Conservation Research Assistant

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 collection, 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: 12 months with potential to extend

Terms and conditions: Voluntary post, 800,000 Ar per month to support with accommodation costs (field-based food/transport provided) with a £600 contribution to insurance

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Data Collection & Research
   • Support the organisation and execution of the research schedule.
   • Lead data collection 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.
2. Volunteer Management & Support
   • Coordinate the logistics and fieldwork for short term international volunteers.
   • Provide training and supervision on field research techniques, including data collection, 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.
3. Field Operations & Logistics
   • Assist in managing the logistics of fieldwork, including equipment and resource coordination.
   • Ensure all research and fieldwork adheres to SEED’s protocols, including health and safety guidelines.
   • Support in managing the research camp to ensure it is well-organised and functioning smoothly.
4. 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 SEED’s research for our website and social media platforms, including photographs.
5. Policy & Compliance
   • Ensure compliance with SEED’s policies, including safeguarding, anti-corruption, and whistleblowing procedures.
   • Participate in ongoing training to promote adherence to SEED’s health, safety, and ethical standards.
6. 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 collection and cleansing
• Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology, botany or environmental education is desirable
• Previous experience of collecting data with a working knowledge of GPS and/or GIS
• Hold a current First Aid certificate
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED Madagascar’s 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 attitude
• Have excellent problem-solving skills
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.