About SIF
SIF is a dynamic federation of island communities working together to have a stronger voice on
common challenges and to share ideas to accelerate change. SIF is run by a voluntary board of
directors and our members include island-based community organisations as well individuals,
businesses, and other bodies concerned with the sustainability of island communities. Our work is
currently funded through the Scottish Government Island Communities Team and member
subscriptions.
Marine litter is a massive issue for island communities who find it difficult to dispose of the huge
quantities of marine material collected as currently there is little provision for disposal other than
sending it to landfill. Most islands also lack data collected using established protocols such as
those of OSPAR and the Marine Conservation Society.
To address these issues, a SIF Marine Litter Working Group (SIF-MLWG) has been set up with
representatives from across the six islands areas, and representatives from Marine Scotland and
Fishing for Litter attending monthly meetings.
The SIF-MLWG aims to enable island groups to work together to share experiences and expertise,
to pool resources, to raise awareness of the unique situation in islands and to look for solutions to
the key challenges. A robust data collection activity has now started, to be carried out on a
quarterly basis, and this will help to determine the nature and scale of the reported island-specific
problems.
Funds have now been awarded through the Scottish Government Island Communities Team and
Crown Estate Scotland for this post to continue helping to build our capacity and develop this area
of work. A key part of those exciting contracts will be working with the SIF-MLWG group to build on
what has been achieved in the first year of the post and take forward its marine litter strategy.
About the role:
Location – Scottish Islands – Northern isles (located in the Northern Isles working from home with
travel)
Contract – 12 months initially to 31 March 2025, with a view to extend for a further 1 year, subject
to match funding for year 2 to complement funding committed by Crown Estate Scotland.
The contract is for 28 hours per week
The hourly rate is £20 an hour (Consultancy)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated consultant: who will deliver under the following
activities :
- Continue to establish links with a wide network of key organisations at a local, regional,
and national level as well as relevant international networks. - Facilitate the sharing of good working examples and pilot projects, resources and
expertise among island groups. - Identify sources and models of funding and resources to build capacity and opportunities
- for island beach cleaning activity as well as enabling long-term paid beach ranger posts to
- become the norm across the islands.
- Help fill gaps in data and knowledge through developing citizen science research and
provide a conduit with island communities. This may also include working with the
Carbon Neutral Islands Program as well as the Scottish Govt. Marine Directorate, Crown
Estate Scotland and the Marine Conservation Society - Work with Local Authorities, industry, NGOs and others to identify and explore solutions
around collection and onward processing of material, in particular options to support a
more circular economy through island job creation and alternatives to landfill. - Support marine litter education and research and work with bodies and organisations to
that effect to help change industry operation and behaviour. This may include identifying
research ongoing into alternatives to the plastics currently used in the marine
environment. - Represent SIF and the SIF- MLWG at events and in provision of relevant policy or research
input. - organise at least one wider networking event.
- Disseminate information and raise the profile of the SIF-MLWG activities via the SIF
website, newsletters and social media platforms. - Produce quarterly update reports to map out the situation on the ground, current activity,
alternatives to landfill etc, including needs and opportunities and an annual report. - Other relevant activities identified by the SIF Board and SIF-MLWG as the role develops.
The qualifications and experience required - Degree/Diploma in Environment or Marine Science or other related discipline and or able
to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills, and competencies. - Knowledge of marine/coastal conservation and environmental issues. Previous
experience in environmental interpretation/education desirable. - Effective verbal and written communication skills; experience of setting up zoom
meetings and microsoft suite and social media essential. - Effective project management, time management and organisational skills
- Research and evaluation skills including the ability to analyse and interpret data
desirable - Ability to work flexibly as part of a team
- Ability to use own initiative
- Ability to develop effective relationships
- Driving licence and access to a vehicle
The contractor will work with and report to the SIF-MLWG with line management provided by a
nominated member of the SIF board sitting on the SIF-MLWG.