Opportunity

Ocean Career: Research Officer at MarAlliance

MarAlliance is an international non-profit registered in the US, Belize, Panama and Cabo Verde that aims to explore, enable and inspire positive changes for threatened marine wildlife - notably sharks and rays - their critical habitats and dependent human communities.

Our remit is broad and ambitious and we work in three languages and across seven countries encompassed by three regions. In the face of declines in many populations of marine megafauna these species need a strong, effective and science-based voice to represent them to help dependent partners shape management and conservation strategies and action to reverse declines.

Position Summary

MarAlliance seeks an experienced Research Officer in Panama. Our ideal candidate will be a strong analytical scientist with broad field experience who is a good communicator and passionate about the sea and the protection of large threatened marine wildlife. This position requires hands-on collection, management and analyses of scientific data for management and conservation along with strong writing, presentation, people/community and organizational skills.

Key Values and Competencies

  • Will be a highly motivated, strategic thinker who is detail-oriented and highly organised with a strong work ethic; the ability to work to tight deadlines, both independently and as part of a team is crucial.
  • Strong analytical and listening skills: ability to promptly and accurately identify and assimilate key messages from debriefings by and interactions with colleagues and project partners and from independent research, and to digest complex (information on) project activities, products and results.
  • Ability to work both independently and as a functional team member; focus on results, and respond positively to feedback; diplomacy and political sensitivity; accountability; adaptability and positivity.

The Research Associate will be responsible to

  • Collect, enter, proof and analyse scientific data.
  • Conduct field work on small boats and in-water, and in communities, often in remote locations.
  • Support survey design, and lead mapping and data visualization.
  • Train and lead field team members including traditional fishers, students, interns, and volunteers to carry out field work.
  • Complete assigned field and office tasks with the field team in coordination with CC.
  • Contribute to the redaction of scientific papers, reports and social media or lay articles.
  • Maintain inventory and functionality of field and office equipment.
  • Conduct laboratory work and maintain sample inventory.
  • Provide administrative support such as sourcing and purchasing of equipment and development of field and equipment budgets, receipts management in coordination with the CC.
  • Coordinate the preparation and logistics of standardized monitoring of marine megafauna and associated expeditions and any and all assigned fieldwork.
  • Develop and implement outreach and education events, presentations, and meetings.
  • Any other duties assigned by the CC or the Executive Director.

Qualifications

  • University undergraduate degree, Masters student preferable, in the field of biological, marine conservation, fisheries or natural sciences.
  • Citizen or resident of Panama with a viable work permit.
  • Fluent Spanish with good spoken and written English or ideally bilingual Spanish/English a necessity.
  • Previous experience in the field or office/laboratory setting is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, R, GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS) necessary with experience with Access, VUE, SQL, or other relevant software or programming languages highly desired.
  • Very comfortable in and on the water: Scuba diving certified (PADI, NAUI, SSI etc) and strong swimmer/snorkeler needed. Person should be able to swim at least 1 km with fins and be comfortable working out of small boats.

Assets

  • Creativity, patience, and a sense of humour.
  • Good communication, innovation, and determination.
  • Genuine passion for the mission and work of MarAlliance.

Location & Oversight

The position is an 11-month contract based on deliverables based in Panama, working from home and field, with frequent local and occasional international travel. Dependent on funding and project delivery, there is the possibility of renewal and transition into a staff position. Reports to the Country Coordinator (CC).

Application Process

Please submit a single PDF that includes your cover letter and current resume (CV) and contact information for 3 professional references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you meet listed requirements (note language requirements) and wish to apply. When submitting your application via email, please title the subject line “RO-Panama_your last name”

Please mention where you saw the job advertised in your cover letter.

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