BirdLife Sweden seeks project manager for swift project

Do you want to work with practical nature conservation and contribute to strengthening a threatened bird species in our cities?

BirdLife Sweden is seeking a project manager for the Swift Lift – a multi-year conservation project aimed at improving the living environments for the threatened swift (vulnerable according to the 2026 Red List), primarily in urban environments. Through collaboration with the construction and real estate sector, public education, and concrete measures, we want to create more breeding sites and increase knowledge about biodiversity in cities. The project will also have some focus on insect-rich green spaces and on swifts breeding in forests in northern Sweden.

About the role

As project manager, you are responsible for leading and developing the project from start to implementation and follow-up. You work both strategically and operationally, with a focus on collaboration, development, and results.

The work involves many external contacts, and to be successful in the role, you must be unafraid to reach out to relevant actors and feel comfortable "selling" the idea of swift-adapted buildings to companies in the construction and real estate sector, as well as having dialogue with authorities, municipalities, and BirdLife Sweden's regional associations. You drive the project forward and create conditions for ideas to be translated into concrete actions.

You work in a team with a project coordinator, communication support, support for corporate partnerships, educational activities, departmental support, and a reference group with expert competence.

Job duties

· Lead the project and be responsible for goal achievement, budget, and reporting

· Develop collaborations with construction and real estate companies and provide advice on concrete improvement measures for the swift

· Drive the development of swift-friendly building solutions and certification

· Conduct dialogue with authorities, municipalities, and other relevant actors

· Compile knowledge and quality-assure advice and materials

· Plan and follow up on inventories together with regional actors

· Represent the project in various contexts, such as meetings, seminars, and conferences

· Participate in communication efforts, representation contexts, and association life

Do you recognize yourself in the following?

· You have experience in leading projects and driving processes forward

· You have a great interest in nature conservation, birds, and species preservation

· You are accustomed to collaborating with various types of actors, preferably the business sector in general and the construction/real estate industry in particular

· You understand association life and value voluntary efforts

· You are social, confident in making contact, building relationships, and following up on collaborations

· You have good ability to structure work and keep the whole picture together

· You communicate well verbally and in writing

Desirable is education in conservation biology, ethology, ecology, or related areas. You may also have an education and background in construction or urban planning, building technology, sales, or corporate partnerships. It is meritorious if you have knowledge of building standards and building regulations, as well as about the swift's ecology. We place great importance on personal suitability.

About you

You are a person who gets things done. You thrive in a role where you both drive the work forward and bring people together around a common direction. Having a lot of responsibility and high goals motivates you; you are good at taking initiative but well aware that a project with funding has an approved project plan. You are good at creating trust and collaborations, and you can switch between strategic thinking and practical implementation. You do not need to be an ornithologist or birdwatcher, but a basic interest in nature and animals is a given for all of us in the association. To be successful in the work, conservation biology should be a driving force.

Remote work or at the officeIn the role, travel within Sweden (e.g., Stockholm, Uppsala, Gothenburg, and Öland) is included, sometimes several times a month, regardless of whether you work remotely or from our office on Öland. Large parts of the project management can be performed remotely, with some portion of working hours allocated to the office. Alternatively, your work is based from the office. Both options are offered, and we are open to considering our common needs. Some physical meetings with project management and colleagues at the office are mandatory; others can be conducted digitally. As an employee, you participate in staff days, training occasions, and other planned gatherings with staff and the board. The employment begins with one or several longer periods of presence on Öland for introduction.

About BirdLife Sweden

BirdLife Sweden is a nationwide non-profit organization focused on wild birds. We promote and stimulate a broad bird interest by offering bird and nature experiences, community, and expertise on bird protection and bird research. This is made possible because we are Sweden's largest collective competence in birds with extensive local, regional, and national work.

We are also part of BirdLife International, the world's largest nature conservation organization, and collaborate across borders for the sake of birds.

BirdLife Sweden's office is located in southeastern Öland. With the sea, the Alvar, and the coastal meadows nearby, it offers one of Sweden's finest workplaces. At the office, you are always welcome; there are both fixed offices for on-site staff and flexible workspaces for those who work remotely.

About

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position

Scope: 80%

Temporary project employment (three years) with possibility of extension.

Start date: August/September 2026, or as agreed.

Location: as agreed.