BCSS - Forum

RBG Kew is looking to appoint a Project Officer. The position will support the delivery of a project funded by the UK Government through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund that aims to develop understanding and techniques to help counter the illegal trade in Southern African succulent plants, which is occurring at a rate that threatens many species with extinction in the wild. The post-holder will be involved in multidisciplinary research, including a detailed evaluation of online trade in threatened plant species, and the application of wildlife forensic methodologies to succulent plants through the creation of novel workflows.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in wildlife trade research to help tackle a serious threat to Southern Africa’s unique plant biodiversity and inform strategies to improve the transparency and sustainability of trade in these highly threatened species.

With a BSc or MSc in conservation/environmental or natural sciences (or other relevant professional experience), our ideal candidate will be highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage competing priorities to deliver to tight deadlines. With an understanding of the varied challenges involved in countering the illegal wildlife trade, they will be comfortable working across a range of disciplines, combining detailed data analysis with an ability to communicate fluently with a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.