The objective of the programme is to halt the decline of seabird populations. We work through different strategies among which the tackling seabird bycatch, a component where we work with fishermen, national experts and the scientific community to reduce seabird bycatch through testing and implementing solutions.

Early this year, we have started a first seabirds and sea turtles bycatch project in seven countries of West Africa from Mauritania to Sierra Leone including Cabo Verde. As such, the project will ensure that knowledge is collectively generated and shared with key stakeholders, which will allow for risk analysis, bycatch baseline data and status assessment, an important step in identifying mitigation measures.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Turtle Bycatch Instructor to join the bycatch project team. We are looking for a Technician (with a familiarity of sea and turtles) to assist for collection of data on turtle interactions and mortality onboard industrial fishing vessels, and to develop relationships within the sector so as to foster trust and collaboration for understanding and addressing turtle bycatch.

You will work as part of the BirdLife Marine Programme team (based in Dakar) and will have frequent contact with the wider bycatch project partners in the PRCM Region (from Mauritania to Sierra Leone including Cabo Verde).

In this role, you will work with fishing companies and the other bycatch instructors/manager to prepare, conduct and report back on fishing trips onboard industrial vessels across the region. You will conduct regular harbour visits to engage with fishing crew, establish relationships, provide opportunities for communication to and from crew, and to record all visits and relevant information in a database.

Due to funding requirements, the ideal candidate will be originally from one of the PRCM Countries – Mauritania, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, or Sierra Leone and will have :

– Fieldwork experience with turtles and at-sea work, including devising field protocols for research, at-sea data collection etc.
– Proven knowledge of the environmental / fishery sector in the PRCM region
– Familiarity with the operating context for regional fisheries organisations in WA
– Demonstration of knowledge on turtle bycatch data collection.
– Good knowledge of turtle bycatch issues.
– Experience in the organisation of meetings and workshops with technical and local stakeholders, including fishermen
– Clear understanding of turtle and seabird conservation needs and EAF, particularly within the geographical scope of the bycatch project
– Ability to work comfortably in both French and English.

A detailed job description can be found here.

Applications should include:
– A covering letter in French or English summarising the applicant’s suitability for the position (maximum 1 page);
– A detailed CV with contact details of two referees known to the applicant in a professional capacity.

Applications should be sent by email to: