Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Conservation Research professional to lead a diverse, multi-cultural team delivering critical research on endemic and endangered species within the unique coastal littoral forests of southeast Madagascar. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in advancing evidence-based conservation in one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the research programme, ensuring the high-quality implementation and strategic expansion of field-based studies focused on the conservation of local flora and fauna. Responsibilities include leading and supporting field research, maintaining rigorous standards of data collection and analysis, and contributing to the publication and dissemination of scientific findings.

A key part of the role will be to build the capacity of the research team through mentorship, training, and technical support, strengthening skills in ecological research methods and data interpretation. The coordinator will also work closely with the Project Development team, providing robust scientific insights to inform conservation strategies and support the development of competitive funding proposals.

This role offers a balanced combination of fieldwork and office-based responsibilities. The ideal candidate

Title: Conservation Research Coordinator

Location: Fort Dauphin, Anosy Region, Madagascar

Contract Type: 2 years, potential to extend; local salary with a contribution to return flight and insurance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and oversee ongoing research programmes, ensuring all activities adhere to established protocols and meet international scientific standards.
Design and develop innovative, context-specific environmental research projects, including the creation of robust methodologies, protocols, and training materials for effective implementation.
Provide strategic guidance to Research and Senior Research Assistants, supporting the planning and coordination of research schedules to ensure data collection is consistent, high-quality and aligned with project timelines.
Manage, supervise and support the performance and professional development of Senior Research Assistants, including regular appraisal and feedback.
Promote a supportive and inclusive team environment, ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of all research staff and short-term volunteers is prioritised and maintained.
Provide management oversight, advice and intervention when required to ensure the research camp is effective.
Ensure comprehensive risk assessments are developed, maintained and regularly reviewed for all research activities and field sites, including the research camp, and that these are clearly communicated and understood by all team members.
Interact with stakeholders, other researchers and volunteers in a professional and friendly manner, problem solving where necessary.
Work closely with the Executive Conservation Coordinator in developing a holistic research programme in line with SEED’s Conservation Research Strategy.
Lead on establishing and monitoring research standards, ensuring high quality data sets.
Lead on the analysis of data, feeding back to both internal and external stakeholders to aid learning and add to international knowledge.
Facilitate, write and secure publication in a range of peer reviewed journals of research.
Work alongside the Project Development Department to secure funding for current and future research projects.
Provide internal and external reports for SEED and any collaborating partners.
Work alongside others in the team in understanding, preparing for and mitigating the effects of mining in the area.
Work alongside the Communications and Media team in ensuring information for the website and social media.
Maintain and develop respectful relationships in the community, ensuring that all staff and volunteers respect the customs and taboos of the area.
Ensure compliance with SEED’s policies, including safeguarding, anti-corruption, and whistleblowing procedures.
Participate in ongoing training to promote adherence to SEED’s health, safety and ethical standards.
Any other tasks that the Director of Programmes and Operations sees fit within the broad scope of this job description.
Personal specification:

Have at least a Masters degree in a conservation related field
Previous experience with data handling, cleaning and statistical analysis using programming software
Previous experience of scientific writing is required, and publication experience is desirable
Have at least 3-5 years field experience of conservation research
Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology, botany or environmental education is desirable
Hold a current First Aid certificate
Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED Madagascar’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for SEED Madagascar at all times
Have passion, curiosity and motivation for the job and the ability to enthuse others
Have the ability and desire to lead teams of people from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers
Have the ability and desire to build capacity and share skills across cultures
Demonstrate proven ability to recognise and appropriately deal with challenging situations
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 Madagascar 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
Have excellent problem-solving skills
Be able to work both independently and as part of a team, with strong leadership experience.

Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter in English outlining why they wish to take up this position and how their skills and experience match the requirements in the job description criteria to SEED Madagascar Director of Programmes and Operations, Lisa Bass by email.