CAREERS & VOLUNTEERING

 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Project Manager

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme

Manta Ray Project Laamu Atoll

Deadline: 10th May

 
 

The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) has gone from strength to strength and over the last few years we have built an ever-growing network of marine biologists in our flagship project in the Maldives. With so many islands, reef systems, and potential manta sites, we continue to expand our research and partnerships to enable us to monitor manta ray populations throughout the Maldives archipelago. The MMCP is happy to announce the opening of a project position within the Maldives: We are currently looking to fill a Project Manager role for Laamu Atoll.

Essential Requirements:

  • Applicants must have successfully completed a BSc degree in Marine Biology/ Environmental Conservation, Note – for Maldivian nationals, a BSc degree is not a requirement but experience working in the field of marine conservation is preferred;

  • Minimum: PADI Divemaster Certification in active status (SSI/BSAC equivalent);

  • AIDA2 (or equivalent) freediving qualification OR willingness to complete certification course if successful in application to the position.

  • Physically fit – it is likely you will spend 2-3+ hours a day diving / swimming in the ocean. When conditions are rough/there is a current, it can be physically demanding to deploy research equipment;

  • Leadership/managerial experience;

  • Fluent in spoken and written English (and Dhivehi is desirable);

  • Experience of data collection, data analysis and report writing;

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and foster relationships with diverse stakeholders including environmental organizations, community members, and government agencies;

  • A strong interest in manta rays, conservation, and marine/environmental research and education.

  • Computer literate with experience in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working long hours at a desk;

  • Self-motivated individual with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to a diverse workload;

  • Excellent guest relations and communication skills. Comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations;

  • The ability to live and work as part of a team in a resort island environment;

  • Availability: June 2024 –2025.

Desirable skills:

  • Experience in community development, social work, or a related field.

  • Leadership/managerial experience;

  • Demonstrate organisational and administrative skills with the ability to plan and deliver to deadlines;

  • Excellent customer related skills;

  • Previous experience working in the Maldives.

  • Experience conducting scientific dives.

Roles and responsibilities include:

  • Lead manta excursions (dive trips to manta cleaning sites, more rarely snorkel trips);

  • Carry out daily research activities, site surveys, data collection on all manta sightings;

  • Data entry – survey results; sightings updates; research study analysis;

  • Maintain the regional manta sightings database and branchial ID gallery;

  • Lead on research and reporting requirements of project;

  • Supervision of MSc Student Projects;

  • Writing scientific reports on research findings;

  • Conduct weekly manta presentations for guests;

  • Promote safe and responsible tourism interactions with manta rays;

  • Communicate effectively between resort management, on-site dive centre, and MMCP colleagues and management;

  • Work with the Assistant Project Manager to engage the local community - raising awareness about marine conservation issues, and implementing projects and activities that contribute to the protection and sustainable use of marine resources;

  • Produce material for MMCP social media;

  • Management of MMCP staff on-site and overall team administration and logistics;

  • Data collection in the field, including by snorkel and SCUBA diving, of the local manta ray population;

  • Provide mentorship and training to research & outreach interns.

  • Represent, when requested, the MMCP at government organised taskforces, workshops and the like.

  • Support the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) in other research activities whenever needed, this can include reef surveys, coral spawning research, sea turtle research etc.

Equipment Requirements:

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

  • Dropbox Plus Subscription (minimum 1TB storage space)

  • Camera equipment (incl. underwater housing and SD cards) – Eg. Olympus Tough TG-6 + Housing.

  • Personal dive gear or willingness to purchase this on acceptance of job offer.

Inclusions & Exclusions:

  • This is a self-employed (consultancy) role. Consultants will be entitled to a monthly consultancy fee of $1200;

  • Food and shared accommodation provided, plus internal work-related travel and reimbursement of one international return flight, on completion of contract;

  • Consultants will be required to take out their own insurance cover, including but not limited to, travel and personal liability insurance;

  • Additional details available on request. 

If you are interested, and meet all requirements please send your CV/resume (maximum two pages), and a covering letter (maximum one page) to mmcp.careers@mantatrust.org, quoting the reference above and your name in the email title e.g. ‘Laamu Project Manager Application #MMCP2024 Your Name’.

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted with short-listed candidates before the application deadline. 

Due to limited capacity only successful candidates will be contacted.

Research & Outreach Officer

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme

For Maldivian Nationals Only

Deadline: 1st May 2024

 
 

Are you passionate about marine conservation and eager to make a tangible impact? The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) is seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to fill the role of Research and Outreach Officer in Baa Atoll this manta season.

As a Research and Outreach Officer, you will play a vital role in spreading awareness and advancing our understanding of manta rays while engaging and inspiring local communities and visitors to join our conservation efforts. 

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Carry out daily research snorkels and site surveys;

  • Collect data on all manta sightings and assist with all research projects in the field;

  • Assist with development of new research projects;

  • Data entry – survey results; sightings updates; research study analysis;

  • Promote safe and responsible tourism interactions with manta rays;

  • Assist with the planning and delivery of community awareness and educational sessions as part of the Moodhu Madharusaa Programme;

  • Assist Education Manager with the organisation and implementation of the annual Maldives Manta Festival.

  • Investigate ways of benefitting the local community through environmental conservation;

  • Contribute to training of the Baa Atoll Interns;

  • Produce material for Manta Trust social media;

  • Maintain the professional manner required in a resort workplace;

  • Lead manta ray excursions with resort guests;

  • Mentor the annual Four Seasons Marine Biology Apprentice(s).

Position Requirements:

  • Minimum PADI Rescue Diver certification (or SSI/BSAC equivalent). Please give details of diving experience and number of dives logged. Whilst diving is not a common activity for an intern, applicants without this diving qualification will NOT be considered;

  • Field research experience, preferably with marine megafauna; 

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

  • Excellent swimming/snorkelling skills. A demonstrated ability to comfortably free-dive to at least 10-15m. You will spend a lot of time snorkelling down beneath manta rays to get photos of their ID spot patterns;

  • Physically fit – it is likely that you will spend 4+ hours a day, 6 days a week swimming in the ocean. Manta rays love to be uncooperative, and when conditions are rough/there is a current, it can be physically demanding;

  • A strong interest in manta rays, conservation and marine/environmental research;

  • Computer literate and comfortable working long hours at a desk. After a long day at sea, team members will be expected to spend 3 hours+ in the afternoon/evenings processing ID photo data in the office with the other researchers;

  • Fluent in spoken and written English and Dhivehi;

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations;

  • Self-motivated individual with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to a diverse workload; 

  • The ability to live and work as part of a team in a resort local island environment;

  • Availability: June – December 2024

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 this on acceptance of job offer;

Inclusions & Exclusions:

  • All food, shared accommodation and internal flight transfers will be covered.

  • For those not certified with any Freediving qualification, a theory training course will be provided free of charge. 

  • The Research & Outreach Officer will be entitled to a monthly salary of $750.   

  • Scientific training and experience conducting research in the field. 

  • The Research & Outreach Officer will be required to take out their own insurance cover, including but not limited to, travel and personal liability insurance.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the conservation of manta rays and the preservation of the Maldives' rich marine biodiversity. Join us in our mission to protect these gentle giants and inspire others to take action!

If you are interested, and meet all requirements please send your CV/resume (maximum two pages), and a covering letter (maximum one page) to mmcp.careers@mantatrust.org, quoting the reference above and your name in the email title e.g. ‘Research & Outreach Officer Application #MMRP2024 Joe Bloggs’. 

Please note this position is reserved for Maldivian nationals. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted with short-listed candidates before the application deadline. 

Due to limited capacity only successful candidates will be contacted.

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We do not have any other staff positions that we are recruiting for at present. Please keep an eye on this page, our social media and our newsletter where we will advertise any job or internship offers.