Overview:

MRCI (Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute) is seeking a passionate and experienced Marine and Turtle Program Manager to lead our Marine Conservation and Turtle Monitoring Programs. This is a unique opportunity to manage a hands-on program focused on marine biodiversity, coral reef health, and sea turtle conservation while living and working on the beautiful island of Nosy Komba.

The Marine and Turtle Program Manager will oversee all aspects of the programs, including field research, volunteer coordination, data collection, community engagement, and training. This role is essential for ensuring that the program continues to contribute to the protection and sustainability of marine ecosystems in Madagascar.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of marine conservation projects, including coral reef health monitoring, artificial reef construction and maintenance, fish and invertebrate surveys, and underwater clean-ups in partnership with Ocean Conservancy and PADI AWARE.
• Manage the turtle monitoring program, ensuring regular data collection on turtle nesting, behaviour, and population health.
• Design and implement new marine and turtle conservation initiatives, ensuring alignment with MRCI’s mission and conservation goals.

Volunteer Coordination and Training

• Lead training sessions for volunteers, including species identification (fish, corals, invertebrates) and survey methodologies.
• Oversee volunteer participation in daily fieldwork activities such as fish, invertebrate, and substrate surveys, artificial reef cleaning, coral nursery maintenance, and turtle monitoring.
• Ensure volunteers receive thorough orientation on health and safety protocols, research techniques and conservation ethics.

Field Research & Data Collection

• Conduct regular field surveys to monitor coral reef health, fish population density, and invertebrate biodiversity.
• Coordinate turtle monitoring activities, including beach patrols, data collection on nesting and hatching success rates, and tagging turtles for research purposes.
• Analyze and report collected data to contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts and share findings with partners, government bodies, and stakeholders.

Community Engagement & Education

• Foster relationships with local communities to promote sustainable fishing practices and increase awareness of marine and turtle conservation.
• Organize community beach clean-ups and educational workshops in collaboration with local leaders to enhance environmental awareness.
• Work with the community development team to support environmental education initiatives in local schools.

Partnerships & Reporting

• Collaborate with global partners such as PADI AWARE, Ocean Conservancy, and other NGOs to strengthen the impact of MRCI’s marine conservation efforts.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports on program activities, progress, and challenges for MRCI’s management team and stakeholders.
• Assist in writing grants and securing funding for new and ongoing conservation projects.

Key Qualifications:

Education: Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in marine conservation, project management, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of coral reef ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and sea turtle conservation.
• Experience in volunteer management, community outreach, and training beneficial.

Certifications:

• PADI Divemaster or equivalent.
• Experience in leading dive trips and supervising underwater research activities.

Skills:

• Excellent organisational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Ability to work in remote, challenging environments and adapt to changing conditions.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for marine conservation and a commitment to MRCI’s mission.
• Highly motivated and proactive with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural team and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.