Location: Vallée de Mai, Praslin
Timeframe: July 2022-31 August 2023
Project Background
The project titled: “Increasing the resilience of Seychelles’ flagship tree species coco de mer Lodoicea maldivica” is a project funded by the Franklinia Foundation with the main objective being the support of long-term management and conservation of the coco de mer. Some of the activities under this objective are the 1) Consolidation and cleaning of coco de mer data and analysis and writing up of data management protocol; 2) Re-survey of all coco de mer populations under SIF management; 3) Revise and extend monitoring programmes on coco de mer reproduction, regeneration and growth; and 4) Contribute to the update of the coco de mer conservation policy and initiate the development of a coco de mer conservation action plan.
The coco de mer, as a keystone species and ecological driver of the palm forest ecosystem, is fundamental to the outstanding universal values of the Vallée de Mai. As such, our long-term vision is to halt and, if possible, reverse the decline of the coco de mer, while implementing scientific excellence for conservation assessments and management, and boosting the resilience of the species.
Specific Roles of the Project Officer
- Thorough review and cleaning of coco de mer data for database input i.e., existing coco de mer regeneration, growth, and population data.
- Revision of available data management and monitoring protocols in existence under SIF’s scientific research implementations.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of data management protocol prior to resurveying of coco de mer population
- Write-up of coco de mer monitoring protocols (e.g., coco de mer population regeneration protocol) and management plan.
- Implement upcoming coco de mer population survey and ensure completed survey data collection and analysis.
- Share input on coco de mer conservation policy prior to discussion with relevant stakeholders.
- Initiation of the coco de mer conservation action plan.
- Ensure effective communication with project officer/coordinator for the management of monitoring resources i.e., equipment requisitions of coco de mer resurveying.
Deliverables
- Submission of monthly updates with updated project plan and timeline.
- Review and upload of cleaned datasets onto SIF server (i.e., existing population, growth and regeneration data).
- Updated monitoring protocols for review (i.e., population, growth and regeneration protocols).
- Compile coco de mer population survey report upon completion of survey.
- Initiated draft of coco de mer conservation policy.
- Final project report, including details of datasets/database, survey and upkeep plan.
Required qualifications and skills of candidate
- Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in the environmental field (required)
- Excellent data collection and data processing skills (required)
- Strong GIS and statistical knowledge for data analysis (required)
- An excellent understanding of environmental conservation and management in Seychelles (essential) as well as experience in coco de mer monitoring activities (essential)
- Strong history of effective communication via report and presentation writing skills (essential) and meetings with stakeholders and collaborators
- Excellent communication skills via email/skype/webinars (essential), presentations (desirable)
- Excellent coordination and organisation skills and ability to deliver outputs on time and to a high quality
- Fluency in English language (essential); knowledge of Creole and/or French is an asset
- Local knowledge of Seychelles, specifically Praslin Island (essential)
- Professional fieldwork skills for coco de mer population survey e.g., GPS, metric measuring, and hiking skills
Application procedure
Applicants are required to submit the following documents to info@sif.sc on or before 9th July 2022:
- Letter of interest, stating why you consider your service suitable for the assignment
- Personal CVs highlighting qualifications and experience based on the skill requirements above
Please note this vacancy is open to Seychelles applicants only.