Environmental Programs

Programs & Research Manager / Lead

with the
Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI)

Contract Duration:

up to 12 months.

Remuneration day rate:

Commensurate on level of qualification, experience and scope.

Full time or Part time:

pro rata of $100,000 FTE.

Organisation Overview

The
Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute

is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to protecting, understanding, and enhancing the values of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and other protected areas through research, education, and partnerships. We collaborate with stakeholders to deliver conservation impact through applied research, community engagement, and knowledge sharing.

About the position

This position will play a crucial role in supporting the Institute's commitment towards conservation, ensuring the ongoing protection of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area and using the local knowledge we gain to contribute to national and international conservation efforts. It is well suited to a highly motivated individual with relevant research experience, the successful applicant will lead the delivery of the Institute's Research portfolio including attracting research revenue to realise the Institute's research agenda. 

This role connects the successful applicant with world-leading conservationists and scientists, offers a platform for the co-design and implementation of mission-led, impact-focussed research and the opportunity to lead collaboration and applied research programs.  

This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in working with a broad, diverse research network that takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues through research projects that address ecological, socio-cultural and economic dimensions.

Key Responsibilities

The Programs and Research Manager

will oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of key programmatic initiatives. This role includes stakeholder engagement, coordination and delivery of key activities of a regional stewardship alliance initiative, managing the development of applied research projects, and technical leadership and support of on-ground projects. The successful candidate will bring strong project management capabilities, excellent organisational skills, and experience in coordinating environmental and research-based programs.

You will be required to:

I. Project manage current programs and projects, responding to their development needs

• Oversee activities of current projects, including project staff,  interns and volunteers, to ensure milestones, quality control and outcome reporting requirements are met.
• Consult with stakeholders from relevant partner agencies, community members and researchers to maintain and enhance existing and new projects.
• Facilitate policy conversations through forums, roundtables and reports to Government policy makers.
• Secure publishing opportunities and prepare reports for public dissemination.
• Engage with state, national and international grant schemes and other opportunities (e.g. philanthropy) to support for Institute programs and projects.

II. Develop and implement new projects

• Support the CEO and the Research & Programs sub-committee of the Board in the producing of targeted, interdisciplinary research that builds understanding and appreciation of the region's natural and cultural values.
• Lead the Institutes research involvement in a key agency collaboration.
• Secure funding for the implementation of research projects in collaboration with the Institute team.
• Develop and manage teams and projects as funding is secured.
• Create opportunities for our research to inform national and international conservation policy discussions.
• Ensure effective monitoring evaluation and reporting frameworks are implemented for all research projects.

III. Sponsorships, partnerships and relationships

• Initiate, broker and sustain project partnerships, in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and in accordance with the Institute Strategic Plan.
• Identify and approach new funding partners.
• Maintain communication with project partners and researchers to ensure common objectives are met, interests align, and ongoing delivery of products and outcomes.

IV. Internal (organisational)

• Prepare reports for presentation and discussion at quarterly meetings
• Maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive database of projects and activities.

How to Apply

We'd love to hear from you if you are an ambitious environmental professional or researcher looking to work in a new purpose-led and dynamic environment, committed to growing the Institute, with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to clearly communicate across multiple audiences. 

To express your interest in the
Programs & Research Manager

contract role, please contact:

Joel Dalberger

Chief Executive Officer

Email:

Phone:

You are welcome to reach out with any questions or submit your application, including a brief cover letter and CV, outlining your relevant experience and interest.