SALARY BAND: SG 11
RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Officer
LOCATION: Head Office
(with periodic visits to Assomption and other SIF sites as required)
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week (expected to work overtime)
(Flexibility required for field and emergency duties)
BACKGROUND
The Head of Assomption and Biosecurity (HAB) provides strategic oversight and operational leadership to ensure environmental integrity, comprehensive biosecurity management, as well as biodiversity assessment and monitoring. This role also involves ensuring compliance with the Notice of Acceptance on Assomption Island during both the construction and subsequent operation of the development. The HAB is responsible for project governance, ensuring alignment with national regulations, international standards, and approved implementation plans.
Key responsibilities include coordinating environmental safeguards, liaising with the developer and other external stakeholders, and engaging internally with relevant teams. Additionally, the HAB leads and implements biosecurity protocols and management for Aldabra, safeguarding its globally outstanding universal values and maintaining integrity against the introduction of invasive species.
The HAB reports to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborates closely with the Head of Science and Conservation on biodiversity-related matters, as well as the Head of Projects on biosecurity-related tasks. In terms of regulatory compliance, the HAB coordinates with the MECENR. The HAB also liaises directly with the developer on operational matters and project reporting, while collaborating with the Islands Development Company on logistics and operations related to Assomption.
The primary duties outlined in this description are not exhaustive; the HAB may be required to undertake additional responsibilities as circumstances evolve, including unplanned tasks that cannot be anticipated or described here.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Head of Assomption and Biosecurity will:
- Ensure that all phases of the Assomption development comply with national environmental regulations, the approved Environmental and Social Management Plan, and the conditions outlined in the Notice of Acceptance of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the developer, SIF, the Assomption Task Force, and the MECENR, ensuring clear communication, reporting, and the adoption of best environmental practices including accountability.
- Lead and ensure the implementation of the Biosecurity Management Plan for Assomption, including regulatory monitoring, data collection, and coordination with relevant stakeholders.
- Lead and ensure the implementation of the Biodiversity Assessment for Assomption, coordinating with the Assomption Development Task Force, local NGOs, and contracted experts, while ensuring robust project reporting linked to developer funding, including log frames, financial accountability, and record-keeping.
- Ensure robust project reporting and governance across all responsibilities, including log frames, financial accountability, and record-keeping linked to developer funding and donor requirements.
- 2.5 Oversee and manage implementation of biosecurity protocols and management for Aldabra, ensuring the protection of its World Heritage Site values against invasive species.
B. Environmental Oversight (Assomption)
- Ensure all phases of the Assomption hotel project comply with national environmental regulations, the ESMP, and the ESIA Notice of Acceptance.
- Establish monitoring frameworks to track compliance and proactively address risks.
- Align project activities with international conservation and environmental standards.
C. Stakeholder Liaison and Coordination (Assomption)
- Act as the primary liaison between the developer, SIF, the Assomption Task Force, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Natural Resources, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
- Promote communication, collaborative problem-solving, and knowledge sharing.
- Facilitate structured monthly coordination meetings and circulate reports within agreed timelines.
- Proactively address and escalate environmental concerns to relevant authorities.
- Represent SIF in national and international forums as required
D. Biodiversity and Environmental Monitoring (Assomption)
- Oversee implementation of the Biodiversity Assessment for Assomption.
- Coordinate with scientific experts, NGOs and the Assomption Development Task Force to deliver biodiversity assessments and conservation actions.
- Establish long-term ecological monitoring programs to track impacts of development and climate change.
- Ensure integration of biodiversity data into national and international reporting frameworks.
E. Invasive Species Eradication (Assomption)
- Assist in the coordination of feasibility studies and eradication programs targeting invasive rodents and feral cats on Assomption.
- Work with SIF scientists, external experts, and partner organizations to design, implement, and monitor eradication strategies.
- Ensure eradication activities are aligned with international best practice, minimize non-target impacts, and contribute to Aldabra’s World Heritage Site conservation objectives.
- Support stakeholder engagement and funding/reporting mechanisms for eradication initiatives.
F. Reporting and Incident Management (Assomption)
- Prepare Assomption project monitoring reports every two months for internal and external circulation.
- Maintain transparent records of environmental performance, stakeholder engagement, and financial flows.
- Ensure timely reporting aligned with donor, developer, and government requirements.
G. Operational Coordination & Project Management (Assomption)
- Provide operational leadership for Assomption Island during development and operations.
- Oversee project reporting, including logframes, financial accountability, and record-keeping tied to developer disbursements.
- Integrate environmental safeguards into construction schedules, procurement, and operational planning.
- Develop risk management strategies for environmental, social, and operational challenges.
H. Capacity Building & Supervision (Assomption)
- Provide technical guidance, task allocation, and oversight to the Assomption Science Coordinator, Senior Environmental Officer and supporting staff.
- Lead performance management of the team by providing observations on overall performance, highlighting individual and collective strengths, and identifying areas requiring further support and development.
- Uphold professional conduct, safety standards, and strict adherence to biosecurity and EIA protocols.
I. Biosecurity (Aldabra)
- Lead and implement biosecurity protocols and management for Aldabra, safeguarding its globally outstanding universal values and maintaining integrity against the introduction of invasive species
- Coordinate inspections, monitoring, and rapid response measures to prevent biosecurity breaches.
- Report incursions within same day of detection and lead the coordination of the rapid response within SIF including identification of and liasion with all external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Islands Development Company (IDC) and other partners to ensure all transit logistics and arrivals comply with Aldabra’s biosecurity standards.
- Integrate biosecurity with eradication programs and long-term ecological monitoring to safeguard Aldabra’s ecosystems.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum MSc in Biosecurity, Environmental Management or related field
- Minimum of 8–10 years relevant experience, including senior supervisory or management responsibilities.
Proven experience in:
- Biosecurity management and enforcement
- Prior experience in cross-sectoral or development projects
- Environmental protection and compliance
- Remote or island-based operations
- Budget and resource management
- Leadership and staff supervision
- Interpreting and project reporting
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
- Expert project management skills (essential)
- Expert understanding of invasive species risks and biosecurity legislation
- Strong report writing and incident documentation skills (essential)
- Ability to manage communication and resolve conflicts in multi-stakeholder settings
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office, GPS/GIS tools, and basic data analysis
- Assertive, ethical, and professional in high-responsibility environments
- Detail-oriented and solutions-driven with sound judgment
Apply now with an application form (which can be downloaded from our website, or collected at Mont Fleuri or Vallée de Mai Visitor Centre), your C.V. & a cover letter sent to recruitment@sif.sc. Kindly note deadline for application is Monday 23rd February 2026.