Country: Madagascar
Closing date: 31 May 2018
An exciting in-country post for a passionate conservationist to co-ordinate an International research team in south east Madagascar.
Conservation Research Co-ordinator, Madagascar
Role description
Position Overview:
The role of the Conservation Project Coordinator is, in conjunction with the Team Leader
and Research Assistants, to ensure the development and smooth functioning of the
conservation research programme. Working with local staff and international volunteers the
Coordinator will conduct research on endemic and endangered flora and fauna, mainly in
the coastal littoral forest fragments in Sainte Luce. The Coordinator is responsible for all
aspects of the programme; co-ordinating field research including developing and expanding
the current research projects, new project design and methodology, writing of publishable
papers and, in conjunction with the Team Leader, volunteer co-ordinator and Research
Assistants, the management and care of the short term conservation volunteers.
The Conservation Project Coordinator is also responsible for building the capacity of the
programme guides and providing the Project Development team with pertinent research
and results to aid future funding proposals.
Short term volunteers provide much needed support to the conservation effort in St Luce
both through their participation in the research activities and through the financial donation
that they make to the NGO. For this reason it is imperative that volunteers both participate
fully in the research activities and have a positive experience so they go on to promote SEED
and Madagascar in general. The Coordinator, with the Team Leader, Research Assistants and
volunteer co-ordinator will work towards this end through management, intervention and
support as well as promoting the wider work of SEED.
The Coordinator will split their time between the field and the office as workloads and
priorities allow, although it is expected the Coordinator will spend a minimum of 50% of
their time in office. Example tasks for field and office include- developing current projects,
designing new, appropriate research projects, training volunteers and local staff in accurate
methodology, and problem solving regarding volunteer issues. For specific responsibilities,
see the section below.
Duties and responsibilities:
The Conservation Research Coordinator will:
Design novel environmental research project(s) that are specific and applicable to the area
staff to ensure adequate data collection for effective applied conservation outputs
Continue with on-going research, ensuring that this is of international standard
Facilitate, write and secure publication in peer reviewed journals of research
In consultation with the Head of Volunteering and UK staff, manage the budget to be able to source necessary equipment and research materials
Work alongside the Project Development Department to secure funding for current and future research projects
Provide quarterly internal and external reports for SEED and any collaborating partners
Work alongside Media volunteers and SEED volunteering staff in producing information for the website and social media
Manage, supervision and work towards the health and well being of the team of staff and volunteers
Ensure support and care are provided to maintain the physical and mental welfare of volunteers
With all Heads of Department ensure successful communication of SEED’s current work across all departments to the volunteers
Along with the team Leader, provide advice, support and intervention between volunteers and the project team
Ensure risk assessments are in place for each activity and these are communicated with the team and volunteers
Oversee field budget including maintenance of records and receipts
Interact with volunteers and other collaborators in a professional and friendly manner
Work closely with the Head of Volunteering in ensuring the smooth running of the programme
Work closely with the Head of Conservation and Environment in developing a holistic research programme covering both conservation and community projects
Develop good working relationships with other researchers in the area sharing information as appropriate for the benefit of the area
Advise on strategic development of the programme
Maintain and develop respectful relationships in the community where the team is based and ensuring that all staff and volunteers respect the customs and taboos of the area
Any other tasks that the Director of Programmes and Operations see fit within the broad scope of this job description**Contract type:** Minimum 18 months, extendable
Location: Anosy Region, Madagascar
Reporting to: Director of Programmes and Operations
Salary: The chosen candidate will receive a local stipend and up to £1,000 for the costs associated with an annual flight per year, in country visa extensions and insurance.
Requirements:
The successful applicant will:
Have a Masters degree in an environment subject
Have at least 12 months successful experience of tropical field research
Have proven organizational, time-management and communication skills
Have experience of designing and implementing research projects
Have had experience with publishing research
Have experience of leading research teams of both international and national staff
Have experience of either coordinating a volunteer programme or having taken part in a similar extended volunteering scheme
Have experience using GPS’s and a working knowledge of GIS
Be fluent in English; ability to speak French or Malagasy is desirable
Have a good level of fitness for working in difficult terrain under tropical conditions
Have passion, curiosity and motivation for the job and the ability to enthuse others.
Have the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers.
Have the ability and desire to build capacity and share skills across cultures.
Demonstrate proven ability to recognise and appropriately deal with challenging situations.
Demonstrate an awareness of and comfort with increased social and professional responsibility, working at all times with cultural sensitivity and respect.
Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard
Have a flexible and patient attitude.
Have excellent problem-solving skills.
Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Practicalities:
The successful candidate will be equipped with a laptop computer (non-tablet) and field
camping equipment. They must also hold a current First Aid certificate.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter outlining how their skills and
experience match the requirements in the role description criteria and detailing why they
wish to be considered for this post to Lisa Bass by email on Lisa@seedmadagascar.org.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Long-listed
applicants will have an initial informal chat with Madagascar based staff and short listed
applicants will then be offered a face-to- face interview with the London team in person.
More information on the work of SEED can be found at www.madagascar.co.uk .