Conservation Research Coordinator Volunteer Roles

Position Overview

Based in the coastal town of Fort Dauphin in the southeast of Madagascar, this post will provide support to the Environment and Rural Livelihoods projects implemented by the NGO. The successful candidate will work within a combined national and international team to assist in the development of projects, from initial planning stages to final evaluations. Primary responsibilities include the writing of donor reports and proposals, providing additional support to the project team surrounding project management and monitoring and evaluation.  The role is predominantly office-based with some bush travel. The diversity of activities undertaken will provide a wide-ranging experience for an early career development professional who can effectively and efficiently deal with a comprehensive range of tasks related to the complex world of overseas development.

Title: Programme Intern for initial three months, change of title and responsibilities to Programme Officer subject to passing probationary review

Location: Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

Probationary Period: three months

Contract: Voluntary for 12 months, with monthly stipend towards accommodation costs and a contribution of £650 towards insurance

Reporting to: Senior Programme Officer

Duties and Responsibilities 

● Write project reports, to a high standard of English, that clearly demonstrate the successes and challenges of the Environment and Rural Livelihoods projects, learning from the project and providing clear budgetary information 

● Compile funding proposals based on past evaluation, team discussion and International best practice in an engaging and professional manner 

● Conduct internet searches and searches through SEED’s funder database for potential donors to fund projects

● Take a leading role in gathering statistics and ensure that all existing statistics relating to the projects are accurate

● Work alongside the Communications and Media Officer to build a communications plan for the Environment and Rural Livelihoods projects, writing regular Facebook, blog posts and website copy

● Support the development of projects that fulfill local need and sit within the aims of SEED taking into account research findings, local needs and constraints, government objectives and SEED’s previous experience 

● Conduct research into international best practice with regard to Environment and Rural Livelihoods programmes and take the lead in discussing these with the team

● Monitor and update project trackers according to project activities, ensuring the project is on track to meet project indicators and objectives

● Take an active role in project management meetings, leading these where appropriate 

● Take an active part in international team meetings and support to other members of the team

● Work with national staff in increasing their skills and capacity, providing mentoring or training where appropriate 

● Assist in data collection and basic analysis where required and where there is an Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist in post assist them in developing monitoring and evaluation tools and completing MEL reports for projects 

● Work alongside the Head of Project Development and Head of Finance in developing and managing the budgets relating to projects 

● Maintain a database of projects and funders alongside the UK team in London 

● Form part of the team representing projects or SEED when required

● Liaise with the UK team in London ensuring clear communication at all times

● Ensure all of SEED’s policies and procedures are evident throughout the work of the department, including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing, and anticorruption, and undertake continual training to ensure these are promoted at all times 

● Complete other ad-hoc tasks as required by the Environment and Rural Livelihoods Programme Coordinators, Head of Project Development or Director of Operations and Heads of Departments to further the aims and work of the organisation. 

Person Specification

● Hold an undergraduate in or relating to community health or have equivalent experience

● Demonstrate strong writing skills. Previous experience in grant-writing is an asset

● Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in Environment and Rural Livelihoods and its interface with international development; previous experience of Environment and Rural Livelihoods or community-based work would be an asset

● 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

● Have the ability and desire to work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers

● Have the ability and desire to build capacity and share skills across cultures and work with teams from different economic and cultural backgrounds and across multiple language barriers

● 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 in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO

● Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and reporting any concerns appropriately

● 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.