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:

• Design novel environmental research project(s) that are specific and applicable to the area and provide protocols and training on methodology
• In collaboration with the Research Assistants, organise work schedules for volunteers and staff to ensure the standard of data collection for effective applied conservation outputs
• Continue with on-going research, ensuring that this follows protocols and is of international standard
• Manage, supervise and appraise the team of research assistants
• Ensure support and care are provided to maintain the physical and mental welfare of research assistants and volunteers
• Ensure successful communication of SEED’s current work across all departments to the volunteers
• Provide management, advice and intervention to ensure the research camp is effective and supported
• Ensure risk assessments are in place for each activity and these are communicated with the team and volunteers
• Interact with volunteers, stakeholders and other researchers in a professional and friendly manner
• Work closely with the Head of Volunteering in ensuring the smooth running of the programme
• Facilitate, write and secure publication in peer reviewed journals of research
• In consultation with the Head of Volunteering and UK staff to manage field and equipment budgets
• 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
• Work closely with the Head of Conservation and Environment in developing a holistic research programme covering both conservation and community projects
• 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

Requirements:

• Have a Masters degree in an environment subject
• Have at least 12 months successful experience of tropical field research
• Have proven organisational, 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.

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.

Application procedure:

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

Further details can be found on our website.