KBA Regional Focal Point (Africa and Francophone countries).
We are looking for a KBA Regional Focal Point to support the formation of KBA National Coordination Groups within countries and help in the development and review of proposals for KBAs.
• Application deadline: Sunday, 20 July 2025– 23:59 BST
• Location: Dakar, Senegal (we may consider other potential locations but salary will be dependent on living costs).
• Full-time: 40 hours/week
• Contract: 1 year initially but with likelihood of extension
• Salary: 3,500- 4,000 Euros per month


We’re BirdLife International, the only global Partnership conserving birds and all life on our planet. We exist to give one voice to nature, and to unite and strengthen conservation across borders.
The Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Partnership was formed in 2016 by 13 of the leading conservation organisations to coordinate a programme to identify, map and conserve the most important sites for the global persistence of biodiversity on earth.
We are looking for a KBA Regional Focal Point for Africa and Madagascar (henceforth Africa) who would also support francophone countries elsewhere in the world. KBA Regional Focal Points facilitate and support the formation of KBA National Coordination Groups within countries and help in the development and review of proposals for KBAs.
How you will do this:
• Promote the KBA programme within Africa
• Be the first point of contact for people or institutions interested in identifying KBAs in their respective region
• Maintain an overview of KBA identification initiatives within their region and inform the KBA Secretariat about these
• Encourage the establishment and functioning of KBA National Coordination Groups
• Identify training needs within the region, inform the head of the KBA Secretariat and work with him to find funding for training. Help also in translating training materials into French.
• Maintain regular contact with the respective KBA Community Regional Representatives and support their work in the region
• Support proposals for KBAs and provide the first review of proposals to help KBA Proposers with the proposal process
• Organise external review of proposals from the region
• Support the nomination of reviewed proposals to the KBA Secretariat in Cambridge


What we are looking for:
• MSc level qualification in relevant subject and/or equivalent experience working in conservation in Africa
• Familiarity with the biogeography and socio-political context for biodiversity conservation in Africa
• Overview of the key relevant organizations and institutions at the national and regional levels who can work to establish KBA National Coordination Groups and/or undertake KBA assessments
• Understanding of national and regional political sensitivities and able to promote the KBA programme within the regional context
• Known within your region and able to influence governments and/or civil society to engage with KBA identification and conservation
• Fluency in both French and English.


Some nice to haves:
• Experience within multiple countries in the Africa region
• Prior knowledge and experience with the KBA criteria and their application would be an advantage; however, a strong willingness to learn and engage with these is essential.


Salary & benefits: Commensurate with experience and qualifications and in accordance with BirdLife International, Africa Division terms and conditions. These will vary depending on exact location.
BirdLife values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Find out more about our Diversity statement.
We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive culture, a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We aim to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

We will consider putting into place appropriate reasonable adjustments for candidates who may have a disability.
Department: Africa Division
Locations: West Africa Sub-Regional Office
Monthly salary: €3,500 – €4,000