Director científico en una reserva marina en Belize

TIDE Belize (Toledo Institute for Development and Environment) is Seeking a Science Director to be based in Punta Gorda, Belize. If you are interested in applying, please reply to the email address in the announcement below and not directly to me:

**Call for applications: Science Director - Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, Belize**

TIDE is seeking a Science Director to support the management of the research and monitoring program for the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and areas within the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor, Southern Belize. We offer an attractive salary and benefits package that is commensurate with training and experience. The position is open to any nationality.

Major Function:
You will guide and oversee TIDE’s science program, focusing on marine biology and conservation, but with aspects of freshwater and terrestrial biology. You will be responsible for the coordination of the scientific program which includes: monitoring, research and management activities for the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor (MMMC); oversee science staff (Junior Marine Biologist and Terrestrial and Freshwater Biologist); develop budgets for the research and monitoring program; lead science staff in the development of policy and programs for monitoring and research; contribute to grant proposals when necessary; act as the primary liaison with visiting researchers, scientific groups and projects; work with other managers to ensure management is based on sound scientific information; represent the organization at national and international meetings and conferences.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Implement, and expand, the existing monitoring and research program for TIDE in accordance with deliverables from multiple grants.
2. Supervise data collection for the monitoring and research programs (coral, reef fish, seagrass, mangroves, water quality, commercial species e.g. lobster, conch, sea cucumber), including supervision/coordination of junior science staff.
3. Work with science staff to ensure proper data entry, data analysis and report writing.
4. Work with other management staff to ensure monitoring and research data is utilized.
5. Analyse data to support implementation of Managed Access and Adaptive Management Framework for PHMR.
6. Publish scientific research in international peer-reviewed journals.
7. Operate TIDE Community Researcher Program including SCUBA training and research methods training for local research team
8. Collaborate with visiting researchers to establish links between research and management activities.
9. Develop targeted research projects for TIDE within the area of the MMMC.
10. Responsible for scientific program logistics, budgeting, and staffing.
11. Assist with grant development including proposal writing.
12. Assist with community outreach through the development of presentations and outreach materials.
13. Coordinate with local, regional and international partners.
14. Represent TIDE at national and international meetings, and on committees and organizations that have mutual interests in conservation.
15. Responsible for relevant project documentation and report writing.
16. Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Enhance the organization’s public relations by actively participating in meetings, workshops, etc. that are related to the science of marine biology and the management of marine resources.
2. Perform any other duties and programmatic functions in support of TIDE’s priorities as requested by the supervisor.
3. Perform periodic evaluation and review of other marine biologist’s performance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Provide functional guidance and supervision to biologists, rangers, community researchers.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience
- Masters degree in marine biology, marine ecology (or equivalent) and 3-5 years experience in natural resource management/conservation or equivalent combination of education and experience (PhD desirable).
- Qualified and experienced SCUBA diver (minimum PADI Divemaster or equivalent. PADI Instructor preferred to train local researchers)
- Previous experience of research diving.
- Experience working with Caribbean ecosystems desirable.
- Knowledge of GIS and GPS use.

Other Prerequisites
- Leadership experience in overseeing a dynamic team.
- Strong oral and written communication skills including ability to speak in public.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, Web browsers).
- Experience with statistical analysis of scientific data and preparation of articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance, and proven ability to effectively manage and motivate people.
- Experience in preparation of work plans and budgets.
- Proven ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) and to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
- Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, staff, and stakeholders, government officials, providing and obtaining needed information.
- Communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of TIDE to diverse groups including donors, guests, community members and others.
- Write reports and use other communication tools to characterize the science program operations and evaluate effectiveness of activities.

The deadline for applications is June 30th, 2017 at 5pm Belize time.

To apply for this position, please send the following to info@tidebelize.org or to Mrs. Celia Mahung, Executive Director, PO Box 150, Punta Gorda Town, Belize by deadline date:

- A 1-2 page cover letter describing your previous experience, and demonstrating your knowledge of TIDE’s work,
- An up-to-date CV
- Three (3) letters of professional references