Research Officer - Belize
Terms of Reference
MarAlliance is an international non-profit working in multiple countries and locally registered as an NGO in Belize that explores, enables, and inspires conservation action for threatened marine wildlife and their critical habitats. Our approach is demand-driven, collaborative, strategic and impact-oriented. We focus on community-oriented marine research, educational initiatives, and conservation strategies, working closely with fishermen, tourism professionals, students, protected area personnel, policymakers, and other vital marine stakeholders. By collecting crucial data on marine populations, artisanal fisheries, the impact of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the behavior and ecology of marine wildlife in a rapidly changing world, we inform and empower evidence-based conservation and management decisions. As the populations of many large marine species continue to decline, MarAlliance stands as a formidable, science-driven advocate, guiding our partners in developing and implementing effective science-based conservation strategies to reverse these trends and ensure a sustainable future for marine life.
Position Summary
MarAlliance seeks a Research Officer in Belize. Our ideal candidate will be a marine scientist with considerable previous field and analytical experience who delivers field results, peer-reviewed research and who directly contributes to socio-economic, conservation and policy outcomes. This position requires hands-on collection, management and analysis of scientific data for management and conservation along with strong writing, presentation, interpersonal, community, and organizational skills.
Key Values and Competencies
- High motivation, strong work ethic, and attention to detail
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in dynamic field environments
- Strong analytical and interpretive skills
- Ability to synthesize and communicate scientific information clearly
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
- Professional diplomacy, accountability, and cultural sensitivity
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead MarAlliance’s scientific data collection activities in Belize
- Collect, enter, proof, and analyze scientific data
- Conduct marine-based fieldwork on small boats and in-water, often in remote locations
- Assist in survey design and implementation, including spatial mapping and data visualization
- Lead the preparation of Belize-based reports and presentations
- Contribute to scientific publications and international technical reports
- Support outreach and communications, including developing content for public engagement
- Maintain and manage scientific field equipment inventory
- Support procurement and logistics for field operations
- Lead field expedition preparation and logistics for standardized marine megafauna monitoring
- Liaise with MarAlliance fisher associates, community partners, and collaborating organizations
- Support education and outreach activities as needed
- Perform other related duties as required
Qualifications/Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in marine science or closely related fields.
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience conducting fieldwork, with specific emphasis on marine and fisheries data collection
- Must be a proficient swimmer, with the ability to swim a minimum distance of 1 kilometer while equipped with fins, mask, and snorkel.
- SCUBA diving certification required, advanced open water or higher.
- Must be comfortable working on small boats.
- Strong command of the English language (both spoken and written).
- Ability to analyze, interpret and articulate scientific data and technical information.
- Must be a Belizean citizen or resident.
Assets
- Knowledge of fisheries, wildlife biology, and marine conservation issues.
- Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in Spanish.
- Experience with R, GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS), VUE, SQL, or similar tools/programming languages is highly desirable.
- Creative, patient, flexible, and able to maintain a positive sense of humor.
- Strong communication skills, with a proactive and determined approach.
- Genuine passion for MarAlliance’s mission and work
Location and Oversight
The Research Officer will be based in the MarAlliance office in Belize City, with up to 50% field time in coastal communities and marine protected areas where MarAlliance conducts research. The position will report to the Belize National Coordinator.
Duration
This position is contractual for an initial one-year term, including a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, copy of police record and contact information for three references in a single PDF with the subject line “[Your Name]_RO Belize” by the 17th of April, 2026
MarAlliance is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Additional information and supporting documentation may be requested from shortlisted applicants as part of the selection process. No calls or emails please to request feedback