Program Associate Coral Reefs and Marine Ecosystem

 IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law • Colombo • via LinkedIn

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Job description

Major Responsibilities

The Programme Associate for Coral Reefs and Marine Ecosystems will work closely on a day-to-day basis with the IUCN Sri Lanka Programme Coordinator (PC) regarding the planning, coordination, and execution of coral and coastal-related surveys and project activities.

The Programme Associate is responsible for planning and conducting biophysical and social surveys in the coral and marine sectors, overseeing data collection, preparing reports, and monitoring ongoing activities in this area. Additionally, he/she will collaborate with project managers to implement other coral and marine-related project activities.

Specific Duties

Detailed responsibilities of the Programme Associate for Coral Reefs and Marine Ecosystems are as follows:

•  Planning and Design of Coral Reef Surveys
• Develop a comprehensive survey plan for coral reef extent mapping, bathymetric data collection, fish stock assessment, and unsustainable fishing practices in the SLCRI seascapes and other project areas.
• Develop a methodology for unsustainable fishing documentation.
• Reef fish, Coral species and Bathymetric Data Collection
• Collect Reef fish and Coral species (including bathymetric data) according to guidelines provided by the Global Fund for Coral Reef (MERMAID platform) and other standard reef and marine data collection protocols.
• Use appropriate technology as well as satellite images to map existing coral reef extent and collect bathymetric data in the selected seascapes.
• Conduct surveys to assess fish species composition, abundance, biomass, and size distribution in the SLCRI seascapes and other project areas.
• Perform comprehensive analysis of coral reef health, bathymetry, fish stocks, and IUU fishing impacts in SLCRI Seascapes.
• Provide technical inputs for the SLCRI coral ecosystem restoration program and coral restoration guideline preparation.
• Participate in awareness and capacity-building programs conducted by the SLCRI project and other marine sector projects.
• Provide technical assistance to coastal and marine sector project proposal preparations.

Salary

The minimum gross annual salary for this position is LKR 2'301'600. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organizations hosted by IUCN.

REQUIREMENTS

•  Education and other qualifications
• A BSc Degree in a relevant field in marine science, biological science, or natural resource management. A postgraduate degree in a relevant field is highly desirable.
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver license or equivalent certification. Other diving certifications beyond the Advanced Open Water will be an added advantage in the selection process.

Experience

•  At least 8 years of experience in coral reef and marine ecosystem data collection, surveying, and monitoring.
• At least 5 years of experience working with a government research institute or university in the coastal and marine sector.
• Prior experience in working on projects funded by international donors is highly desirable.
• International experience in coral reef monitoring and the marine sector is highly desirable.

Languages/ Other

•  Excellent command of both spoken and written English and Sinhala or Tamil.
• Strong computer skills, in particular in all applications of the MS Office package and Internet.

Competencies

•  Technical Knowledge of Corals Marine Ecosystems

A deep understanding of coral reef and marine ecosystems, including biophysical and social aspects, is essential. This includes knowledge of conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and marine survey techniques.

• Data Collection, Analysis, and Report Preparation

Proficiency in conducting coral and marine surveys, collecting data (both biophysical and social), analyzing findings, and report preparation. The candidate should also be skilled in preparing communication materials based on survey reports.

• Collaboration and Communication Skills

The candidate should be able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, NGOs, and local communities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to coordinate with project teams, report to supervisors, and engage with external partners.

• Project Management skills

The candidate should have strong skills in planning, coordinating, and executing coral and marine-related activities and projects. This includes the ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and resources effectively to ensure project objectives are met.

Please Note: The above TOR contains the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However, in an ever-evolving organization such as IUCN staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them, but which are not part of their regular TOR. Where any task becomes a regular part of a staff member’s responsibilities, the TOR shall be changed in consultation between the manager, the staff member, and the HR Unit. Any one of the three may initiate the consultation. APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

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