Research Officer - Honduras
Terms of Reference
MarAlliance is a leading international non-profit, operating across five countries, with official registrations in the US, Belize and Panama, with active engagement in Honduras since 2015. We are dedicated to pioneering conservation efforts for endangered marine species, particularly sharks, rays, and turtles, alongside their critical coastal habitats. Our approach seeks a win-win for fish and fishing communities, is collaborative, and co-creates 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 effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the behavior and ecology of marine wildlife, we inform and empower evidence-based conservation and management decisions. As the populations of many large and endangered marine species continue to decline, MarAlliance stands as a formidable, science-driven advocate, guiding our partners in developing and implementing effective conservation strategies to reverse these trends and ensure a sustainable future for marine life.
Position Summary
MarAlliance seeks a Research Officer in Honduras. Our ideal candidate will be a Honduran National and Master’s level scientist with previous field and analytical experience who is passionate about the sea and protecting large threatened marine wildlife with dependent stakeholders. This position requires hands-on collection, management, and analysis of scientific data for conservation science, along with strong writing, presentation, communication, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will have experience with grant writing, the preparation and adherence to budgets, and a working knowledge of local non-government and government agencies. The position will require travel to coastal communities throughout the country.
Key Values and Competencies
- Highly motivated, strategic thinker who is detail-oriented and highly organized with a strong work ethic and 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 independently and as a functional team member; focus on results, and respond positively to constructive feedback and professional critique; diplomacy and political sensitivity; accountability is key.
The Research Officer will be responsible to:
- Collection, entry, proofing and analyses of scientific data.
- Conducting marine-based fieldwork on small boats and in-water, often in remote locations with basic amenities.
- Assisting in survey design and execution, and in data mapping and visualization.1
- Contribution to grant and report writing.
- Contribution to the publication of scientific papers, reports, and to communications content (e.g. social media) to engage stakeholders outside the scientific community.
- Assisting in the maintenance of inventory and functionality of field and office equipment.
- Supporting the preparation and logistics of standardized monitoring of marine megafauna and associated field expeditions.
- Liaising and building relationships with MarAlliance’s fisher field associates and associated communities.
- Mentoring/supervising undergraduate students during thesis studies.
- Assisting with education and outreach activities as required.
- Assisting MarAlliance’s Communications Team with photo/video and written materials.
- Accurate bookkeeping in accordance with MarAlliance policy and grant requirements.
- Performing other related tasks and duties as required by MarAlliance supervisors.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in marine science or closely related fields and two years of professional experience; preference for Master of Science with relevant experience. Must communicate and present fluently in written and spoken English and Spanish. Ability to work remotely, with different cultures across different time zones. Previous, relevant experience in the field, especially with marine and fisheries surveys.
- \Ability to analyze, interpret and articulate scientific data and technical information.
- Must be a Honduran citizen or be a permanent resident of Honduras with a valid work visa.
Assets
- Knowledge of fisheries, wildlife biology, and marine conservation issues in Honduras. ● Strong swimmer/snorkeler, able to swim at least 1 km with fins, mask and snorkel. ● 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 humour. ● Good communication, innovation and determination. ● Genuine passion for the mission and work of MarAlliance.
- 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.
Duration, Location and Oversight
The position is for contract services and is available for nine months, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funds available. The Research Officer must be based in Honduras and will report to the Honduras National Coordinator for administrative and policy issues and to the Science Coordinator for marine-based fieldwork and data collection.