Species Survival Officer

Dublin Zoo is a registered charity which aims to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature, creating a place where our visitors can become active conservationists, helping us achieve our vision of a world where people live in harmony with nature. Founded in 1831, Dublin Zoo is part of a global network of conservation organisations committed to protecting species and their habitats. In line with the “Dublin Zoo 200” 10-year strategic plan, Dublin Zoo will become a conservation organisation of global impact within a decade.

Summary Of The Role

Working closely with the team at Dublin Zoo, the IUCN Species Survival Commission, relevant government and NGO stakeholders and the wider conservation community, the post holder will play a key role in implementing the IUCN Assess-Plan-Act-Network-Communicate model to assess extinction risk, identify conservation needs, help plan effective and coordinated measures, mobilise conservation action, communicate conservation successes and network with governmental and NGO partners. This position will support assessments to help inform species conservation prioritisation for Ireland (e.g., IUCN Red List Assessments, Key Biodiversity Area identification, National Assessments, situation analyses, etc).

Key Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate efforts between the Species Survival Centre and the SSC Network throughout the Species Conservation Cycle.
• Implementation of the Centre's work plan, shared target setting and annual reporting, and updating it are needed on an annual basis.
• Receive and deliver training, as appropriate, in the use of IUCN SSC tools.
• Undertake, oversee &/or catalyse priority assessments, conservation plans and action mobilisation in line with the Centre’s work plan.
• Collaborate, communicate and plan effectively to ensure unique skills, resources and efforts of different stakeholders collectively deliver species recovery and protection through efficient, comprehensive and effective efforts.
• Build and maintain quality relationships with the Dublin Zoo Team, the SSC Chair’s Office and SSC Groups, relevant Government agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Work with the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) to catalyse and facilitate priority multi stakeholder conservation action planning using best practice tools and approaches.
• Gather and integrate knowledge and expertise in the creation and implementation of projects / initiatives on species specific issues.
• Coordinate on-site biodiversity monitoring at Dublin Zoo, including delivery of a site-wide biodiversity audit and development of an associated action plan.
• Support grant writing and fundraising activities to secure funding for native species conservation.
• Support Dublin Zoo, IUCN SSC, Government and other decision-makers in communicating and reporting on success in species conservation.
• Participate in targeted conservation campaigns for species requiring urgent conservation attention.
• Support & / or implement and evaluate how the Centre can engage the public on species conservation issues.
• Lead multi-stakeholder workshops and meetings, both in person and using virtual platforms.
• Support and coordinate conservation-focused events and public engagement initiatives.
• Identify key communities and stakeholders relevant to the Centre’s work plan and establish capacity-building strategies.
• Supervise and support students and interns, including providing training in native biodiversity monitoring.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Minimum Bachelor level degree in conservation biology, zoology, botany, ecology, natural resources management or related fields.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in the area of conservation planning (or similar).
• Excellent stakeholder relationship skills.
• Strong skills in project management, planning and project implementation.
• Experience in scientific writing and the peer-reviewed process.
• Experience in fundraising and/or demonstrated success in proposal writing is desirable.

Personal Specification

• Self-motivated, flexible and energetic, with an attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, handle high pressure situations, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English is a requirement.

Apply For This Job

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and cover letter via the following link: Application Link. Please note that applications will not be accepted by email.