Director of Conservation and Fisheries

About the role

We are looking for an experienced conservation manager to lead the Ascension Island
Government’s Conservation and Fisheries Directorate and implement the island’s Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan. Ascension Island is a biodiversity hotspot including at least 67
endemic species, 500,000 breeding seabirds, diverse and abundant marine ecosystems and one of
the Atlantic’s largest populations of nesting green turtles. You will be responsible for
protecting this biodiversity by leading a team of committed conservationists based on the
island and building partnerships with international organisations. This role is funded by the
UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme.

What you’ll do

You will provide the strategic direction for the Conservation and Fisheries Directorate and
manage a team of 24 staff to deliver the objectives of the Biodiversity Action Plan and
protected area management plans. This includes working with the UK Government’s Blue Belt
Programme to manage one of the world’s largest highly-protected Marine Protected Areas. Much of
the work of the Directorate is externally-funded, so you will secure grants and partnerships to
deliver priority work areas and coordinate the management and reporting of these projects. You
will provide advice to Ascension Island Government colleagues on all aspects of biodiversity
and environmental protection and ensure compliance with relevant legislation. Where necessary,
you will work with colleagues to draft new legislation.

What you’ll bring

We are looking for someone with extensive experience in conservation management who is able to
combine strategic planning with the ability to implement change on the ground. You will be a
strong leader who can provide direction, guidance and support to a diverse team. You will have
a proven track record in securing external funding and building relationships with external
partners. You must be capable of identifying research needs and synthesising complex
information to deliver evidence-based management of protected areas and species. Good
communication is at the heart of this role so you must be able to convey information to a
diverse range of audiences through a variety of channels. Ascension Island is a challenging
environment to live and work in, so you will need to be resilient and adaptable in order to
thrive.

What we offer

In addition to an annual salary of £44,190 per year (taxable in Ascension), the role is
accompanied status and attracts the following

• Rent free accommodation (value £600+ per month)
• A food allowance of £7,200 accompanied or £3,600 single status per year
• An electricity allowance worth £938 per year
• A water allowance worth £2,729 accompanied or £1,360 single status per year
• Relocation costs for your personal effects, including the shipment of a vehicle
• One mid-contract return journey to your country of recruitment
• A gratuity payable on the successful completion of a 2 year contract
• 30 days annual holiday (with additional 9 days public holidays)
• Free primary dental and medical care
• Free schooling for dependent children from 4 to 16 years
• Free annual travel insurance