LIFE Raft Eradication Delivery Manager

This recruitment is for an Eradication Delivery Manager for the LIFE Raft project – Rathlin
Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA,
Northern Ireland.

We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated Eradication Delivery Manager who will
support our transition from the operational phase of the active ferret eradication project,
then lead the delivery phase of the rat eradication project. Success will require a
multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and
collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders.

This Eradication Delivery Manager will start their work programme by supporting the ferret
eradication team. They will participate in a planned review of ferret eradication project so we
can learn lessons and then apply them to the rat eradication project. Once this is completed,
the Eradication Delivery Manager will then prepare for the operationalisation of the rat
eradication project.

The successful candidate will have a lot of complex information to read and digest in a short
space of time.

The role will involve managing budgets, staff, and complex logistics and will require an
ability to meet unforgiving deadlines.

A strong track record in report writing will facilitate work with funders and regulators.

The Eradication Delivery Manager will contribute to ensuring we adhere to our UK regulatory
requirements relevant to the eradication of rats from Rathlin Island and ensure that the
project observes all our legal obligations.

You will be managed by the LIFE Raft Programme Manager and will be the main link between the
formal Programme Management structures and operational teams. The successful candidate will
play a pivotal role in the overall outcome of the LIFE Raft project.

About you:

• You’ll be a passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of
  breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem. 
• You will have experience in managing complex logistics and a team, ideally on an island or
  in a rural area.
• You will have substantial experience in planning and managing fieldwork as well as leading
  teams and working collaboratively within teams.
• You will also have substantial experience in monitoring techniques for small mammals,
  ideally as monitoring relates to eradication planning and implementation. 
• You will lead when required and support others in our team to thrive in the roles. Most of
  all, you will be a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• You will be able to pay careful attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger
  picture. You must be able to adapt project plans quickly if external demands require without
  compromising on delivery.
• You need to be able to communicate a vision and facilitate effective partnerships to ensure
  the successful eradication of invasive non-native species. You’ll need a good working knowledge
  of how to achieve the eradication of invasive non-native species from islands.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

1. Degree level in a relevant subject with relevant work experience of more than 5 years.
2. Experience of delivering eradication of an invasive non-native mammal from an island would
   be highly advantageous.
3. Experience engaging with island communities or small rural communities.
4. Substantial experience of small mammal ecology as it relates to eradication planning and
   implementation on islands (ideally rodents). 
5. Communication skills and Community engagement skills.
6. Substantial experience of methods to survey and monitor various species of mammals e.g.
   rats, ferrets, mice, hare, rabbits and cats. 
7. Demonstrated understanding of environmental legislation including designated sites and
   writing Habitat Regulations Assessment (or similar). This can be from Northern Ireland or with
   transferable skills from other jurisdictions.
8. Experience of planning logistics or complex field research projects with pressing
   deadlines.
9. Experience of delivering complex projects and managing project budgets.
10. Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
11. An ability to produce clear written communications and reports and/or peer review papers.
12. Demonstrable experience in developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared
    outcomes.
13. Competent IT user.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 24 months, full time for 37.5 hours per week.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising
dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Please note that we are actively recruiting for this vacancy, and reserve the right to close
once sufficient applications have been received. We are looking to conduct interviews for this
position from early January 2024. For further information please contact Irene
Sabiniarz – [email protected].

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete
an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience
listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels
supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world
richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of
colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.