Projects Assistant – Africa Marine Programme

About BirdLife International

BirdLife International is the world’s largest nature conservation Partnership. Together, it comprises 125 BirdLife Partners worldwide – one per country or territory – and growing.

BirdLife is driven by the belief that local people, working for nature in their own places but connected nationally and internationally through its global Partnership, are the key to sustaining all life on this planet.

Overall Purpose of Job

The Projects Assistant – Africa Marine Programme will contribute to the implementation of projects within BirdLife International’s Africa Marine Programme, with a strong focus on seabird conservation and fisheries engagement, bycatch mitigation, fisheries governance and data collection systems in West Africa. The Project Assistant will provide technical and coordination support to fisheries-related components of key projects, including direct collaboration with observer programmes, fishing communities, and regional stakeholders. The role involves coordinating and delivering field-based activities, including training delivery, community engagement, and monitoring of fisheries interactions with marine biodiversity, and contributing to strengthening science–policy linkages, fisheries data systems, and stakeholder engagement across the region.

Staff Relationships

Reporting to (line manager): Africa Marine Coordinator. Reporting to job holder: none.

Principal other working relationships within Secretariat: BirdLife International Marine Programme and Africa Team, including heads, coordinators and key members of Conservation, Finance and Admin and Network & Capacity Development Divisions – for coordination on programme delivery and project management; Conservation and Science and Policy Divisions in the Global Team, and relevant project teams – for technical collaboration and joint project implementation.

Principal working relationships within BirdLife Network: the staff of the BirdLife Partners across Africa, specifically leading the work on marine and seabird conservation.

Principal external relationships: national fisheries authorities, observer programmes, and fishing communities in West and North Africa – for data collection, field activities and stakeholder engagement; regional bodies such as PRCM and research institutions – for science–policy engagement and coordination; non-BirdLife project partners and collaborators – for joint project implementation and reporting to project funding agencies.

Main Duties / Work Programme Responsibilities

Fisheries Engagement & Field Support

• Engage with fisheries stakeholders, including authorities, observer programmes, and fishing communities.
• Build and maintain relationships with local partners and stakeholders to support project activities and data collection.
• Collect, collate and synthesise information on fisheries practices, including gear types and bycatch issues.

Data Collection, Monitoring & Training

• Conduct data collection and analysis related to fisheries and bycatch, and contribute to reporting on findings.
• Coordinate and implement observer programmes and monitoring activities.
• Plan and deliver trainings and capacity-building activities with fisheries stakeholders.

Project Implementation

• Coordinate and deliver project activities, including workshops, meetings, and fieldwork.
• Manage coordination between partners and stakeholders, ensuring timely delivery of project outputs.
• Produce project documentation, reports, and maintain organised project records.

Field Activities

• Assist in preparing financial analyses and management reports.
• Coordinate activities with fishing communities, including trainings and monitoring with fishers.
• Manage community engagement and data collection in the field.
• Carry out any other tasks as assigned by the line manager.

This role will require 4–6 weeks of travel per year within West and North Africa.

Limits of Authority / Responsibility for Resources

Financial/budgetary, contracts (funders, staff/consultants, service providers), and legal responsibility: N/A.

Education / Skills and Other Special Requirements

• Minimum General Education: Master of Science degree (or equivalent postgraduate qualification).
• Job Specific Education/Qualification: essential – postgraduate degree (MSc or equivalent) in marine science, fisheries science, environmental management, or a related field.
• Job Specific Knowledge: essential – demonstrated knowledge and understanding of fisheries systems, bycatch issues, and marine conservation. Familiarity with the fisheries sector in West Africa and existing stakeholder contacts in fishing communities, observer programmes, and authorities in West Africa are a strong asset.
• Experience: essential – 6 months to 1 year of proven professional experience in fisheries, marine conservation, or coastal community work in West Africa. Track record as a proactive, dedicated team member able to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
• Management & Organisational Skills: strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Demonstrated ability to coordinate activities, manage partner relationships and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Communications Skills: strong interpersonal skills, particularly for working with fishing communities and local stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver workshops, trainings, and stakeholder engagement processes. Ability to write clear reports and produce communications for diverse audiences. Able to work effectively with people of diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
• Analytical Skills: demonstrated ability to collect, analyse, and synthesise data related to fisheries and marine conservation. Experience with fisheries monitoring systems and applied conservation. Proficiency in statistical tools for scientific analysis is desirable.
• Creativity & Initiative: ability to work independently, take initiative, and make sound judgements; knows when to seek guidance from the line manager. Proactive approach to problem-solving and identifying opportunities to strengthen programme delivery.
• Computer Literacy: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint are essential. Proficiency in statistical tools or GIS is desirable.
• Languages: English (working proficiency required) and French (fluency required).
• Travel Requirements: 4–6 weeks of travel per year within the region (West and North Africa).

Salary & Benefits

Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications and in accordance with BirdLife International, Africa Division terms and conditions.

• 12% employer pension contribution.
• Medical insurance.
• 22 days annual leave, increasing to 1 day per annum up to 25 days, plus bank holidays.
• Christmas office closure.
• Group Life Assurance.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Employee Assistance Programme, including access to Health Assured online health portal (webinars, nutritional advice, 4-week programmes, financial wellbeing and more).

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

BirdLife values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. BirdLife is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive culture, a place where everyone can be themselves and succeed on merit, and aims to promote a more inclusive environment which attracts all candidates and signals its commitment to celebrate and promote diversity. Appropriate reasonable adjustments will be considered for candidates who may have a disability.

How to Apply

Application deadline: Thursday 24 September 2026 – 23:59.

More information and application: https://birdlifeinternational.teamtailor.com/jobs/8322587-projects-assistant-africa-marine-programme