Senior Conservation Research Assistant

Senior Conservation Research Assistant
(Madagascar)

Position Overview:

This is a rare opportunity to live and work in Madagascar, one of the world’s most biodiverse and
conservation-critical regions, leading long-term, field-based research in a remote setting. We are
seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Assistant (SRA) with a relevant MSc and 1–3 years of
practical field research experience to lead SEED Madagascar’s conservation research programme on
the ground.

As the Senior Research Assistant, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of SEED’s research camp
and play a central role in the design, implementation and reporting of our field-based research.
Working closely with SEEDs Conservation Research Programme Coordinator and both international
and national staff, you will manage data collection, ensure the quality and integrity of research
activities and contribute to the analysis and dissemination of findings to donors and the wider
conservation community.

Additionally, you will provide leadership and pastoral support to short-term volunteers, ensuring they
receive appropriate training, guidance and supervision during their time in the field. This role is
integral to advancing SEED’s mission, combining rigorous scientific research with strong team
leadership and collaboration in a challenging but highly rewarding field environment.

Location:

Timeframe:

Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

24 months with potential to extend;

Terms and conditions:   Local  salary  to  support  with  accommodation  and
living costs (field-based food/transport provided); contribution to flights and
insurance

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Research Leadership

o  Lead and manage the research team in the field, ensuring effective data collection

and high research standards.

o  Lead field-based research on key species and ecosystems, including setting up

transects and collecting relevant ecological data.

o  Contribute to the development of new research projects and conservation initiatives,

helping to identify priority areas for future work.

o  Support in the expansion of SEED’s research program by fostering relationships with

other conservation organisations and researchers.

•  Data Management & Reporting

o  Ensure data is accurately collected, cleaned and organised in accordance with

research protocols.

o  Collaborate with the SCRP Coordinator in data analysis and the preparation of

research reports for both internal use and external donors.

o  Contribute to the development of research papers, presentations, and other

publications for the international conservation community.

o  Work with the SCRP Coordinator to identify opportunities for research collaborations

and funding.

o  Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports for research funding and project

development.

•  Volunteer Coordination & Training

o  Support in the day-to-day management and pastoral care for short-term volunteers,

ensuring their well-being and smooth integration into the field team.

o  Lead training sessions for volunteers, ensuring they understand and follow research

protocols, data collection methods, and safety procedures.

•  Collaboration & Team Management

o  Work closely with both the international and national research staff to ensure

effective communication and team cohesion.

o  Foster a positive working environment, promoting collaboration and sharing of

knowledge between staff and volunteers.

o  Ensure that all fieldwork is carried out in accordance with SEED’s health, safety, and

ethical guidelines.

•  Community Engagement & Outreach

o  Support the SEED Madagascar team in engaging with communities, including

facilitating meetings, conducting surveys, and helping with outreach initiatives.
o  Provide clear interpretation and translation when necessary, ensuring effective

communication between international staff and local communities.

•  Logistics & Operations

o  Assist in managing the logistical aspects of field research, including equipment,

transport, and accommodation for staff and volunteers.

o  Oversee the day-to-day operations of the research camp, ensuring smooth logistical

coordination and resource management.

•  Policy & Compliance

o  Ensure  compliance  with SEED’s policies, including safeguarding, anti-corruption and

whistleblowing procedures.

o  Participate  in  ongoing  training  to  promote  adherence  to  SEED’s  health,  safety  and

ethical standards.

•  Additional Tasks

o  Assist with other tasks as requested by the Director of Programmes and Operations,
Conservation Research Coordinator, or Senior Research Assistant within the scope of
this role.

Personal specification:

•  A Masters degree in a conservation-related field
•  Proven  experience  in  handling,  cleaning,  and  analysing  data,  with  proficiency  in  statistical

analysis using programming software (e.g., R, Python, or similar)

•  At least 1-3 years experience in field data collection, including the use of GPS and/or GIS for

•

mapping and spatial analysis
Experience in compiling conservation reports, academic papers, or similar documents, with
the ability to present data and findings clearly and professionally
Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology or botany
Able to or willing to learn to safely handle and identify reptiles and amphibians
Previous experience of collecting data with a working knowledge of GPS and/or GIS

•
•
•
•  Hold a current First Aid certificate
•  Demonstrate  an  understanding  of  and  commitment  to  SEED  Madagascar’s  ethos  and

approach and be a good ambassador for SEED Madagascar 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
•  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
Madagascar in order to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO

•  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.

Application procedure:

Interested applicants should send a CV and covering letter in English outlining why they wish to take
up  this  position  and  how their skills and experience match the requirements in the job description
criteria  to  SEED  Madagascar  Director  of  Programmes  and  Operations,  Lisa  Bass  by  email  on
lisa@seedmadagascar.org.

Please  note:  AI  generated  cover  letters  and  recruitment  exercises  will  not  be processed. We value
concise and focused applications. To help us review all submissions efficiently, please limit your CV to
a maximum of four pages. Unfortunately, longer CVs cannot be considered.

Application Deadline: Monday 23rd February 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applications will be reviewed on
an ongoing basis throughout this period.

Candidates  will  complete  an  exercise,  long-listed  applicants  will  have  an  initial  informal  interview
with  Madagascar  based  staff  and  short-listed  applicants  will then be offered an interview with the
London team.

*Please note that the expected in-country start date for this position will be June 2026.

SEED Madagascar actively encourages equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and aims to
create  a  working  environment
free  of  bullying,  harassment,  victimisation,  and  unlawful
discrimination,  where  individual  differences  and  the  contributions  of  all  staff  are  recognised  and
valued.