The functions of WBRU’s Head of Unit

• Manages the Unit’s staff complement and implements the approved business plan.
• Manages and implements the Unit’s deliverables.
• Provides the required support and follow-up actions to ensure good quality and timely delivery of services.
• Coordinates the collation of information and submission of reports of implementation within the deadlines.
• Coordinates procurement procedures, including tendering processes.
• Ensures the correct implementation of the Birds Directive and associated derogations.
• Follows meetings of the Nature Directives Expert Group, including NADEG’s Task Force on the Recovery of Species, on all matters related to the Birds Directive, AEWA and other instruments.
• Compiles and updates scientific reports on the population status of species subject to the Birds Directive Article 9(1)(c) derogations and presents these reports to the Ornis Committee.
• Coordinates the monitoring of compliance to ensure that derogations from the general prohibitions of the Birds Directive are properly implemented and enforced.
• Coordinates the work related to the drafting of a National Action Plan against illegal killing, trapping and trade of wild birds (IKB) in line with commitments under the Bern and CMS Conventions. Once set up, will participate in meetings of the NAP steering committee, including stakeholder consultations.
• Follows issues pertaining to obligations under the Bern Convention, Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and the Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean (MIKT) to ensure correct implementation of obligations under the CMS Rome Strategic Plan and other international agreements. Reviews and provides input to technical documents and associated reporting obligations under these international conventions.
• Monitors work related to Malta’s reporting obligations under Article 9 (derogations) and Article 12 of the Birds Directive and coordinates the compilation of associated reports for delivery within the deadlines.
• Oversees the implementation of the national scientific monitoring study which collates information on the birds that breed, winter and migrate over Malta (Article 12).
• Follows the NADEG Expert Group on Reporting for all matters related to reporting obligations under the Birds Directive.