Location: Malapascua Island, Philippines
Contract duration: Initial 4 month contract (with possibilities for extension) Start date: 15th April 2017
Remuneration and benefits: 25,000-40,000 Philippine Pesos (Dependent on Experience/Qualifications) Contribution made to travel expenses
All meals provided (except on days off)

Organisation overview:

People and the Sea is a French and Filipino registered charity. We are a community-driven marine conservation organisation operating in Malapascua, Philippines. Our objective is to support local communities in identifying innovative ways to protect their marine environment and have a positive economic impact.

We are recruiting a new Lead Science Officer (LSO) to oversee the delivery of our science programme to expedition volunteers as well as to further our ongoing research initiatives.

Summary Job Description:

The main responsibilities of the LSO are to plan and coordinate the participation of all volunteers in People and the Sea’s marine conservation activities and research. Working closely with the People and the Sea head office, the position involves the supervision of volunteers, the responsibility for collection and the analysis of data to achieve the research objectives of People and the Sea. The role will required the compilation and presentation of finding to relevant stakeholders.

The LSO is under the management and guidance of the Expedition Manager, and is directly contributing to the fulfilment of the conservation goals of the project. The Lead Science Officer will also be expected to contribute positively to the running of the site and assist in the development of community based initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead volunteer science training programme: 

• Ensure the development and implementation of the expedition volunteer training programme.
• Prepare, update and present science lectures for volunteers.
• Develop innovative teaching methods to ensure volunteers achieve science training goals.
• Ensure the validity and quality of the data collected.
• Oversee data recording.

Research methodologies:

• Keep up-to-date with scientific and research developments in marine conservation.
• Adapt and develop research methodologies to suit local environment.
• Conduct independently-led research on selected subjects in order to further scientific understanding.

Diving Activities:

• Schedule and lead field research and volunteer’s science training and data collection dives.
• Ensure the dive operations are run in accordance to the People and the Sea Scuba Diving Policy.
• Oversee the maintenance and inventory of scientific equipment.

Write up of results: Produce regular research updates:

• Write and communicate research reports.
• Summarise the progression of projects and efforts realised.
• Where necessary, present research activities/results to relevant stakeholders.

Coordination of site duties shared with all staff on site:

• Ensure that People and the Sea site rules are respected and adhered to by everyone on the site.
• Support the People and the Sea team on site with the day-to-day running of the project
• Assist in the development of People and the Sea’s ongoing community programmes.
• Contribute to the development of People and the Sea’s social media community (e.g. FB posts, blogs)

Research and Grant Applications:

• Supervise visiting under-graduate university students in the conduct of their research projects.
• Opportunities to lead own research programmes in-line with broader People and the Sea objectives.
• Liaise with and support People and the Sea Head Office in the preparation of funding proposals for on-site projects.

Requirements:

Qualifications/Skills Required:

• Qualified diver (Divemaster level preferred, but training can be considered as part of remuneration package)
• Masters Graduate level qualification in Marine Science, Biology or Ecology (or related field)
• Excellent oral and written English.
• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, and proven experience of working effectively as part of a dynamic team.
• Good physical condition.

Qualification/Skill Desired:

• Spoken and written French.
• Understanding and experience of living and working in a developing country.
• Experience of field research on coral reefs and related habitats and species.
• Experience in database management.
• Experience in use GIS software
• Statistical analysis.
• Teaching experience.

For application process and more information please visit www.wiseoceans.com/jobs