CMAP Project Manager - Seabird Recovery (Fixed-Term)
| Posting date: | 04 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,027.00 to £35,259.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | 33027 - 35259 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 September 2025 |
| Location: | RSPB Northern Ireland, BT8 7QT |
| Company: | Vacancy Filler |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | AUG20259415 |
Summary
Are you passionate about seabird conservation and ready to take on a leadership role that will have a lasting impact? We are seeking a Project Manager (Seabirds) to drive an ambitious programme embedding biosecurity measures and supporting seabird recovery across Northern Ireland and sharing best practice across Ireland.Funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the Coastal Monitoring and Adaptation Planning (CMAP) project is a €9.6M cross-border initiative, led by Ulster University. CMAP will enable communities, stakeholders and decision-makers to better understand and adapt to the challenges of coastal change driven by climate change.About the RoleYou will lead the delivery of RSPB Northern Ireland’s invasive mammal biosecurity and restoration work on Rathlin Island, safeguarding its internationally important seabird colonies. Your work will also extend across other islands to ensure safe nesting habitats for terns.This role combines strategic planning and hands-on delivery. You’ll manage a small team, oversee fieldwork and monitoring, and coordinate engagement with a wide range of stakeholders - from government agencies and researchers to NGOs and local communities.A major milestone will be the development of an All-Ireland Tern Action Plan, setting out best practice for tern conservation and long-term species recovery.This is an exceptional opportunity to embed best-practice biosecurity measures, lead and influence island restoration initiatives, and contribute to shaping marine policy through robust scientific evidence. Experience in island eradications, invasive species management or biosecurity implementation will be highly valued.Key responsibilities include:• Managing a dedicated team, delivering biosecurity interventions, tern monitoring and public engagement.• Coordinating cross-sector collaboration, working closely with CMAP Project partners, public agencies, researchers, and local communities to achieve shared conservation goals.• Developing the first All-Ireland Tern Action Plan, setting out a roadmap for the long-term protection and recovery of tern species through evidence-based management and policy recommendations.• Driving the integration of biosecurity and restoration best practices into wider marine conservation policy and planning frameworks.This is a unique opportunity to influence seabird conservation across Northern Ireland and on an All-Ireland scale - delivering innovative science, sharing best practice internationally, and ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable marine species.About YouWe’re looking for a proactive, collaborative and organised individual with:• Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc).• Attention to detail and ability to understand financial systems.• Demonstrable leadership ability, able to lead without line management authority.• An ability to produce clear written communications.• An ability to persuade and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally.• Demonstrated ability to provide advice and interpretation of policy and procedures associated with project management.• Logical & methodical, analytical and a good eye for detail.• Proven time management and organisational skills.• Experience of working to a standard project management approach (eg RSPB Project Management Framework, Prince II).• Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.This is a Full-Time role, Fixed-Term for 30 months.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.We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 29th September 2025. For further information please contact claire.barnett@rspb.org.uk.As part of this application process you will be asked to 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.This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.