Position Overview
As a Conservation Research Assistant (RA) with SEED, you will play a crucial role in supporting our conservation research efforts in the unique ecosystems of southeastern Madagascar. Working from our base in Sainte Luce, you will be responsible for a variety of research tasks, including data lection, project management, and volunteer coordination. You will work closely with and report to the Senior Research Assistant and local team members to ensure the smooth running of field operations and contribute to the success of conservation projects.
Location:Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region, Madagascar
Timeframe:ย 12 months with potential to extend
Terms and conditions:ย Voluntary post, 800,000 Ar per month to support with accommodation costs (field-based food/transport provided) with a ยฃ600 contribution to insurance
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Data lection & Research
Support the organisation and execution of the research schedule.
Lead data lection efforts in the field, ensuring high-quality and accurate data.
Assist in setting clear research objectives and ensuring they are consistently met.
Lead research initiatives focused on lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, flora, and emerging projects, including setting up transects and quadrats.
Assist with qualitative research, including conducting community surveys and ensuring clear communication during meetings.
Support the development and application of research methodologies and protocols.
Assist in the development of new research protocols and methodologies.
Help analyse research data and contribute to the write-up of research findings, reports, and papers.
Volunteer Management & Support
Coordinate the logistics and fieldwork for short term international volunteers.
Provide training and supervision on field research techniques, including data lection, species identification, and research methodologies.
Offer regular feedback to volunteers and staff to ensure the continual development of skills.
Provide pastoral care and support for volunteers in the field, ensuring their well-being and managing any issues that arise.
Field Operations & Logistics
Assist in managing the logistics of fieldwork, including equipment and resource coordination.
Ensure all research and fieldwork adheres to SEEDโs protocols, including health and safety guidelines.
Support in managing the research camp to ensure it is well-organised and functioning smoothly.
Community & dissemination of research findings
Facilitate communication between the research team, SEED staff and local guides.
Build and maintain positive relationships with local guides, volunteers, and community members.
Provide accurate and engaging content about SEEDโs research for our website and social media platforms, including photographs.
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:
Have a Bachelors in a conservation related field, and two years practical experience in field-based research
Previous experience with data lection and cleansingย
Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology, botany or environmental education is desirable
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
Experience of volunteering programmes or the ability to manage and support volunteers
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 team.ย
About the organisationย
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.ย
More information on the work of SEED can be found atย www.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 onย lisa@seedmadagascar.org.
Please note: AI generated cover letters and recruitment exercises will not be processed.ย
Application Deadline: Monday 27th January 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.
*Please note that the expected in-country start date for this position will be the end of March 2025.
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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