Research Officer - Panama
Terms of Reference
MarAlliance is a leading international non-profit, operating across seven countries, with official registrations in the US, Belize, Panama, and Cabo Verde, and active engagement in Honduras and Mexico since 2014. We are dedicated to pioneering conservation efforts for endangered marine species, particularly sharks, rays, large finfish and turtles, alongside their critical coastal habitats. Our 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 Panama. The candidate needs to be a Panamanian national or a resident. 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
- Highly motivated, strategic thinker who is detail-oriented and highly organized with a strong work ethic
- 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 with flexible, sometimes tight schedules, and as a functional team member.
- Focus on results and respond positively to constructive feedback and professional critique.
- Diplomacy and political sensitivity as well as accountability are key.
The Research Officer will be responsible to:
- Collect, enter, proof and perform statistical and modeling 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.
- Assist in grant development and technical report writing
- 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 and office equipment.
- Support the preparation and logistics of standardized monitoring of marine megafauna and associated field expeditions.
- Liaise and build relationships with MarAlliance’s fisher field associates and associated communities.
- Assist with education and outreach activities as required.
- Perform other related tasks and duties which the National Coordinator or Executive director may require.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in marine science or closely related fields; Master’s degree preferred
- Previous, relevant experience in the field, especially with fisheries-dependent and – independent marine surveys.
- Strong swimmer/snorkeler, comfortable working out of small boats.
- Bilingual Spanish/English or Native Spanish speaker with strong command of English (both spoken and written).
- Ability to analyze, interpret and articulate scientific data and technical information.
- Must be a Panamanian citizen or resident.
Assets
- Knowledge of fisheries, marine ecology and conservation, and marine conservation issues.
- Facility in R, Python, GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS), VUE, SQL, or other relevant software or programming languages is highly desired.
- Diving competency and/or SCUBA certification (eg., PADI, SSI, PDI or similar).
- 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 must be based in Panama and will work remotely, with up to 50% “in-field” time in coastal communities and at-sea in marine regions where MarAlliance works. The Research Officer will report to the Panama National Coordinator and the Executive Director
Duration
The position is contractual and available for 6 months with possibility of renewal.
How to apply:
Submit a resume and cover letter as a single PDF by December 5th to info@maralliance.org with “Research Officer” and your last name in the title of both documents and in the subject line of your email.