Overview

Humane Society International (HSI) is the largest international charity working for a more humane and sustainable world for animals. We are leaders in the movements to save threatened species and their habitats. In Australia our Wildlife Land Trust connects more than 500 sanctuaries protecting in excess of 60,000 hectares of wildlife habitat. Our scientific nomination program has seen over 70 threatened species and millions of hectares of wildlife habitat protected under Australian law. We continually advocate for improvements to those laws and for their effective enforcement. We also champion protection for imperilled wildlife at a global level through international treaties. When necessary HSI will stand up for animals in court. HSI has a priority campaign to protect sharks.

Role description

You will join the HSI team at the forefront of advocacy to protect marine wildlife in Australia and internationally, with a particular focus on sharks.

The role will work to:

  • ensure protections HSI has secured for species such as the grey nurse shark, the great white shark and hammerhead sharks are implemented effectively leading to recovery;
  • secure new protections for other eligible threatened sharks;
  • promote non-lethal strategies to protect marine users and seek an end to shark culling through nets and lethal drumlines;
  • protect threatened sharks from threats such as commercial and recreational fishing;
  • provide support to the HSI campaign team on other marine issues and sometimes other animal protection campaigns.

The above will be achieved through engagement in government processes as well as through strong public advocacy. You will communicate with a range of government, industry and NGO stakeholders, the public and our supporters on HSI marine campaigns through dialogue, correspondence, media releases, social media, technical bulletins, newsletter, blogs and formal government submissions.

In 2018 you will provide research and other support for a high profile legal challenge HSI has underway against lethal drumlines in the Great Barrier Reef.

You will be the key organiser for a national shark summit to be held in early 2019.

You will oversee HSI scientific nominations for marine species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) and state threatened species legislation.

You will be responsible for ensuring the scientific underpinning for all HSI marine advocacy and communications. You will provide support to the Senior Program Manager and the Communications Coordinator in relation to marine campaigns.

With support from the Head of Campaigns, you will sometimes be called on to represent HSI at stakeholder meetings and to act as a media spokesperson.

Position details:

This is a full-time position based at the Humane Society International Australian office in Avalon, NSW.  It is a one year contract with the possibility of extension. The salary is $70,000 p.a.

The position reports to the Head of Campaigns for Australia and works in a small dynamic campaign team.

Essential requirements:

1-3 years of experience working for a conservation or animal protection NGO or a similar campaigning organisation or in an industry/government position related to the conservation and management of wildlife.

Scientific qualifications are essential with a preference for a marine science degree. Degrees in zoology, ecology, conservation, fisheries biology, environmental science, policy or management will also be well regarded. A post graduate degree would be an advantage.

Proven written and oral communication skills for both informal and formal correspondence with government, media, scientists and community.

A willingness to travel within Australia and overseas when necessary for campaign work.

Strong competence with MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook) and with social networking platforms.

Desirable requirements:

Knowledge of State and Commonwealth environment and fisheries law and marine policies, particularly relating to NSW and Queensland.

An ability to tailor communications for technical and public audiences as appropriate.

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to Caroline Pattison caroline@hsi.org.au. To discuss the role please contact Nicola Beynon Head of Campaigns at nicola@hsi.org.au or 02 9973 1728. Deadline for applications 16th May 2018.