Wetland and Reed Bed Specialist 89 views0 applications

Position overview

Based in the coastal town of Fort Dauphin in the southeast of Madagascar, this post will provide specialist knowledge and experience within a team of National and International staff working within a traditional reed weaving livelihoods project.

The specialist will lead on the development of a management plan for the wetlands of Sainte Luce provide specialist skills in determining, through field investigation, how human and natural activities have influenced the wetland’s physical conditions while examining and developing procedures for supplementing and conserving wild reed populations.

This exciting post would suit someone with a master’s degree in a relevant field and experience in implementation of similar initiatives and conservation projects, preferably in a developing country context.

Title: Wetland and Reed Bed Specialist

Location: Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region, Madagascar

Timeframe: 10-week study

Remuneration: Contribution towards flights, insurance, and local stipend (covering accommodation and basic living expenses)

Reporting to: Head of Project Development (Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess the current gaps in knowledge in the reed bed properties and management practices and determine further studies to improve understanding
• Undertake desk-based research into international best practice of reed bed conservation activities in the context of Madagascar specifically – involving lessons learnt from previous projects and organisations
• Complete the mapping of the wetlands and reedbeds in consultation with SEED’s Conservation Research Team (SCRP) and community members
• Using compiled biophysical and social data, develop detailed visuals for spatial comparisons between habitat, community usage and physical data
• Work with SCRP to describe the physical characteristics of the reeds and the mahampy swamps.
• Assess the impact of a variety of threats including human exploitation and fire
• Data analysis and report writing
• Work with the implementation team to undertake education sessions with the local community and key stakeholders on best management practices
• Initiate the development of a community-led, long-term and sustainable reed bed management strategy in collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Provide technical expertise and develop the on-going activity plan for wetland and reed bed assessments and restoration activities
• Identify needs and develop content for on site evaluation and learning opportunities for project staff
• Work with SCRP and community members in developing initial conservation research and strategies for protecting threatened reed beds in the face of climate change and high levels of exploitation
• Collaborate with and support colleagues to ensure project delivery marries international best practice into the local context, whilst predicting challenges and barriers to success
• Collaborate with and support colleagues to ensure project delivery marries international best practice into the local context, whilst predicting challenges and barriers to success
• Support the Project Development Team in writing and editing technical information informing reports for donors and stakeholders
• Any other tasks that the Head of Project Development or Head of Department deems necessary within the broad remit of the role.

  Skills and Experience:

• Minimum MSc (preferably PhD) in Wetland Biology, Conservation Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or another relevant subject.
• A developed capability in working statistically with large, multi-level and complex data sets.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and/or other computer modelling programs.
• Experience in similar wetland assessment and conservation projects, preferably in Madagascar or another developing country.
• Have the capacity to write high-quality scientific reports.
• Have the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers.
• Experience of or capability to work with translators.
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a multicultural and multilingual team.
• Have passion and motivation for the work and to enthuse staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for SEED at all times.
• Have passion, curiosity and motivation for the job and the ability to enthuse others.
• Demonstrate proven ability to recognise and appropriately deal with challenging situations and possess excellent problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate an awareness of, and comfort with, increased social and professional responsibility, working at all times with cultural sensitivity and respect.
• Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other members of the team in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO.
• Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard.
• Have a flexible and patient attitude.
• Successful candidate will need to bring their own laptop computer (non-tablet) and tent.