Type: 
Paid
Closing date: 
18 Jul 2025
Section: 
Mahe

SALARY BAND: SG 9

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Science & Conservation

LOCATION: Based at head office on Mahé, with regular visits to the Vallee de Mai and possible time on Aldabra required.

HOURS OF WORK: Minimum 40 hours per week, regular working time outside office hours is a requirement of the job

 

CONTEXT & BACKGROUND

The SIF Science Officer (SO) assists with the smooth running of SIF’s research and monitoring programme. The main duties of the SO are as follows, to: (1) provide administrative, logistic and general support for the implementation of SIF’s research and conservation programme; (2) support and strengthen the Vallée de Mai (VdM) and Aldabra research programmes; and (3) support implementation of SIF’s biosecurity plan. The SO closely liaises with the Head of Science and Conservation, Chief Executive Officer, Consultant Director of Research and Conservation, VdM Science Coordinator, Aldabra Science Coordinator, assistant coordinators and project staff. The main duties are listed below but are not all-encompassing, as there may be unplanned duties that are impossible to predict or describe here and may change over time.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide administrative, logistic and general support for the implementation of SIF’s research and conservation programme 

  1. Assist coordination of research collaborations, including drawing up of research agreements;
  2. Oversee research equipment inventories and requisitions, and research and recommend new equipment needed at both sites to SIF management;
  3. Assess, compile and provide feedback on internal and external research proposals circulated by Seychelles Bureau of Standards;
  4. Facilitate export of biological samples/specimens for research and liaise with researchers and relevant government officials concerning transport and necessary permits (e.g., SBS, MTA, CITES);
  5. Regularly update and maintain a comprehensive bibliography of SIF’s and Aldabra/VdM related published research, along with a master list of current research agreements;
  6. Assist with sourcing and following up of funding opportunities at national and international levels;
  7. Provide guidance and support in the coordination of research staff and volunteers;
  8. Identify and coordinate capacity building and training needs for all research staff in relevant skills;
  9. Assist in capacity building and training of SIF’s research staff in field techniques, data collection, management and basic analysis, including development of training materials;
  10. Offer technical support to assist management decisions when needed, and provide support to ensure that research recommendations are effectively carried out;
  11. Lead the development of research and conservation protocols as required;
  12. Assist in the documentation of scientific meetings by drafting minutes as required;
  13. Contribute to establishing, maintaining and strengthening links with national research and training institutions and partners;
  14. Represent SIF at national and international (in person and online) meetings, workshops and symposia as required;
  15. Stand in for management staff at Vallée de Mai and Aldabra as required;
  16. Design and deliver presentations to various audiences on SIF’s research and monitoring activities;
  17. Advise SIF’s tourism and outreach programmes as required to ensure accuracy of information and fact-checking of social media and outreach materials;
  18. Ensure that new scientific information is shared across suitable platforms, including SIF’s newsletter articles, media publications and other social media channels;
  19. Lead or contribute to articles, publicity materials and social media posts on SIF research.

Support, develop and strengthen the Vallée de Mai (VdM) and Aldabra research programme

  1. Support the VdM Science Coordinator (VSC) and Aldabra Science Coordinator (ASC) in ensuring that the VdM research programme and annual workplan aligns with and meets objectives of the VdM Management Plan;
  2. Develop in-depth learning and knowledge of VdM/Aldabra, their native and non-native species, all VdM monitoring programmes and ongoing research;
  3. Review and edit monthly VSC reports and ensure their timely submission;
  4. Take the lead in writing annual VSC reports when required;
  5. Review other research and monitoring reports from VdM, e.g., black parrot monthly and season reports, invasive alien species reports, project reports;
  6. Review and help to update monitoring protocols from VdM and Aldabra.

Support implementation of the SIF Biosecurity Plan

  1. Support and participate in implementation of biosecurity measures at all sites and for transit of supplies, equipment and staff;
  2. Liaise with the operations staff, Site Managers and designated Biosecurity Officers at each site to ensure internal biosecurity processes operate smoothly;
  3. Liaise with relevant partners and agencies on biosecurity matters.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 

Minimum BSc, ideally MSc, or equivalent in an environmental subject

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

  • At least 1 year of experience working on or supporting scientific projects
  • Environmental data collection and dataset management of different monitoring programmes
  • Technical report writing and experience with popular articles to different audiences
  • Knowledge of invasive alien species issues and familiarity with national biosecurity legislation
  • Good understanding of conservation and science theory and global environmental issues
  • Proven experience with and understanding of the scientific process
  • Presentation and communication of scientific information to different audiences

SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS

  • Ability to multi-task and follow priorities, to plan and coordinate assigned tasks and address technical problems (essential)
  • Demonstrated experience of regular report-writing and meeting deadlines (essential)
  • Competency with IT, specifically with MS software (Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint), GPS & GIS software (essential)
  • Proven determination and commitment to biodiversity conservation and good knowledge of local and ideally international conservation issues (essential)
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (essential)
  • Honesty, problem-solving and resourceful attitude and a sound work ethic (essential)
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail and be meticulous with data and follow-ups (essential)
  • High level of fitness and ability/enthusiasm to work in the field in tropical conditions (preferred)
  • Ability to manage data and extract relevant information (preferred)
  • Demonstrated experience of presenting to diverse audiences (preferred)
  • Professionalism, competence and integrity
  • Committed to and diligently working towards achieving results for a sustainable and positive future for the Vallée de Mai and Aldabra

LANGUAGES

Fluency in Creole and English essential.

 

Apply now with an application form (which can be downloaded from our website, or collected at Mont Fleuri or Vallée de Mai Visitor Centre), your C.V. & a cover letter sent to recruitment@sif.sc. Kindly note deadline for application is 18th July 2025.