Conservation Research Assistant - Madagascar

Job Description

Ideal for a motivated individual interested in working within an established International and local research team to carry out fieldwork in a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot. Based in the stunning coastal village of Sainte Luce 40km north of Fort Dauphin and researching within the area's threatened littoral forest, this position offers the chance of hands on in-situ conservation and contribution to scientific papers. The research Assistants lead teams of short term volunteers from around the world in the activities required to collect scientific data and work with the community to improve environmental education. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain field experience and skills towards a career in conservation.

Background of the Post in the Azafady Conservation Programme

 The Azafady Conservation Programme (ACP) accepts international volunteers to help conduct research on the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar’s last remaining fragments of littoral forest. Our research programme focuses on the endemic/endangered flora and fauna of Sainte Luce with a particular focus on lemur research, herpetology surveys and endangered palm monitoring. Current projects include compiling information on herp species density inventories and lemur behavioural studies to build up a comprehensive understanding of their life histories and ecology.  Habitat sampling is also a regular activity to collate species inventories for each forest fragment, with a particular emphasis on endangered palm species and how the local community use them. The ACP works very closely with the local community to implement community conservation initiatives such as environmental education in the village school, conservation through English lessons and training eco tourism guides to work in the region..

 ONG Azafady is recruiting a motivated and dynamic individual to work as part of our expanding research team.  The successful applicant will help conduct field research on the flora and fauna of Sainte Luce’s littoral forests. The individual will be expected to train and supervise groups of volunteers in research methodologies, ensuring accurate collation of scientific data and managing the  day-to-day schedule for the programme. This job role is a balance collecting valuable scientific data and ensuring volunteers are happy and satisfied with the programme. After sufficient training the applicant will also work with the research team to assist in developing and expanding research projects and writing scientific papers.

Duties and responsibilities

The research assistant will work in collaboration with Azafady Malagasy staff in the following activities;

• Organise the logistics of the research projects when in the field, including equipment and resource management
• Lead data collection in the field
• Monitor data collection in the field and ensure quality of data
• Assist in setting research objectives and ensuring these are met
• Supervise volunteers during their time in the field, problem solving situations as they arise
• Assist in training volunteers in field research techniques
• Ensure good communication and team relations between volunteers, Azafady staff and local staff
• Assist in the development of research projects, analysis of data and write up of research papers when required.
• Any other tasks the Director/ Project Coordinator deems necessary within the broad remit of this role
• Able to commit for a period of one year minimum

Personal specification;

• Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in conservation issues
• A qualification in a related discipline
• 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 collecting data
• Previous experience living or working in a developing country would be an asset
• Good IT skills
• Ability to grasp and carryout instruction in challenging environments and maintain a good sense of humour
• First aid certificate
• Working Knowledge of GPS and/or GIS is an advantage
• A good degree of initiative, motivation and commitment
• Ability to motivate others
• Excellent organisational and time management skills is a must
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and be flexible and accommodating
• 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

Anyone 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 Mark Jacobs, by email or by post:

mark@azafady.org

Azafady Ltd, Studio 7, 1a Beethoven Street, London, W10 4LG

Pay and conditions – Food and local transport will be provided whilst on projects. All other costs will need to be covered by the candidate, including accommodation when not in the field.