Project Coordinator (Community-Based Conservation and Research)
at Honko Mangrove Conservation & Conservation in Ambondrolava, southwest Madagascar
About Honko
Founded in 2008, the NGO Honko Mangrove Conservation & Education is a Belgian NGO that works in southwest Madagascar, one of the poorest regions of the world. Honko’s goal is to work in partnership with local people for the conservation of mangroves and to improve the living conditions of local communities by promoting alternative livelihoods. Furthermore, Honko has established an information center and boardwalk through the mangroves for tourists, and also helped with the establishment of a village association devoted to community-based management of the mangroves. The NGO is currently working on several projects including village fish farming, apiculture, bioenergy plantations, environmental education, ecotourism, and the implementation of a Plan Vivo (community-based carbon credits) project. Honko also welcomes and supervises Malagasy and foreign students conducting research projects at our site. For more information about Honko, see our website at www.honko.org, or our Facebook page (Honko Mangrove Conservation & Education) where we post photos, news stories, highlight student research, etc.
Job Description and Location
Honko is looking for a Project Coordinator to start immediately on-site in Ambondrolava, SW Madagascar. The Project Coordinator will help coordinate Honko’s multiple ongoing projects and supervise Honko’s local staff, made up of two socio-organizers and two eco- guides, and on occasion supervise visiting local and international students’ research. You will work with and report to the on-site Project Manager, who is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the NGO on the ground, and the off-site Director and Co-Founders of Honko. The position is based at the Mangrove Information Centre in the village of Ambondrolava, 12km north of the city Tulear in SW Madagascar.
Responsibilities
• Supervision and daily management of Honko’s projects and staff.
• Maintain communication with the Project Manager regarding project planning and to ensure that all implemented activities fall within the framework of Honko’s mission.
• Supervise volunteers and students (local and international) conducting research at Honko, including creation of viable and cohesive short-term studies to study abroad students.
• Help maintain liaison with Honko’s partners and supervise activities carried out in collaboration with such partners, including but not limited to WWF, Blue Ventures, Reef Doctor, and Ho Avy.
• Represent the NGO to the local community, partners, universities, government officials, and tour operators among other entities.
Desired Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, environmental studies, agronomy, or related subject
• Project management experience in community development, sustainable development, or conservation. Ideally with experience in financial and personnel management.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural or international setting, especially in the field of conservation or in a developing country
• Experience with mangrove ecology and research highly desired
• Able to supervise/guide students on environmental research projects, with field research experience in forest, marine, and/or freshwater ecology
Desired Attributes
• Ability and willingness to live in basic, rural conditions
• Adaptability and diplomacy for working and living in rural areas, preferably experience living or working in developing countries
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and think on your feet
• Confidence, flexibility, patience
Required Language Skills
• Proficiency in French
• Good knowledge of English
Contract Period
• Position is available immediately and will be filled by the first qualified applicant. Ideal candidate can commit 12 months, please state your availability in your cover letter.
Salary and Benefits
• All food and accommodation costs covered (includes local transportation; excludes flights, visas, insurance) and additional stipend of 50 euro/month.
• 1300 euro flight allowance
• Availability of a 4×4 (for work purposes)
• Accommodations in peaceful spot at the edge of the mangroves
• A challenging position focusing on actual themes, support by a small dedicated local team, and an enriching experience in a fascinating environment
• Opportunity to gain valuable project management experience in an international setting
• Chances to collaborate and network with other conservation NGOs and professionals in SW region
Application
Send your CV and cover letter to jobs@honko.org. We will consider and interview applicants as we receive applications and fill the position with the first qualified applicant.
More information:
You can learn more about us through our website www.honko.org, our Facebook page, and our blog where we post regular photos and updates on all of Honko's community and conservation initiatives. You can also contact us with any questions at jobs@honko.org.
