CAREERS & VOLUNTEERING

The Manta Trust

Formed in 2011, the Manta Trust is a UK-registered charity coordinating global manta and devil ray conservation efforts. Our mission is to collaborate with affiliates around the world through research and education and by providing expert advice to drive the policies and practices necessary to conserve manta rays, their relatives, and habitats. We are working towards a sustainable future for the oceans where manta rays and their relatives thrive in healthy, diverse marine ecosystems.

Our team is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists, educators, and media experts, working together to share and promote knowledge and expertise. By conducting long-term, robust scientific studies, we aim to build the solid foundations upon which governments, NGO’s and conservationists can make informed and effective marine management decisions.

As charismatic megafauna, manta rays act as a flagship species, helping to motivate and engage people with the wider message of marine ecosystem conservation. Through this top-down approach, the manta ray becomes the catalyst for change, educating people about the solutions needed to ensure the long-term survival of these animals and the underwater world we rely upon.

With a network of ~30 affiliate projects worldwide, we specialise in collaborating with multiple parties to drive conservation as a collective, from businesses and governments to individuals and local communities.

About the Role

Have you worked in fisheries conservation, management, or research? Do you have experience shaping or implementing fisheries policy at the international level through conventions such as CITES or CMS, regionally through FMOs, or nationally within government? Are you passionate about the role that effective policy and governance play in delivering positive conservation outcomes? If so, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking an individual with significant expertise in fisheries policy to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the strategic direction of our conservation work. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your knowledge and experience to an organisation dedicated to safeguarding mobulids and marine biodiversity through robust science, effective advocacy, impactful education and a collaborative approach.

Our organisation is supported by two core departments. The Operations Department, led by the Deputy Chief Executive, oversees fundraising, finance, communications, marketing, and database management. The Conservation Programmes Department, led by the Director of Conservation Programmes, delivers our fisheries and policy work, research, education and outreach initiatives, and coordinates with the Trust’s global network of affiliated projects.

In this role, you will provide strategic oversight and expert guidance on fisheries policy matters, participate in regular committee meetings with the Conservation Programmes team department, and act as a trusted advisor to the Director of Conservation Programmes Fisheries & Policy Team. You will also attend quarterly Board meetings, where strategic priorities, governance matters, and key organisational issues are discussed, and provide updates on the progress and activities of the Conservation Programmes Department. We are therefore particularly interested in hearing from individuals with deep practical experience of fisheries governance and policy development, ocean and environmental science and/or education, and a strong commitment to advancing effective, evidence-based conservation.

Location: Mainly remote, with some travel to London.

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role; however, reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.

Time Commitment: Four board meetings per year, and three committee meetings per year (with each meeting lasting around two and a half hours). Plus, attendance at occasional events and meetings with key stakeholders.

Report To: Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Closing Date: Friday 2 October 2026, 17:00 BST

Interview Date: W/c 12 October 2026, held in London or online. 

Principal Responsibilities

The formal duties of the Board of Trustees collectively are to:

• Ensure that the Manta Trust complies with its five-year plan, governance, charity law, fundraising, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Work collaboratively with the Conservation Programmes Team, Executive Leadership Team, Board of Advisors, and fellow Trustees.

• Provide expert strategic direction and oversight regarding the charity's engagement with the response to fisheries policies.

• Support the development and implementation of conservation strategies that are informed by effective interaction with relevant policy frameworks.

• Offer insights and contribute to discussions on conservation projects and priorities, particularly concerning their fisheries and policy content.

• Safeguard the good name and the values of the Manta Trust.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Manta Trust.

• Ensure the financial stability of the Manta Trust.

• Act always in the best interests of the Manta Trust and declare any conflicts of interest.

Expectations

To fulfil the role of Trustees effectively, all Trustees are expected to:

Attend Board meetings, currently held quarterly. Meetings in Q2 and Q4 are conducted via video call, whilst meetings in Q1 and Q3 are hosted in person in London. When Trustees are unable to attend Q1 and Q3 meetings in person they can join via video conference, but the preference of the Board is for these to be face to face meetings.

Attend conservation programmes committee meetings, held every four months. Meetings are generally conducted via video call but may occasionally be hosted in person in a location agreed upon in advance by committee members.

Attend and participate in the Board’s annual strategic planning day held on a weekday (usually in London).

Occasionally attend functions on behalf of the Manta Trust, liaise with other Trustees and the Senior Team in between Board meetings.

Read Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to discuss key points arising from those papers.

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and expertise meet the requirements to the Deputy Chief Executive, kate.polley@mantatrust.org

Education & Research Officer*

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme

Addu Atoll

Ref: #ADDU2026

Deadline: 10th September 2026

*Maldivian Nationals Only

The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and highly personable Education & Research Officer to lead our manta ray project base in Addu Atoll.

This is a unique, local island-based role that blends marine conservation, research, and community engagement. While our work remains grounded in robust scientific research, this position places a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional community experiences and acting as an ambassador for both MMCP and the RahVeshi Programme.

We are looking for a candidate who is confident, professional, and genuinely interested in marine conservation, ideally with some experience working in the field. The successful candidate should also be comfortable working within a local-community-based project, with a genuine passion for engaging and inspiring community members of all ages.

Location: Addu Atoll, Maldives (local island based)

Position Type: Self-employed (Consultancy)  

Availability: 20th September 2026 to 20th December 2026  

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the design, development and enhancement of structured community programmes, including talks, briefings, and in-water experiences;

• Act as the primary point of contact for community engagement, maintaining a strong, visible presence within the community;

• Identify opportunities to enhance conservation impact within the local community;

• Conduct weekly research fieldwork, including snorkelling and diving, to collect and analyse manta ray data;

• Co-lead on the production of reports and publications for stakeholders, government, and scientific journals;

• Represent MMCP in the participation of education and awareness initiatives, workshops, taskforces, and events;

• Assist with general project administration and logistics;

• Promote safe and responsible marine wildlife interactions in line with best-practice guidelines.

Essential Requirements:

• Maldivian National;

• 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 4+ hours a day swimming in the ocean. Mantas 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 and education;

• Fluent in spoken and written English and Dhivehi;

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

• 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; 

• Availability: 20th September 2026 – 20th December 2026.

Desirable skills:

• Background in marine guiding, or expedition leadership or experience delivering structured community experiences;

• Strong foundational knowledge in marine biology and ecology;

• Experience with fieldwork and marine species identification;

• Data collection, analysis, and report writing expertise;

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to meet deadlines;

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously;

• Effective teamwork in multidisciplinary settings;

• Experience in developing and delivering educational programs;

• Excellent people-related skills;

• Ability to engage with diverse audiences (students, stakeholders, public);

• Leadership skills;

• Drone pilot.

Equipment Requirements:

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

• Personal snorkel & 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 between $700-900 depending on skills and level of experience;

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

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

• 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 fauz.fath-hee@mantatrust.org, quoting the reference above and your name in the email title e.g. ‘Addu Project Team Member Application #MMCP2026 Aishath Ali. 

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.

Education & Outreach Internship*

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme

Addu Atoll

Ref: #ADDU2026

Deadline: 10th Sept 2026

*for Maldivian Nationals Only

The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) is excited to offer a unique internship opportunity within our Addu Atoll project base.

This Research & Outreach internship is designed for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in marine conservation within a local island environment, combining elements of community engagement, education, and research support. While rooted in manta ray science, this role places a strong emphasis, supporting outreach initiatives, and assisting with data processing and research administration.

Due to seasonal variability, manta sightings and fieldwork opportunities may be limited at times. As such, interns will play a key role in maintaining the strength of our programme through community engagement, education, and behind-the-scenes research support.

This is an ideal opportunity for aspiring marine conservationists who are equally passionate about people, communication, and conservation storytelling as they are about fieldwork.

Location: Addu Atoll, Maldives (local island based)

Availability: 20th September 2026 to 20th December 2026  

Requirements:

• Maldivian National;

• Experience working in the field of marine conservation is preferred;

• A genuine passion for marine conservation, manta rays, and public engagement;

• Confident public speaker with excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

• Comfortable working both in front of local community members and independently on data-heavy tasks;

• Computer literate, with experience in Microsoft Excel and general data handling;

• Highly motivated, adaptable, and proactive with a positive, “can-do” attitude;

• Ability to live and work in a small-team environment;

• Fluent in spoken and written English and Dhivehi. 

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Actively support and deliver community engagement activities, including presentations, informal discussions, and educational sessions;

• Assist in organizing manta-related community experiences, including snorkelling & diving excursions where appropriate;

• Maintain a strong and professional presence within the community, acting as an ambassador for MMCP and the RahVeshi Programme;

• Assist with the organisation and delivery of structured weekly activity programmes, such as “Moodhu Vaguthu” sessions and conservation talks;

• Support data processing and management, including photo-ID processing, database updates, and data entry;

• Assist in maintaining and organising long-term datasets within the MantaBase system;

• Contribute to content creation for outreach (e.g. social media, guest materials, presentations).

Equipment Requirements:

• Personal Laptop;

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

Inclusions & Exclusions:

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

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

If you are interested, and meet all requirements please send your CV/resume (maximum two pages), and a covering letter (maximum one page) to fauz.fath-hee@mantatrust.org, quoting the reference above and your name in the email title e.g. ‘Internship Application #MMCP2026 Aishath Ali. 

This is an extremely popular and highly competitive opportunity, so really try and impress us if you want to stand out! It should also be highlighted that completion of this internship may present the opportunity to work with the Manta Trust in the future. We look forward to reading your application. 

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.

If you are a Maldivian interested in future internship opportunities with our Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, we invite you to register your interest. Full details and information on how to get involved can be found via the link below.

We don’t have any volunteering opportunities at this time. Please sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest opportunities.

If you are a young person, aged 13-17, you might be interested in applying for our Ocean Ambassadors programme. Find full details and information on how to apply through the link below.