Back Conservation Research Assistant

An exciting in-country opportunity to be part of the conservation research team in the
south east of Madagascar

Position Overview
Ideal for a motivated, recently qualified individual interested in working within an established research
team based in the stunning coastal village of Sainte Luce 40km north of Fort Dauphin, conducting
research within the area's fragmented littoral forest habitats and adjoining coastal habitats. This
position affords the opportunity to conduct vital in-situ conservation and to contribute data to
scientific publications.
Research Assistants are responsible for leading international teams of short-term volunteers, collecting
and analysing data accurately and contributing towards the holistic conservation approach encouraged
at SEED Madagascar.
After initial training the applicant will also work with the research team to assist in developing and
expanding research projects and the writing of scientific papers. This is an excellent opportunity for a
recent graduate to gain field experience and the necessary skills essential for a career in conservation.

Location: Sainte Luce, Anosy Region, Madagascar
Timeframe: 12 months extendable
Probationary period: 3 months
Contract: Voluntary, unsalaried, food and transport provided on camp
Reporting to: Conservation Research Coordinator

Duties and responsibilities
The research assistant will work in collaboration with SEED Madagascar’s international and
National staff in the following activities:

1. Organise and lead data collection in the field
2. Monitor data collection in the field and ensure the quality of the data
3. Assist in setting research objectives and ensuring these are consistently met
4. Organise the logistics of the research projects when in the field, including equipment and resource
   management
5. Supervise volunteers during their time in the field and in town, including pastoral care and ad-hoc
   problem solving
6. Ensure risk assessments, volunteer guidelines, field orientations and all research protocols are
   followed at all times
7. Train volunteers in field research techniques and providing feedback
8. Ensure good communication and team relations between volunteers, SEED staff and local staff
9. Assist in the development of research projects, analysis of data and write up of research papers
   when required
10. Provide photographs for the website and social media platforms to ensure coverage of the
    research
11. Ensure all of SEEDs policies and procedures are evident throughout the work of the department,
    including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anticorruption, and undertake continual
    training to ensure these are promoted at all time
12. Any other tasks the Director of Programmes and Operations or Conservation Research Coordinator
    deem necessary within the broad remit of this role

Person specification

1. Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in conservation issues
2. A qualification to at least undergraduate level in a conservation discipline
3. Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology, botany or environmental education is
   desirable
4. Able to or willing to learn to safely handle and identify reptiles and amphibians
5. Previous experience of collecting data
6. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s ethos and approach and be a good
   ambassador for SEED at all times
7. Have passion, curiosity and motivation for the job and the ability to enthuse others
8. Have the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds
   and across multiple language barriers
9. Have the ability and desire to build capacity and share skills across cultures
10. Demonstrate proven ability to recognise and appropriately deal with challenging situations
11. Demonstrate an awareness of and comfort with increased social and professional responsibility,
    working at all times with cultural sensitivity and respect
12. 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 in order to protect both
    their safety and the reputation of the NGO
13. Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEEDs policies and procedures, safeguarding those that
    SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately
14. Have excellent problem-solving skills
15. Working knowledge of GPS and/or GIS is an advantage
16. First aid certificate
17. Good degree of fitness for working in difficult terrain under tropical conditions
18. Ability to spend long periods of time in basic camping conditions
19. Able to commit for a period of one year minimum

Practicalities

Food and local transport will be provided whilst in the field. All other costs will need to be covered by
the candidate, including accommodation when not in the field.

Context of the post within the SEED Conservation Programme
The SEED Conservation Research Programme (SCRP) accepts international volunteers to help
conduct research on the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar’s last remaining fragments of littoral
forest. Our research programme focuses on the endemic/endangered communities of Sainte Luce,
with a particular focus on lemur research, herpetological study and the monitoring of bats,
dragonflies, and freshwater fish. Current projects include the long term monitoring of lemur and
herpetological fragments, amassing ecological evidence whenever information is lacking, and
compiling population densities and spatial/temporal distribution maps.
Habitat sampling and assessment is also a regular activity, alongside the collation of species inventories
for each of the nearby forest fragments, with a particular emphasis on the reptile and amphibian, bird
and small mammal communities. The SCRP team works very closely with the local community to
implement lasting community conservation initiatives, such as environmental education in village
schools and through the training of local eco-tourism guides.