Vacancy for chief executive at BirdLife International

A VACANCY has arisen for a chief executive to take over at Cambridge-based BirdLife International.

After eight years at the helm, Patricia Zurita left the role last month to return to the USA to take over as chief strategy officer at Conservational International.

Martin Harper, a former director of conservation at the RSPB, is holding the reins at BirdLife International, pending a replacement for Ms Zurita being appointed. He may well throw his hat into the ring as a candidate.

BirdLife International is a partnership of environmental NGOs and national conservation organisations, all of whom share a common aspiration - to mobilise sustainable protection for the world’s birds, their habitats and global biodiversity in general.

The organisation always like to quote Dr Thomas Lovejoy who said: "If you take care of the birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems in the world."  

The job description for the chief executive vacancy states: "The ideal candidate will bring vision, ambition and inspiration to the BirdLife International."With a track record of working globally with key audiences, you will bring proven strategic leadership experience gained in an internationally diverse and multi-stakeholder environment.

"Bringing a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to listen to understand, you will have significant interpersonal and relationship-building skills."

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 4th September 2023.