Protect Areas Program Assistant

Protected Areas Program Assistant - min. 6 months - Belize

Ya'axché Conservation Trust is a community-based NGO which aims to maintain a healthy environment with empowered communities by fostering sustainable livelihoods, protected area management, biodiversity conservation and environmental education within the Maya Golden Landscape, southern Belize.

The Protected Areas Program Assistant will join the Protected Areas Management (PAM) team, gaining valuable experience in one of Belize's largest and high impact NGOs. Well known for its holistic, innovative approach, Ya'axché manages three rainforest protected areas, works with Mayan farmers to help them integrate sustainable agricultural techniques and plays a strong role in influencing Belize protected area and natural resource management policy.

The Protected Areas Program Assistant will be responsible for three main tasks;

• Work with the PA Manager to implement the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), its first full deployment in Belize's terrestrial PA system.
• Maintain and improve patrol efficiency through working closely with the PA manager, head ranger and ranger team, to ensure the maximum efficiency with limited manpower.
• Develop a 5 year enforcement strategy.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful applicant will be committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, have a positive attitude open to learning and possess excellent communication skills. They must be adaptable and demonstrate cultural sensitivity, even when working outside of their comfort zone or cultural norms. Experience living or working in remote, tropical environments is a strong advantage.

Essential

• A BSc in a conservation management related topic
• Knowledge of innovative conservation and enforcement techniques
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues related to protected areas, climate change, biodiversity, governance and rural development
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to research independently
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent understanding and quick learning of technology

Desirable

• An MSc in a conservation management related topic
• Experience working in Central America and/or for conservation and development NGO's in developing countries
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising
• Experience teaching, both classroom and field based
• Written and spoken Spanish /
• Spoken Qe'qchi or Mopan Maya

The successful applicant must be able to cover all costs for the full six month period including international airfare, all in country travel, insurance, and any costs associated with obtaining visas and/or work permits (please refer to the Volunteer Manual for further information).

For a more detailed job description, please see www.yaaxche.org/vacancy. Send applications to lee.mcloughlin@yaaxche.org.