Malta: ESC: Rehabilitation Assistant

About the local hosting organization

BirdLife Malta (BLM) has become the leading professional nature conservation organization in Malta with a compliment of 29 fulltime dedicated staff (18 employed and 11 seconded). BLM is a partner organisation of BirdLife International, a network of 120 NGOs worldwide, and with the aim of creating a united voice, for local and international wildlife. BLM is growing steadily, mostly through the implementation of externally funded projects, corporate partnerships, as well as through volunteering programmes via the European Solidarity Corps. Aims: Founded in 1962, BirdLife Malta (BLM) is the oldest environmental organisation in Malta, whose aim is to conserve wild birds, their habitats and biodiversity, educate and work with people towards sustainable development. Main activities: BLM’s aim is achieved through work in a variety of fields including research, education, conservation, policy and campaigning. BLM has been instrumental in the creation of three of the island’s most important nature reserves, which BLM now manages and was also responsible for the largest afforestation project aimed to recreate Malta’s Mediterranean woodland to support wildlife. BLM is also an effective campaigning and engagement organisation, closely monitoring activities that threaten protected wild birds, as well as unsustainable urban development, or pollution from ships on the Maltese islands. Malta’s position along the Central Mediterranean Flyway and its seabird colonies make the islands a key site for bird conservation in Europe. Conservation priorities therefore include actions aimed at protecting areas important for seabirds and migratory species (e.g. by eradicating invasive species), as well as addressing unsustainable exploitation (hunting and trapping, both legal and illegal) of migratory birds. Ensuring the effective management of Natura 2000 sites is a top priority too, along with advocating for EU reform on other relevant policies (such as the Birds and Habitats Directive). Developing Mediterranean capacity to identify marine IBAs (important bird areas), and to control or eradicate invasive species damaging biodiversity is a shared priority across Europe, as well as sustainable fisheries to avoid bycatch of seabirds. BLM’s strength arises from the fact that it has been operating for almost 60 years and, through the delivery of good research-based conservation and management of priority sites, backed up by people engagement. It has become a strong name on the islands with scientific data at hand, a strong lobby and voice for the environment, and enough experience in project management and land/site management to be entrusted with the management of various important sites for biodiversity in the Maltese Islands. Another strength and focus of the organisation is the long term commitment towards environmental education in a formal setting in schools, but also through non-formal and informal engagement. Currently, Dinja Waħda (meaning One World) BLM’s environmental education programme run in collaboration with the Education Department is reaching nearly 75% of schools in the Maltese islands. Dinja Waħda’s mission is to connect children with nature and trigger behavioural changes that will lead to future adults who will treat our planet better than we do today through engaging environmental education activities. Target groups BLM’s in involving and educating people of all ages, from early years to adulthood. At the core, BLM is involving young people as much as possible both within and outside the organisation, as they are the generation empowered to act now for the sustainable development of our society. Additionally, though ESC projects we are also reaching the wider community and local, national and international level.

Presentation of the programme

BirdLife Malta is looking for a candidate to assist the conservation department in fulfilling a number of duties related to our core work with the rescue, care and rehabilitation of wild birds. Duties include • Answering calls by the public, picking up and ensuring injured birds brought to BirdLife receive urgent veterinary attention and first aid • Feed and care for injured birds requiring short or long-term rehabilitation through various stages in their recovery so they can be released in to the wild • Ensure excellent hygiene to minimise health risks to birds and humans • Keep records and case files of all cases of injured birds, reporting to conservation and veterinary team on all cases of wild birds under our care • Assisting in data management, providing suitable metrics and statistics to assist the department’s works • Assistance in documenting rehabilitation processes so these can be communicated to the wider public through reels and posts on social media.

About the accomodation

This is a volunteering opportunity under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) scheme. BirdLife Malta will provide you with: • Accommodation in a shared apartment in the northern part of the island close to our nature reserves • Coverage of all living costs such as electricity, water, gas, and internet • Reimbursement of the flight and other transport costs (bus, train, metro, visa) to/from Malta up to a certain limit • €380 monthly allowance • Private insurance

About the leisure activities

Conservation department staff will provide training to ensure that the volunteer learns: • how to handle and rescue an injured bird • how to assist in the rehabilitation process • how to identify migratory and resident birds • how to communicate and engage in bird conservation

Requirements

The Participant profile: The ideal candidate should have a • will to make a difference to protect bird species • good grasp of bird taxonomy • be ready to assist us in rescuing wild birds and reacting to illegal hunting and trapping reports • will to commit in wildlife crime detection activities • will to learn how to handle basic optical equipment • will to assist in data management • hands-on approach to current conservation challenges in Malta, and is willing to work flexible hours, including occasionally during weekends, in the office or field.Deadline: 10/07/2026 23:00