategy or organisational planning
A higher degree (MSc/PhD) or equivalent scientific and technical expertise in conservation.
Extensive experience of working with local residents to deliver conservation projects
Experience line managing staff (not essential)
Good personal and written communication skills
Demonstrated experience of report-writing
Ability to work in the field and away from home, including the ability to travel nationally
Driving license
Good Portuguese or very good Spanish, good English (especially written)

Key competencies
Self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and sustainability
Mature, credible, and comfortable in dealing with team members
A natural forward planner who critically assesses own performance
Relevant experience in field-level implementation of large scale projects and ability to motivate and achieve targets through team building
Ability to nurture and support team members and demonstrate by actually showing (hands-on person)
Managing and putting together effective cost resources
Must be a competent writer of reports
Diplomatic in all situations, especially when dealing with the local community and the stakeholders

How to apply
Applications should be submitted in English and must comprise a covering letter and CV
Cover letter explaining should outline of the applicant to perform the role, including your knowledge, experience and skills.
Provide potential start dates
Provide details of two referees
Applicants should also provide full contact details
Completed applications should be submitted to info@biosal.org, using the subject “Marine Turtle Conservation Project Manager”.