Research Officer

Job Description

Title: Research Officer

Company Name: Wildlife Conservation Society-Bangladesh

Vacancy: 1

Age: Na

Job Location: Dhaka

Salary: Tk. 40000 - 50000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• 2 to 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Master of Science (MSc)

• 2 to 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

Master of Science (MSc) in Fisheries, Biology, Oceanography, Environmental Science, or other related fields required.

Minimum three-years’ experience in field research and applied conservation science preferred.

Experience using management effectiveness tracking tools and developing strategic documents (preferred).

Proficiency in data analysis and reporting using advance software (e.g., R, ArcGIS).

Experience in managing field teams of 5-10 persons.

Ability to manage assigned responsibilities reliably, independently, and on schedule while coordinating and collaborating closely with WCS Bangladesh Program staff/advisors.

Excellent communication and facilitation skills in English and Bengali (written and spoken)

Strong analytical thinking demonstrated leadership capacity

Strong commitment to WCS values of integrity, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and transparency.

Job Summary:

The Research Officer works closely with the Manager, other team members, and advisors of the Marine Conservation Program on developing, implementing, and analysing research aspects of the program. He manages the WCS Bangladesh citizen science networks maintained among coastal fishermen and fish landing center data collectors by coordinating the recruitment, training, mentoring, and communications of members to record and report geo-referenced, photo-verified information, managing data transfers and process the data for analysis. The Research Officer reports and presents research findings to inform marine conservation and policy recommendations endorsed by community and government stakeholders, and supports the implementation and impact assessments thereof for effective protection of threatened marine wildlife and sustainable fisheries.

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepare study designs, protocols, and procedures for marine megafauna and fisheries surveys, socio-economic investigations, and policy or management impact assessments and coordinate the implementation of research activities.

• Plan and coordinate research logistics (e.g., recruitment and training of staff and interns, vessel hire, procurement of services, equipment, and supplies, obtaining permissions and permits).

• Prepare trainings modules and lesson plans on research activities and collaborate with the Educational Outreach Program in developing training materials and outreach tools (e.g., identification guides, survey handbooks).

• Conduct data analysis to assess population status, threats, habitat suitability, and distribution of marine wildlife and fishes to inform conservation management, policies, and actions.

• Lead the reporting of research findings for donor reports, conservation management and policy recommendations, journal publications, and popular media articles.

• Plan and implement Marine Protected Area (MPA) management effectiveness tracking tools aligned with global best practices.

• Assist in implementing Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tools (SMART) and reporting to enhance MPA monitoring effectiveness.  

• Collaborate with the field coordinator, field officer, community engagement and policy officer, and data management officer, to maintain or expand the engagement of citizen scientists for data on threatened marine wildlife and fishery impacts.

• Aid in research design, data management, and data analysis for citizen scientist fisher and landing site data collector networks.

• Identify new research needs and develop methodologies to support program need for research studies.

• Ensure the safety protocols and compliant behaviour for researchers and hired personnel (e.g., interns, service providers) as per WCS Bangladesh Policy and HR requirements.

• Coordinate procurement, maintenance and safe storage of research equipment.

• Support development of standard operating procedures, species conservation strategies, management plans and policies by translating scientific findings into conservation recommendations.

• Ensure regular communications with local government and non-government partners to disseminate research findings and promote active engagement in marine conservation.

• Assist in developing communication strategies and educational outreach initiatives and materials for building marine stewardship and conservation constituencies by providing relevant research findings and content.

• Prepare detailed workplans for research, training, and outreach work in coordination with other team members and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.

• Manage all financial aspects of research related work including preparation of budgets, obtaining supporting documents, and tracking expenditures and transactions, and making payments for landing site data collector. 

• Assist with the preparation of project proposals that include a research component.

• Mobile bill,Weekly 2 holidays,Insurance
• Salary Review: Yearly
• Festival Bonus: 2