Transboundary Project Manager - International (NaturAfrica)

Transboundary Project Manager - International (NaturAfrica)
Reference: SEP20261130
Location: Liberia, West Africa
Contract: Up to 46 months
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £45,644.00 - £48,732.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Holidays, Pension and Life Assurance

Background

The NaturAfrica BiCoGoL Action is an EU-supported transboundary conservation, governance and green-economy programme covering the Gola-Foya (GbarLo) landscape in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The programme brings together RSPB, the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), Gola Rainforest Conservation LG (GRC-LG), the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA), government institutions, local authorities and forest-edge communities.

The Action will strengthen protected-area and community-forest management, ecological connectivity, participatory land-use planning, biodiversity monitoring, sustainable livelihoods and green enterprises, sustainable cocoa and other value chains, policy engagement, institutional capacity and cross-border cooperation.

About the role

RSPB is seeking an experienced Transboundary Project Manager to lead the day-to-day delivery of the EU-funded NaturAfrica BiCoGoL Action across the Gola-Foya (GbarLo) landscape in Sierra Leone and Liberia. This is a senior, field-based leadership role responsible for coordinating a complex, multi-partner programme involving RSPB, CSSL, SCNL, GRC-LG, EFA, BL government institutions, local authorities and communities.

The successful candidate will be accountable for delivering the programme's agreed results, on time, within budget and to the required technical and donor standards. Importantly, this is a partnership leadership role: the postholder will achieve results through influence, coordination and collaboration rather than direct line management of most project staff.

Key responsibilities

• Lead integrated programme planning and delivery across Sierra Leone and Liberia.
• Coordinate implementing partners and ensure clear accountability for results.
• Monitor progress, budgets, risks and compliance and take timely corrective action.
• Lead adaptive management, learning, sustainability and close-out planning.
• Maintain effective relationships with the EU, government, communities, partners and other stakeholders.
• Ensure strong financial management, donor reporting, safeguarding and risk management.
• Strengthen cross-border coordination and integration across the landscape.
• Identify opportunities for private-sector engagement, sustainable value chains and green enterprises.
• Provide strong field leadership and represent the programme with key stakeholders.

About you

We are looking for a senior programme manager and collaborative leader with the following essential skills:

• Relevant professional experience in programme management, with a track record of delivering complex programmes.
• Experience managing programmes involving multiple partners and/or working across more than one country.
• Experience working on programmes funded by the EU or other international donors, or the ability to demonstrate transferable experience from similar funding environments.
• Experience leading and influencing stakeholders, with or without direct line management responsibility.
• Experience working with governments, NGOs and rural communities in West Africa, or transferable experience working with similar stakeholder groups and operating environments.
• Experience of financial management, risk management, communication and problem-solving within programme delivery.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability and willingness to live in Liberia and undertake regular travel within Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Experience in Liberia or Sierra Leone, transboundary conservation, community forestry, sustainable cocoa/value chains, climate finance, REDD+ or the Upper Guinean Forest would be an advantage.

Additional Information:

• This is an up to 46 month Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week.
• The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 11th October 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position as soon as possible after closing.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

No agencies please.