Assistant Volunteer Coordinator for the Azafady Conservation Programme

An ideal position for a highly motivated individual with excellent people skills and a specific interest in Wildlife Conservation, to assist an established research team in the management of International volunteers in a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot.

Assistant Volunteer Coordinator for the Azafady Conservation Programme

Job Description

 This position offers the applicant a chance to gain experience in fieldwork techniques through working with a highly skilled and knowledgeable team, whilst gaining team management skills within a small and diverse group of volunteers. This position would be ideal for a recent graduate or prospective graduate to gain skills towards a career in Wildlife Conservation.

Salary: Voluntary position

Period: 6-12 months 

Supervisor: Conservation Project Co-ordinator

Background of the Post in the Azafady Conservation Programme

The Azafady Conservation Programme (ACP) accepts motivated international volunteers to assist in conducting research on the unique flora and fauna ofMadagascar’s last remaining fragments of littoral forest. Our monitoring programme focuses on the endemic/endangered herpetofauna and lemur populations of Sainte Luce. Current projects include compiling information on species density and distribution and behavioural studies to build up a comprehensive understanding of their life histories and ecology.  A botanical monitoring programme is also being carried out to collate species inventories for each forest fragment. The ACP also implements community conservation initiatives such as Environmental Education in the village school, conservation through English lessons, and World Environment Day community festivities.

ONG Azafady is recruiting a motivated and dynamic individual to work as part of our expanding team.  The successful applicant will assist in the training, management and supervision of all activities carried out by the International volunteers. This will include the fieldwork carried out in the littoral forest, Environmental Education and English class planning and participation and all campsite activities. They will work very closely with the Research Assistants in coordinating and supervising daily activities of the team.

The candidate will be expected to assist in the training of International volunteers in fieldwork techniques and supervise the collection of scientific data in the field. The candidate must also conduct the day-to-day smooth functioning of the campsite and deal with mental and physical problems affecting the International volunteer team.  An important aspect of this role is to be approachable, accommodating and sympathetic to the needs and well being of the International volunteer team, ensuring they are happy and satisfied with the experience they have on ACP. Azafady relies heavily on the International volunteer donations and their assistants in the fieldwork they carry out, therefore it is imperative that volunteer complete the required activities and have a positive experience and go on to promote Azafady’s work.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant volunteer coordinator will work closely in collaboration with the Research Assistants and Malagasy staff in the following activities;

• Ensure support and care is provided to maintain the physical and mental welfare of volunteers 
• Provide guidance and intervention to ensure all staff and volunteers act in a positive and culturally and environmentally sensitive way
• Conduct orientation talks and activity briefings to ensure volunteers are fully informed about health and safety, security, project work, local culture etc.
• Alongside the Research Assistants hold regular debriefs and feedback sessions with the volunteers and report on pertinent findings
• Manage the contingency fund, including maintenance of records and receipts 
• Ensure, through tuition and management, all work is carried out in accordance with health and safety policy and risk assessments
• Regularly collect stories, blogs and photographs from volunteers for use in publicity and social media
• Interact with volunteers in a professional and friendly manner and ensure good communications between the volunteers, Azafady staff and the Community
• Supervise the volunteers in field data collection
• Manage the day-to-day campsite tasks, rotas and daily log
• Assist in the training of volunteers in field techniques
• Assist and monitor the collection of scientific data in the forest
• Assist in the organisation and logistics of field based excursions
• Lead in Environmental Education and English class preparation and activities
• Between schemes, participate in required briefing and debriefing
• Support the ACP Co-ordinator in updating volunteer documentation
• Any other tasks the Director/ Project Coordinator deems necessary within the broad remit of this role

Personal specification

• Approachable friendly and empathetic to others needs in varies situations
• Proven communication skills
• Experience in management and supervision of a small team in difficult conditionsHave proven ability to work independently and under pressure, including problem solving and decision making
• Experience teaching or working with children is desirable
• A good degree of enthusiasm and a good sense of humour
• Experience of or a proven strong interest in wildlife Conservation
• A qualification of a related disciplinePrevious experience living or working in a developing country would be an asset
• Able to or willing to learn to safely handle and identify reptiles and amphibians
• A good grasp of Health and Safety/ medical aspects of field based volunteering
• Hold a First aid qualification
• Ability to motivate others in challenging and often difficult times
• Ability to work as part of a dynamic and multicultural team
• Good degree of fitness for working in difficult terrain under tropical conditions
• Ability to spend long periods of time in basic camping conditions

Candidates interested in applying for this position should send a detailed CV and a cover letter explaining how their skills and experience match the requirements in the Job Description to lisa.carrier@azafady.org.  The closing date for applications is 11th October, 2013

Pay and conditions – Food and local transport will be provided whilst in the bush. All other costs will need to be covered by the candidate, including accommodation when in town.

More information on the work of Azafady can be found at www.azafady.org