CAREERS & VOLUNTEERING

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Research & Outreach Officer – Maldives Manta Conservation Programme

Manta Ray Project Baa Atoll Field Season 2025 | Ref: #MMCP2025

Strong knowledge of Maldivian culture and environment preferred

Are you passionate about marine conservation and eager to develop your leadership skills? The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) is seeking a motivated and dedicated individual to step into the role of Senior Research and Outreach Officer in Baa Atoll for the 2025 manta season.

This role is designed for a driven individual looking to take on an exciting, dynamic position with opportunities for professional growth. You will not only play a vital role in spreading awareness and advancing our understanding of manta rays but will also receive training, mentorship, and structured career development to prepare you for future managerial roles in conservation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with leading and coordinating daily research snorkels and site surveys;

• Collect and analyse data on all manta sightings and assist in research projects;

• Take initiative in developing new research projects and methodologies;

• Assist with the design and implementation of community outreach and education initiatives under the Moodhu Madharusaa Programme;

• Assist in planning and managing the annual Maldives Manta Festival;

• Identify and develop ways to benefit local communities through environmental conservation;

• Contribute towards providing structured training for Baa Atoll Interns;

• Lead content development for Manta Trust social media platforms;

• Ensure professionalism and represent MMCP within a resort setting;

• Oversee and conduct manta ray excursions with resort guests;

• Act as a mentor to the annual Four Seasons Marine Biology Apprentices;

Position Requirements:

• Minimum PADI Dive Master certification in active status (SSI/BSAC equivalent);

• Experience working within the Maldivian community;

• Experience in field research, preferably with marine megafauna;

• Strong leadership skills or a desire to develop leadership experience;

• Experience/interest in developing educational materials and conducting outreach activities;

• Excellent swimming/snorkeling skills, with the ability to free-dive comfortably to at least 10-15m;

• Physically fit – capable of spending 4+ hours per day, 6 days a week in the ocean;

• Passion for manta rays, marine conservation, and environmental research;

• Fluency in spoken and written English and Dhivehi;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – confident in public speaking and delivering presentations;

• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable.

• Willingness to assist and guide in conducting social science studies within the local community.

• Ability to work effectively in a team and within a resort/local island environment;

• Availability: May – December 2025.

Equipment Requirements:

• Personal laptop with photo editing software (e.g. Lightroom);

• Dropbox Plus Subscription (minimum 1TB storage space);

• Personal snorkel gear or willingness to purchase upon acceptance of job offer.

What We Offer:

• Monthly salary of $750;

• All food, shared accommodation, and internal flight transfers covered;

• Free theory training course for those without a Freediving qualification;

• Hands-on experience leading marine research and outreach initiatives;

• Receive ongoing professional development, training, and guidance to progress towards leadership roles.

• Career progression opportunities within MMCP and the wider conservation field.

This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career in marine conservation while making a tangible impact on manta ray conservation and community engagement in the Maldives.

If you are ready to take the next step in your conservation career, please send your CV/resume (max. two pages) and a cover letter (max. one page) to tam@mantatrust.org, quoting the reference above and your name in the email title (e.g. ‘Research & Outreach Officer Application #MMCP2025 – Joe Bloggs’).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be interviewed before the deadline.

Due to limited capacity, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Community Outreach & Research Officer (CORO) – Laamu Atoll

Are you passionate about marine conservation and community engagement? Do you want to inspire local youth and contribute to ocean conservation in Laamu?

The Manta Trust is seeking a Community Outreach & Research Officer (CORO) to strengthen community-driven conservation efforts in Laamu Atoll. This is a remote-based position, with the successful candidate working primarily from a local island (4 days per week) and visiting Six Senses Laamu for training and collaboration 1-2 day per week.

Why This Role Matters

The CORO position has already demonstrated its value in fostering meaningful connections between local communities and marine conservation initiatives. By strengthening relationships with councils, schools, NGOs, and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), this role plays a crucial part in:

• Encouraging youth to pursue careers in marine science.

• Enhancing community participation in conservation efforts.

• Bridging communication gaps through translated educational materials.

• Supporting in-water activities by promoting swimming confidence and safety.

While not based at Six Senses Laamu, the CORO will have the unique opportunity to spend limited time at the resort to:

• Learn how conservation integrates with sustainable tourism.

• Develop skills in science communication and guest engagement.

• Collaborate with marine biologists, conservationists, and NGOs within the MUI (Maldives Underwater Initiative) team.

Key Responsibilities

• Work remotely from a local island, engaging communities to promote ocean conservation.

• Conduct educational programs in schools and environmental clubs.

• Assist with research activities, including data entry and analysis.

• Support in translating educational materials for local audiences.

• Collaborate with WDCs to engage women and girls in marine conservation.

• Guide and instruct community members in swimming and water safety.

• Visit Six Senses Laamu (1–2 days/week) for training, mentorship, and conservation learning opportunities.

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Maldivian culture and environment preferred

• Preferably from Laamu Atoll.

• Passionate about marine conservation and community engagement.

• Fluent in Dhivehi and English (spoken & written).

• Strong public speaking and communication skills.

• Confident in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Self-motivated, well-organized, and able to meet deadlines.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in education, teaching, or community outreach.

• Prior involvement in environmental or conservation projects.

• Experience working with children or local communities.

• Ability to swim and snorkel (or willingness to learn).

Position Details

• Location: Remote – Based on a local island in Laamu Atoll (not at the resort).

• Work Schedule: 4 days/week on a local island + 1–2 days/week at Six Senses Laamu for training & research.

• Employment Type: Consultancy (Self-Employed).

• Salary: $800 per month (based on skills and experience).

• Additional Benefits: Swimming instructor qualification, mentorship from Manta Trust conservationists, exposure to sustainable tourism initiatives.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about ocean conservation and want to make a difference in your community, send your CV and cover letter to laamu@mantatrust.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: Open until filled – Apply Now!

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Field Research & Outreach Internship

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme Manta Ray Project Raa Atoll 2025 | Ref: #MMCP2025

Deadline = 31st May 2025