Principal, Biodiversity & Habitats

​The current Natural Ecosystems Focus Area drives Minderoo's work in environment and conservation. It is dedicated to restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems, safeguarded for all generations, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region and through our global influence. The 2030 Strategy targets this outcome for Australia and its neighbours, as we strive to act locally and think globally. Our approach emphasises the necessity of applying the Precautionary Principle to protect against serious and irreversible damage to our ecosystems and minimising climate change as a threat multiplier. We will protect and restore our natural ecosystems by fostering legislation, supporting research and development in science and technology, and developing sustainable financial models to balance the needs of our beneficiaries. We will overcome the climate challenge by supporting policy development, public education on climate urgency and demonstrating what a successful transition looks like domestically.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Biodiversity and Habitats, the Principal, Biodiversity and Habitats leads the design and delivery of strategic initiatives to protect ocean biodiversity and habitats. This role combines deep technical expertise in marine conservation and fisheries with exceptional leadership in program development, partnership management, and biodiversity impact measurement.

The Principal works closely with colleagues and partners to ensure technical and operational excellence across projects, with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement specialised fisheries-related projects under the Protect Ocean Biodiversity and Habitats program, covering industrial and small‑scale fisheries, IUU fishing, fisheries policy, technological innovation, and applied research.
• Lead technical input and analysis across projects, particularly within the Sustainable Seafood Industries Project, providing expert advice in fisheries science, management, overfishing, aquaculture sustainability, and marine conservation.
• Develop and manage projects from concept to completion, applying Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) frameworks to assess progress and drive continuous improvement.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with research institutions, industry associations, government, and non-profits to advance shared goals and amplify conservation impact.
• Oversee project delivery, budgets, timelines, and performance, ensuring alignment with Minderoo’s strategic priorities and impact objectives.
• Support internal reporting, business cases, and measurement of biodiversity and habitat impact, embedding cross‑cutting organisational lenses—Climate, First Nations, and Gender—across all initiatives.

About You

You are an accomplished marine conservation professional with experience in national and international projects addressing sustainable ocean use, climate change, and biodiversity protection. You excel at bridging science and policy, building cross-sector collaborations, and driving impactful solutions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) in Marine Science, Environmental Policy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in marine conservation, fisheries management, or related fields.
• Strong record of research and impact evaluation within conservation or marine programs.
• Deep understanding of the complexities of international and national conservation initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead collaboratively, influence effectively, and deliver outcomes in multidisciplinary teams.

Join us to help shape the future of ocean conservation through evidence-based action, innovative partnerships, and measurable biodiversity impact.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements that support your wellbeing

• Attractive parental leave

Next Steps

Please attach your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity.

Please note we reserve the right to extend closing date and/or close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified.

Minderoo Foundation embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.

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