Skipper

Skipper

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is based in Antsiranana, Madagascar

The CM7B MPA is a protected area co-managed with local communities.

One of the main activities is using an adapted motor sailboat, the Silurian, as a dedicated research platform. Since its creation, monitoring and surveillance activities have tended to be limited due to the lack of navigational means to cover all areas of the MPA. The same vessel will also carry out a series of educational programs as well as public awareness and Communication activities. The full-time Skipper will play a key role in supporting the implementation of this program, by loading the project manager to the fields which has no car access, managing the vessel’s operations and maintenance. The vessel has a busy schedule throughout the year, with outings ranging from week-long educational events to 12-day research expedition surveys, the Skipper will focus primarily on the implementation and monitoring of FAPBM-funded activities.

The successful candidate will be based at Conservation International’s regional office in Antsiranana. They will be placed under the supervision of the Marine Manager.

Overall purpose of the job:

• Skipper on the majority of field expeditions, mainly sensitization and awareness-raising activities. local communities training et development
• Organize and manage the operation of the vessel: ensuring the vessel is adequately crewed, provisioned and maintained to meet the specific requirements of every trip, and to comply with all CI relevant statutory, and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure that all communication protocol, technical and financial reporting, and navigation requirements are fulfilled.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the piloting of the boat during fieldwork concerning the implementation requests of MPA Management projects. while ensuring the communication plans and logistical means requested during trips. Mostly concentrated on the implementation of conservation and community development activities of the MPA.
• Ensure that the boat is always checked to avoid the risk of damage caused by rubbing against rocks or reefs. Ensure that the mooring location is appropriate for the weather conditions (Varatraza and/or Cyclones) or, in the worst-case scenario, the loss of the boat.
• Keep the boat clean and tidy before and during all expeditions. Make sure all equipment and passengers are safe.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work with seaside local communities and partners, when needed work out of the eight hours per day, ability to work in remote locations or under difficult working conditions, and frequent fieldwork at least 50% of the time.
• This is a fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in October 2024 and end in December 2024.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Know the Diana region very well and can work in the field and easily adapt to the local conditions. Up to 2 years of high-level experience on boat steering preferably in the East Coast of Madagascar. Sens of responsibility, dynamic, and teamwork with multidisciplinary activities. Master foreign languages such as French.
• As the first responsible for the management at the CI Diego satellite office, familiarity and strong navigation skills including knowledge of the area’s shipping lanes and bathymetric concepts
• Self-motivated and able to work independently, take initiatives, and proven ability to multitask and meet priorities. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and under minimal supervision.
• Team player and able to work effectively with diverse work groups in a multicultural environment.
• Analysis and synthesis capabilities, communication skills, excellent report written

Preferred

• Holder of a boat driver’s license. And proven ability to boat steering
• Strong organization and time weather and boat management, minimum mechanical knowledge

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.