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Senior Conservation Research Assistant
Position Overview:
As the Senior Research Assistant (SRA), you will lead SEEDโs field-based conservation research efforts, overseeing the daily operations of our research camp and contributing to the development, implementation, and reporting of SEED Madagascarโs research programme. Working closely with the SCRP Coordinator and both international and national staff, you will manage data lection, ensure the quality and integrity of research activities, and play a pivotal role in the analysis and reporting of findings to donors and the broader conservation community.
Additionally, you will provide leadership and pastoral support to short-term volunteers, ensuring they receive appropriate training, guidance, and oversight during their time in the field. Your role is critical in driving SEEDโs mission to enhance conservation outcomes through rigorous research, effective team management, and laboration with diverse stakeholders.
Location:Fort Dauphin, Madagascar
Timeframe:18 months with potential to extend;ย
Terms and conditions:Local stipend of 1,800,000 Ar per month to support with accommodation costs (field-based food/transport provided); contribution to flights and insurance
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Research Leadership
Lead and manage the research team in the field, ensuring effective data lection and high research standards.
Lead field-based research on key species and ecosystems, including setting up transects and lecting relevant ecological data.
Contribute to the development of new research projects and conservation initiatives, helping to identify priority areas for future work.
Support in the expansion of SEEDโs research program by fostering relationships with other conservation organisations and researchers.
Data Management & Reporting
Ensure data is accurately lected, cleaned and organised in accordance with research protocols.
Collaborate with the SCRP Coordinator in data analysis and the preparation of research reports for both internal use and external donors.
Contribute to the development of research papers, presentations, and other publications for the international conservation community.
Work with the SCRP Coordinator to identify opportunities for research laborations and funding.
Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports for research funding and project development.
Volunteer Coordination & Training
Support in the day-to-day management and pastoral care for short-term volunteers, ensuring their well-being and smooth integration into the field team.
Lead training sessions for volunteers, ensuring they understand and follow research protocols, data lection methods, and safety procedures.
Collaboration & Team Management
Work closely with both the international and national research staff to ensure effective communication and team cohesion.
Foster a positive working environment, promoting laboration and sharing of knowledge between staff and volunteers.
Ensure that all fieldwork is carried out in accordance with SEEDโs health, safety, and ethical guidelines.
Community Engagement & Outreach
Support the SEED Madagascar team in engaging with communities, including facilitating meetings, conducting surveys, and helping with outreach initiatives.
Provide clear interpretation and translation when necessary, ensuring effective communication between international staff and local communities.
Logistics & Operations
Assist in managing the logistical aspects of field research, including equipment, transport, and accommodation for staff and volunteers.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the research camp, ensuring smooth logistical coordination and resource management.
Policy & Compliance
Ensure compliance with SEEDโs policies, including safeguarding, anti-corruption, and whistleblowing procedures.
Participate in ongoing training to promote adherence to SEEDโs health, safety, and ethical standards.
Additional Tasks
Assist with other tasks as requested by the Director of Programmes and Operations, Conservation Research Coordinator, or Senior Research Assistant within the scope of this role.
Personal specification:
A Masters degree in a conservation-related field, or a first degree with at least two years of practical experience in field-based research
Proven experience in handling, cleaning, and analysing data, with proficiency in statistical analysis using programming software (e.g., R, Python, or similar)
Experience in field data lection, including the use of GPS and/or GIS for mapping and spatial analysis
Experience in compiling conservation reports, academic papers, or similar documents, with the ability to present data and findings clearly and professionally
Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology, botany or environmental education is desirable
Able to or willing to learn to safely handle and identify reptiles and amphibians
Previous experience of lecting data with a working knowledge of GPS and/or GISย
Hold a current First Aid certificate
Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED Madagascarโs ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for SEED Madagascar at all times
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
Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other members of the team in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED Madagascar in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO
Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard
Have a flexible and patient attitudeย
Have excellent problem-solving skills
Be able to work both independently and as part of a teamย
About the organisation:ย
SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar.ย We integrate high-quality community health, sustainable livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change while adding to International best practice through research and publication. More information on the work of SEED can be found atwww.madagascar.co.uk
Application procedure:
Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter in English outlining why they wish to take up this position and how their skills and experience match the requirements in the job description criteria to SEED Madagascar Director of Programmes and Operations, Lisa Bass by email onlisa@seedmadagascar.org.
Please note: AI generated cover letters and recruitment exercises will not be processed.ย
Application Deadline: Monday 24th March 2025 at 23:59 GMT. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout this period.
Candidates will complete an exercise, long-listed applicants will have an initial informal interview with Madagascar based staff and short-listed applicants will then be offered an interview with the London team.
SEED Madagascar actively encourages equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and aims to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.
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