Summary:
The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) requires a motivated and professional Senior Project Officer (SPO) to support the implementation of externally funded projects. The role includes supporting and leading the coordination of varying sizes of projects, which are usually externally funded and require associated reporting duties to funding agencies. The SPO will be involved in all stages of project management, from writing funding applications, to preparing final reports and budgets for funders, as well as ensuring that the project results are disseminated appropriately.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Project Management:
- Research, review and evaluate different grant announcements and funding opportunities in consultation with senior SIF staff in projects, science and management
- Lead the development of project proposals and SIF projects as assigned by HoP including workplans, reporting and budgets at all sites
- Coordinate internal SIF consultation to develop project proposals and funding bids and contribute to the development of a project portfolio aligned with SIF’s priorities
- Lead adequate reporting and processing of all financial expenses incurred under assigned project funding
- Ensure that the highest standards of project implementation and reporting are met according to individual donor guidelines for all of SIF projects
- Assist with the supervision and training of project staff
- Ensure project results are written up as required and disseminated widely, e.g. technical reports and financial reports to funders/supporters, articles for newsletters and annual reports, social media posts, co-authorship of scientific papers as appropriate
- Ensure compliance with SIF/donor procedures and financial rules and regulations
- Lead the sourcing of project equipment and services as assigned
- Research, review and evaluate services and products purchased under project fundings
- Liaise with relevant authorities to assist with the import of products and tax exemption requests
- Visit all sites on request to familiarise with, fulfil and oversee project commitments
Biosecurity
- Support biosecurity measures in accordance with established biosecurity protocols and ensure they are implemented to the highest standards for transit of supplies, equipment, and staff including biosecurity checks/briefings and reporting
Other duties:
- Support reviewing and/or contributing to reports, protocols and papers, verifying data quality, reviewing proposals, and preparing project agreements.
- Support Assomption & Biosecurity department incl. AIME project as required
- Support the planning and implementation phases of Aldabra Rat and Cat Eradication (RaCE) project
- Advise SIF’s tourism and education programmes as required to ensure accuracy of information
- Represent SIF at national and international meetings and events when required
- Prepare oral and poster presentations as requested
- Provide technical input into management decisions as required
- Due to the diverse nature of the organisation, other duties may be required
Qualifications and professional experience:
- BSc, in an environmental/conservation subject or in project management (essential)
- 4 years of work experience in project management (essential), ideally for natural sites or in conservation/protected areas (preferred)
- Professional understanding of conservation, scientific research and environmental management in Seychelles and in a global context (essential)
- Excellent writing skills in English with extensive experience of reporting, presenting and proposal writing (essential)
Skills:
- Excellent organizational, planning and multi-tasking skills - ability to establish priorities and to plan and coordinate work; ability to effectively coordinate different projects
- Strong communication skills – writing, presenting plus effective interpersonal skills
- Well-developed sense of professionalism
- Strong leadership and motivational skills
- Good teamwork and respect for diversity – ability to manage and motivate teams of staff to achieve results
- Proven adaptiveness, resourcefulness and positivity
- Proactiveness especially when addressing challenges
- Commitment and diligence – committed to and diligently working towards achieving results for sustainable future of SIF including Aldabra, Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand.
- Fully computer literate
Languages: Fluency in English speaking and writing (essential), Creole (preferable), French (asset).
Note: The Senior Project Officer is on a Fixed Term Contract and position is open to local applicants only






