[Coral-List] Position Vacancy - field science coordinator

[Alasdair Harris]

Field Science Coordinator
Andavadoaka, Madagascar
Blue Ventures Conservation, UK 

We currently have a vacancy for the position of field science coordinator 
at our research site in southwest Madagascar.  The position is for a 
minimum period of 6 months, commencing in late September 2004.  The role 
of the field science coordinator involves planning, directing and 
overseeing all marine, coastal and socio-economic research activities 
carried out at the research site, situated some 250km of the regional 
capital Toliara.  

The selection, design and implementation of a comprehensive management 
plan for the Andavadoaka region is dependent on our having extensive 
knowledge of the species and habitats present and patterns of resource 
use, and being able to integrate these social, biological and economic 
data.  

Applicants should have the vision and initiative to manage and develop an 
ambitious and diverse ecological and social research program, as well as 
work towards conservation objectives including the development of 
Madagascar's first locally managed experimental marine protected area, 
and promoting alternatives to destructive fishing methods.  In addition 
the successful applicant will be responsible for leading and training an 
international team of research volunteers and delegating responsibilities 
to junior research colleagues effectively.  

The role will require co-ordinating research activities with local 
partners from the University of Toliara and Malagasy government agencies, 
as well as with local and international NGOs, working towards the 
development of local and regional coastal and marine research initiatives 
as a basis for informing future management decisions.  The scientist will 
also be responsible for overseeing the activities of visiting researchers 
from national and international universities.  

The successful applicant will be a dynamic individual with extensive 
experience of carrying out field research on coral reefs and related 
habitats.  He/she should be qualified to a minimum of PADI Divemaster 
level or equivalent, with a masters degree or equivalent in tropical 
marine ecology, coastal management, or suitable related discipline.  
Applicants must also have a good working knowledge of French.  Experience 
of working in the Western Indian Ocean region is also highly desirable.  
Applicants should be proficient in Microsoft Office, ArcView, MapInfo and 
database design, as well as show experience of statistical analysis 
software.   

Daily on-site responsibilities will include coordinating and leading 
research dives, managing the on-site database, and liasing with local 
community representatives, working in a remote and challenging 
environment.  When in-country all living, travel and incidental expenses 
will be covered, and additional remuneration will be dependent on 
experience.

For more information on the position and details of terms of reference, 
contact Alasdair Harris by e mail at the above address or by telephone on 
+44 (0)20 8341 9819.  

Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter, with contact 
details of two referees, to the above e mail address. 

Alasdair Harris
al at blueventures.org

http://www.blueventures.org
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