Lead Rewilding

Position:  Lead Rewilding

Reports to:  Lead: Reserve Management

Sector: Land Conservation – Nature Area

Job Location: NEOM

Role Purpose:

• To lead the implementation of a trophic rewilding strategy within NEOM Nature Reserve (Terrestrial). This strategy will allow the reserve to re-establish all trophic levels necessary to create ecological integrity within the NEOM system and address historical degradation that left the land in a desolated state. The position will report to the lead: reserve management and work closely with the Director Land Conservation.
•  Implement rewilding strategies in compliance with legislation and operational guidelines. This includes conservation matters such as wildlife corridors, vegetation assessments, populations dynamics, damage causing and problem animals, feeding strategies, ecosystem restoration and record keeping/reporting.
•  Lead and manage the development of rewilding breeding centers to assist in reaching the objectives of the rewilding strategy.
•  Lead and manage the sourcing, capturing and translocation of animals for re-introduction as well as tracking, surveying, monitoring, and reporting on population dynamics and changes to such that needs strategic adaptive management or confirm effectiveness of the programme.
• Develop and implement a cheetah introduction and management plan.
•  Identify, develop, implement, and monitor species specific management plans.
• Assist in implementing biodiversity monitoring systems that can set baselines and indicate progress made through the implementation of regreening and rewilding strategy.
• Ensure cooperation and synergy between contractors, departments, and conservation bodies as far as conservation matters are concerned.
• Build and maintain good communication and relationships with internal and external stakeholders, specifically the National Center of Wildlife and relevant conservation bodies.
• Implementation and administration of approved Conservation Policy according to agreed management and operational plans as well as stipulations of relevant legislation.
• Financial management that includes the preparation of budgets, implementation plans and daily financial administration of identified projects.
• Participating in activities and providing inputs on environmental matters in the control Area of the nature region, including Environmental Impact Assessments and any other issues that might affect the park.
•  Assist in developing and implement effective reserve management plans, Integrated management plans and work schedules and the monitoring of such.
•  To explore, test, and apply innovative and useful technological tools that can assist in effective management of the NEOM Nature Reserve.
• Mentoring identified Saudi Talent to learn all aspects of rewilding practice and policy with a view to building strong local capacity and succession planning

Key Accountabilities:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of Nature region strategic objectives and goals by providing inputs into the overall strategy, plans and SOP’s.
•  Work closely with senior leaders in other sectors and with external stakeholders to raise awareness of conservation objectives, opportunities, and challenges and support their conservation and management efforts through integration into project design and delivery in relation to the values of NEOM.
•  Help plan & develop appropriate conservation assets that will contribute towards effective conservation management and protection of natural resources as well as promoting rewilding and regreening efforts towards establishing balanced population dynamics.
• Identify, organize, procure, and work with NEOM teams to construct, manage, and maintain required facilities and services for successful trophic rewilding.
• Guide and build the capacity of rewilding site managers, rangers and habitat monitors.
• Help instill a culture of development, guidance, and performance within Neom’s nature region.
• Contribute to the monitoring and reporting on the progress and efficacy of rewilding initiatives.
• Contribute to identifying, testing, and reporting on new approaches and technologies
•  Help establish health, condition standards and best practice testing and monitoring protocols for different target species.
• Contribute to the health and safety of all stakeholders and staff conducting business with Land conservation

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• At least 10 years’ experience in conservation management that includes population management, research, surveys and animal census techniques, management strategy and policy development.
• Extensive experience in working and managing natural resources within a national park or similar environment.
• Deep knowledge of landscape conservation.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Management, Report writing, Planning and Leadership Skills.
• Strong experience in biodiversity management, research application, animal population dynamics
• Experience working with government agencies, scientists, and protected area managers.
• Strong leadership skills and proven ability to simultaneously manage a wide number of different functional areas and multiple staff.
• Have good skills in project management including proposals, scope of work, managing consultants, budgeting, projections, reporting, and communications.
• A creative and agile approach to workplace challenges, able to adapt and find solutions to rapidly changing conditions and challenges.
• A proven ability to motivate staff and provide appropriate developmental opportunities that increase operational performance.
• A willingness and ability to challenge traditional conservation methods and find innovative ways in delivering an accelerated rewilding program and conduct

Qualifications:

A degree in conservation, ecology, Natural science or a related field, or equivalent research experience.