[newdevjobsindo] Whale Shark Conservation Science Officer (Sumbawa)
Konservasi Indonesia is a national foundation established to support sustainable development in the country. We are the main partner of Conservation International in Indonesia. For more information, please visit: www.konservasi-id.org
We envision a healthy and prosperous Indonesia where biodiversity is valued and preserved. With offices and project sites across Indonesia, we promote a sustainable landscape-seascape approach and establish partnerships with multiple stakeholders across sectors and jurisdictions to deliver lasting impacts for people and nature in Indonesia.
As we are constantly expanding, we are currently hiring to fill the following position for our office in Sumbawa,NTB:
Whale Shark Conservation Science Officer
(Code: WSCS-O)
Saleh Bay, located in West Nusa Tenggara, is a critical habitat for the Indo-Pacific whale shark population. The area is known for frequent sightings of juvenile whale sharks, making it an important feeding and nursery ground. However, the growing popularity of whale shark tourism, combined with potential environmental threats such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation, poses challenges to the long-term conservation of these majestic creatures. Recognizing the importance of preserving this unique marine ecosystem, Konservasi Indonesia, in collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders, has initiated the Whale Shark Conservation Initiative in Saleh Bay. This initiative aims to protect whale sharks through scientific research, sustainable tourism practices, community engagement, and policy advocacy, ensuring the species' survival while supporting local livelihoods.
To achieve this, the Whale Shark Conservation Science Officer will play a key role in driving conservation efforts by providing administrative, research, and programmatic support for project implementation. The officer will serve as the primary liaison with key stakeholders in West Nusa Tenggara, including the Department of Marine and Fisheries and the Department of Tourism, particularly on matters related to whale shark science and conservation. In addition, the officer will support Kawan Teluk Saleh, a youth community established in Saleh Bay, in conducting whale shark monitoring and conservation activities. This includes working closely with local communities, fishers, and tourism operators to promote sustainable whale shark tourism practices.
The officer will report directly to the Conservation Planning Manager in the Sunda Banda Ecoregion, with technical supervision from the Focal Species Science Coordinator to ensure high-quality and timely implementation of program activities according to the work plan.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Act as primary liaison with the Department of Marine and Fisheries of West Nusa Tenggara Province, including the Marine Protected Area (MPA) management body in supporting the development and implementation of whale shark based-MPA, conservation and ecotourism initiative in Saleh Bay
● Conduct field surveys and monitoring activities, including photo ID, satellite and acoustic telemetry, and interviews with fishers and dive operators.
● Monitor and assess whale shark tourism activities to ensure sustainability and support the development of responsible tourism guidelines.
● Work together with local youth community and science team in Focal Species Conservation Program to establish community-based whale shark monitoring program.
● Organize training sessions to enhance local capacity in whale shark monitoring and conservation, including data collection techniques and tourism impact assessments.
● Perform database management, data analysis, and produce technical reports to support program evaluation and decision-making.
● Work closely with tourism operators, local operators, and local guides to promote and implement whale shark responsible tourism practice.
● Provide inputs and support the development of project in Saleh Bay.
● Support both technical and management aspects of marine protected area management and whale shark management in Saleh Bay.
● Promote our work through publicity activities, materials, and displays, including scientific publication/journal, online/printing article, book, events/expo, etc.
● Support the Project Coordinator in collecting M&E data for project implementation.
● Perform other duties as requested by the Supervisor to support Konservasi Indonesia's Marine Program portfolio.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor's degree or equivalent university degree in biology, marine science, or natural resource management.
● 2 - 4 years of related work experience, preferably in conservation NGO.
● Possess a diving license, with rescue level certification preferred
● Good command of spoken and writing English and Bahasa. Good attention to detail and proofreading and research skills.
● Comfortable managing multiple duties and adapting to changing priorities.
● Service focus. courteous, tactful, and proven ability to work effectively with others.
● Ability to work under tight deadlines and often under difficult circumstances.
● Ability to function well in a multicultural, diverse, and fast-paced work team environment.
● Ability to work under general supervision and take initiative to solve problems under supervisor direction.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
List additional required or preferred qualifications specific to the position.
· Previous experience of conservation and tourism is highly desirable.
· Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills are highly preferred.
· Strong passion for species conservation is preferred.
· Good team player.
WORKING CONDITIONS
● Work is performed in a field environment.
● Close engagement with government agencies virtually and physically
● Flexibility to work outside normal work hours to meet deadlines as needed.
Please send your current resume and cover letter (no more than 4 pages) to:
indonesia.hrd@konservasi-id.org
Please fill the "subject" column of the e-mail with this format:
< WSCS-O > - < your name >
Closing date for the application is Mar 18, 2025
(Only short-listed candidates will be notified).
