Job Opening
Research Officer - Panama
Terms of Reference
MarAlliance is an international nonprofit organization operating in seven countries, with official registrations in the United States, Belize, Panama, and Cape Verde, and active participation in Honduras since 2014. We are dedicated to pioneering conservation efforts for threatened marine species, particularly sharks, rays, large-finned fish, and turtles, along with their critical coastal habitats.
Our approach is collaborative, including community-based research, educational initiatives, and conservation strategies, working hand-in-hand with fishermen, tourism professionals, students, protected area staff, policymakers, and other vital marine stakeholders.
By gathering 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 populations of many large marine species continue to decline, MarAlliance positions itself as a strong, science-based advocate, guiding our partners in the development and implementation of effective conservation strategies to reverse these trends and ensure a sustainable future for marine life.
Job Summary
MarAlliance is searching for a Research Officer in Panama. The candidate must be a Panamanian national or resident. Our ideal candidate will be a scientist with considerable previous field and analytical experience, passionate about the sea and the protection of endangered marine wildlife. This position requires the practical collection, management, and analysis of scientific data for management and conservation, as well as strong writing, presentation, communication, and organizational skills.
Key values and competencies:
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented strategic thinking, and highly organized, with a strong work ethic.
- Strong analytical and interpretive skills: ability to understand and effectively extract key messages from articles, data sets, results, briefings, and interactions with research colleagues and project partners.
- Ability to work both independently with a flexible, sometimes tight schedule, and as a member of a functional team.
- Ability to work both independently with a flexible, sometimes tight schedule, and as a member of a functional team.
- Focus on results and respond positively to constructive feedback and professional criticism.
- Diplomacy and political sensitivity, as well as accountability, are essential.
The research officer will be responsible for:
- Collecting, entering, checking, and performing statistical and scientific data model analyses.
- Conducting marine fieldwork on small boats and in the water, often in remote locations with basic services.
- Assisting in the design and execution of surveys, and in data mapping and visualization.
- Assisting in grant development and technical report writing.
- Contributing to the publication of scientific articles and reports, as well as the development of informational content (e.g., on social media) to engage stakeholders outside the scientific community.
- Assisting in the maintenance of inventory and functionality of field and office equipment.
- Support the preparation and logistics of standardized marine megafauna monitoring and associated field expeditions.
- Liaise and build relationships with MarAlliance partner fishermen and associated communities.
- Assist with education and outreach activities as needed.
- Perform other related tasks and duties as may be required by the National Coordinator or Executive Director.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in marine science or closely related fields; master’s degree preferred.
- Previous and relevant experience in the field, especially with fisheries-dependent and independent marine studies.
- Good swimming and snorkeling skills, comfortable working from small boats.
- Bilingual Spanish/English or native Spanish speaker with strong English skills (spoken and written).
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and articulate scientific data and technical information and use R software.
- Strong writing skills for technical documents and reports, following scientific formats.
- Must be a Panamanian citizen or resident.
The following are valued:
- Knowledge of fishing, marine ecology, conservation, and marine conservation issues.
- Proficiency in R, Python, GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS), VUE, SQL, or other relevant programs or programming languages will be considered an asset.
- Competence in diving and/or SCUBA certification (e.g., PADI, SSI, PDI, or similar).
- Creativity, patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
- Good communication, innovation, and determination.
- Genuine passion for MarAlliance’s mission and work.
- Knowledge of research methodologies and application of environmental DNA.
- Experience working in the field, laboratory, or on research teams related to sharks.
Location and supervision
The Research Officer must be based in Panama and will work remotely, spending up to 50% of their time “in the field” in coastal communities and at sea in the marine regions where MarAlliance works. The Research Officer will report to the Panama Country Coordinator and the Executive Director.
Duration
The position is contractual and available for 6 months with the possibility of renewal.
How to apply:
Send a resume, cover letter, and a document you have written in scientific format with data analysis (scientific manuscript, technical report, or scientific research document) in a single PDF before December 15 to info@maralliance.org with “Research Officer” and your last name in the title of both documents and in the subject line of the email.
