BirdLife Australia
Conservation Campaigner

Policy Number:

Date:

The Organisation

BirdLife Australia is a member-based not-for-profit company with over 13,000 members and 100,000 supporters and volunteers. We are a diverse organisation with offices in three states, as well as branches, special interest groups, observatories and reserves, working across the nation.

BirdLife Australia is governed by an elected Board of Directors which meets quarterly, and day-to-day operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer.

BirdLife Australia currently employs over 50 staff, who are dedicated to conservation and research programs. The organisation is very lean and relies on a small core team of management and administrative staff. Working well as a team is an essential element of our organisation.

A significant part of BirdLife Australia’s work is done by volunteers who work collaboratively with staff to achieve our goals. It is important that all staff understand and appreciate the contribution made by the organisation’s volunteers, and are mindful of the varying skills, interests and motivations they bring.

BirdLife Australia acknowledges the important role Traditional Owners throughout Australia have played, and continue to play, caring for Country. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community and pay respect to Traditional Owners and their cultures, and to their Elders both past and present. BirdLife Australia endeavours to facilitate the further engagement of Indigenous Australians in the research and conservation of our native birds.

The Role

The Conservation Campaigner plays anintegral role in helping BirdLife Australia achieve its strategic goal of improving the conservation status of threatened birds.

Reporting to the Conservation Manager (Campaigns and Strategy), the Conservation Campaigner will work with Program Leaders in the Conservation Department to build power throughconservation campaignsand advocacy to achieve effective protection of Australia’s native birds and their habitats.

Specifically, this role will focus on improving the status of Australia’s threatened woodland birds, includingidentified priority species such as the Swift Parrot, Regent Honeyeater, South-Eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoo & WA Black Cockatoos.

Position Title

ConservationCampaigner

Position Objective

Improve theconservation status of threatened woodland birds by building power to prevent extinctionsand supporting the implementation of BirdLife Australia’s Bird Conservation Strategythrough effective conservation advocacy and campaigns.

Status

This is a casual position. It is anticipated hours will vary between 20 - 30 per week.

Staff Reporting

Nil

Location

The position is based in the National Office, Melbourne. Alternative locations will be considered based on strategic merit.

Reporting

This position reports to the Conservation Manager (Campaigns and Strategy). The role will also take direction from Program Leaders.

Key relationships

Internal

Conservation Program Leaders. All departments, particularly communications and engagement, fundraising, the Research & Conservation Committee and BirdLife Australia’s branches, groups and observatories.

External

Political representatives and their advisors, Federal and State governments, environmental non-government organisations, lobby groups, Indigenous Australians (including Traditional Owners and representative groups), Business and Industry, Experts (including academics and management professionals).

Travel Requirements

Some travel within Australia may be required.

Duties

Implementation of BirdLife Australia’s Bird Conservation Strategy

  • Work with the Conservation Manager (Campaigns and Strategy), Program Leaders and other key staff to deliver campaignsthat build power and improve the status of woodland birds and their habitats by:
  • Influencing programs and policy;
  • Improving environmental decision making and law;
  • Empowering the community; and
  • Ensuring greater implementation of recovery programs.
  • Work with the Communications Team to develop key messages and resources to support conservation outcomes;
  • Collaborate with BirdLife Australia’s branches, groups, observatories, affiliates and other community groups to implement conservation outcomes.

Building capacity and alliances

  • Initiate and maintain effective alliances/relationships with external stakeholders and decision makers to deliver the Bird Conservation Strategy.
  • Engage, train and build resources for conservation advocates to deliver effective conservation outcomes.

Building one strong organisation

  • Work collaboratively with other staff to ensure conservation is a primary driver in all BirdLife Australia’s work.
  • Other duties as required by the Conservation Team.

Selection Criteria

Essential

  • A relevant degree, with at leasttwo years relevant experience in the environment sector;
  • Demonstrated experience in the planning and implementation of conservation campaigns;
  • A positive outlook and ability to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals consistent with BirdLife Australia’s values.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with clarity, power and passion to achieve communication objectives.
  • Exceptional communications skills, including public speaking and writing for a variety of audiences.
  • High level computer literacy.
  • Ability to find solutions and work with a variety of people.
  • Excellent interpersonaland relationship-building skills.
  • Open to innovative ideas and practices, and a desire to strive for continuous improvement in the performance of the organisation.
  • Highly accountable.

Desirable

  • An affinity with the aims and philosophy of a member-based, not-for-profit conservation organisation,philanthropy and the environmental sector.
  • Knowledge of threatened bird taxa and the conservation issues facing them.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence social or environmental change.

Workstyle, attributes, and attitudes

  • A high level of professionalism in all work;
  • A strategic thinker;
  • A team player with a highly collaborative style;
  • Responds positively to feedback and accommodates change, ability to provide constructive feedback;
  • Ability to work well with minimum supervision, accepts high-level responsibility for workplan delivery;
  • A willingness and capacity to work flexible hours as and when required.

Salary and Benefits

This is a casual position,offered at between $33-$40 per hour depending on skills and experience.

Occupational Health and Safety Statement

Employees and potential employees should be aware that the requirements of the position include, but are not limited to:

  • Limited attendance at evening or weekend meetings
  • Possible driving for extended periods and interstate travel
  • Long periods of sedentary desk and computer duties and telephone use
  • Possible lifting and moving of heavy equipment and objects
  • Overnight and weekend work in the field and at conferences

BirdLife Australia’s Values

1

March 2017