Research Officer - Belize
Terms of Reference
MarAlliance is an international non-profit working in multiple countries and locally registered in Belize that explores, enables, inspires conservation action for threatened marine wildlife and their critical habitats. The approach is collaborative, involving community-based research, educational initiatives, and conservation strategies, working hand-in-hand 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 scientist with considerable previous field and analytical experience who is passionate about the sea and the protection of large threatened marine wildlife. This position requires hands-on collection, management and analysis of scientific data for management and conservation along with strong writing, presentation, people/community, and organizational skills.
Key Values and Competencies
- Should be a highly motivated, strategic thinker who is detail-oriented and highly organized with a strong work ethic; the ability to work independently with flexible, sometimes tight schedules.
- Strong analytical and interpretive skills: ability to understand and efficiently extract key messages from articles, datasets, results, briefings, and interactions with research colleagues and project partners.
- Ability to work both independently and as a functional team member; focus on results, and respond positively to constructive feedback and professional critique; diplomacy and political sensitivity; accountability.
The Research Officer will be responsible to:
- Lead MarAlliance scientific data collection in Belize.
- Collect, enter, proof and perform analyses of scientific data.
- Conduct marine-based field work on small boats and in-water, often in remote locations with basic amenities.
- Assist in survey design and execution, and in data mapping and visualization.
- Contribute to the publication of scientific papers and reports; and to informative content (e.g. social media) to engage stakeholders outside the scientific community.
- Assist in maintenance of inventory and functionality of field equipment.
- Preparation and execution of field expedition logistics for standardized monitoring of marine megafauna.
- Liaise and build relationships with MarAlliance’s fisher field associates and associated communities.
- Collaborate with the communication team to develop content for social media.
- Assist education and outreach activities as required.
- Perform other related tasks and duties as required
Qualifications/Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s of Science in marine science or closely related fields.
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience conducting fieldwork, with a 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.
- Must be scuba diving certified
- Must be comfortably 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.
- Ability to understand and communicate in Spanish.
- Knowledge of R, GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS), VUE, SQL, or other relevant software or programming languages is highly desired.
- Creativity, patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
- Good communication, innovation and determination.
- Genuine passion for the mission and work of MarAlliance.
Location and Oversight
The Research Officer will be based in the MarAlliance office in Belize City, with up to 50% “in-field” time in coastal communities and marine protected areas where MarAlliance works. The Research Officer will report to the Belize National Coordinator.
Duration
The position is contractual and available for 1 year with a 6 months probationary period, with possibility of renewal.