An opening based in Fiji with the non-profit Pacific Blue Foundation.
The Project Assistant will join a newly evolving project – Beqa lagoon Initiative – based on Beqa Island, Fiji, with its main goal of preserving and promoting the biological and cultural diversity of the area through basic research, education, encouragement and dissemination of sustainable practices.
*Title: *Project Assistant
*Organization:* Pacific Blue Foundation.
*Location:* Beqa Lagoon, Fiji.
*Status:* Full time, voluntary position.
*Closing date for applications:*  February 28th, 2018.
*Start date:* March 2018.
*Position duration:* Initial 3 months, with extension possibility for right person.
*SUMMARY POSITION DESCRIPTION*
The Pacific Blue Foundation (PBF) is seeking an experienced and qualified applicant to assist the programs of the Beqa Lagoon Initiative (BLI) in Fiji; with a particular focus on strengthening capacity to conserve marine and coastal biodiversity, local communities? sustainable development, integrated ecotourism activities, and support the sustainable use and adequate management of natural resources.
To accommodate the evolving and growing needs of the project, we are recruiting for an exciting new role to support our Fiji-based team and ensure effective delivery of a growing number of programmes.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual, who will be pragmatic and resourceful, entrepreneurial, and sensitive to the needs and interests of the BLI?s partner communities, agencies, organisations and business stakeholders.
We are looking for a creative, open minded and discerning individual, with excellent communications skills, attention to detail and a technical background.
The role offers the opportunity to gain experience working on a wide range of programmes, working as part of an interdisciplinary team in the fields of coastal and marine ecology, conservation and restoration, natural resource management, remote island sustainable development, healthy livelihoods, education and ecotourism.
*PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES*
Provide logistical, administrative and communications support as required to the BLI team to support effective programs delivery.
Provide administrative and logistical support for field-based activities, in particular in training, guiding and teaching activities; and conducting marine, coastal and socio-economic surveys, data entry and analysis along the BLI programs.
Provide administrative and logistical support in particular in preparing relevant documents, reports, teaching and communications material.
The position holder will report to BLI?s Project Manager, and will be based in Beqa Island.
*QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE*
*Essential*
?      A relevant Bachelor?s degree in marine biology and ecology, environmental sciences, conservation ecology, fisheries, marine natural resource management, or similar.
?      Strong practical experience exploring and understanding of tropical coastal ecosystems, particularly coral reefs.
?      Competent SCUBA Dive Master with guiding experience.
?      Strong free-diver and swimmer, capable of diving to at least 5 meters.
?      Healthy, fit and does not suffer from sea sickness.
?      Capable of living in a remote island with basic living conditions.
?      Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
?      Excellent knowledge of MS Office.
?      Current personal full medical and diving insurance.
?      Current first-aid and O2 resuscitation certificate.
?      Excellent organizational and time management skills.
?      Excellent technical and analytical skills, with an eye for detail.
?      A demonstrable passion for the natural environment.
?      A strong desire to work in the marine conservation and sustainable development sector.
?      Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and multitask.
?      Flexible and results-oriented with a high level of resourcefulness to deal with changes.
?      Confident, strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to and work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.
?      Demonstrated ability to achieve goals with a high level of creativity and strategic thinking.
*Desired*
?      Proven leadership skills and success in effectively inspiring and engaging diverse working groups in a multicultural environment.
?      Efficiently manage and build local capacity within complex, challenging environments.
?      Previous experience in the global conservation, NGO, advocacy or related non-for-profit arena; preferably related to marine resource management and marine protected areas.
?      Strong practical experience in and understanding of tropical coastal ecosystems in Oceania.
?      Previous experience in research surveys of tropical coastal ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, preferably in Oceania.
?      Classroom teaching experience.
?      Communications and promotion skills.
?      Dive Instructor certificate.
?      Motor boat license.
?      Previous experience with coral restoration.
?      Previous experience with small-scale fisheries research.
?      Experience in permaculture and agriculture.
?      Experience in community sustainable development.
?      Experience in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, construction, mechanics, etc.
*TERMS AND CONDITIONS*
*Contract duration*: 3 months, with extension possibility of up to a further 6 months for right person.
*Salary:* None. This is a voluntary, non-paid position.
*Accommodation:* Shared accommodation with project staff in village house on Beqa Island is provided.
*Food:* Shared food and meals with village family is provided.
*Travel:*  All project-related in-country expenses are covered;
*Visa:* All visa application fees are covered.
?      Suitable candidates which would extend the initial 3 month contract would be offered additional benefits, such as a capped reimbursement for international flights.
*PROGRAM BACKGROUND*
The Beqa Lagoon initiative (BLI) is founded on ecosystem-based management of marine and coastal environments, and sustainable development of communities in remote islands; using a multidisciplinary integrated approach considering key anthropogenic elements.
The BLI is in its initial stages of operation, thus there is a strong emphasis The BLI operates through practical applications for social-ecological sustainability directing efforts through the different
programs, which are: 1) Conserving the Lagoon, Healthy Vanua, and Sustainable Schools. The programs include aspects such as mitigating immediate threats to environmental and human wellbeing, such as mounting solid waste and pollution, and outbreaks of coral-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish; restoration of damaged ecosystems, namely coral reefs and mangrove forests; conservation of key species through awareness building and ecotourism; creating strategies for local sustainable revenues, nutritional and organic farming, improving livelihoods and
reducing the impact of overfishing; and capacity building towards implementation of integrated management plans of marine protected areas.
These programs operate with cooperation and partnerships among and between local communities, business stakeholders, NGOs, government departments, provincial offices, and academia, towards common goals and a sustainable future.
*ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW*
Pacific Blue Foundation (PBF) is a non-for-profit public benefit non-governmental-organization, registered 501(c)3 and charitable trust.
Pacific Blue Foundation provides basic research, education, encouragement and dissemination of sustainable practices in coastal regions with the ultimate goal of preserving and promoting the biological and cultural diversity of the region.
For more information please visit our website:
And our Facebook page:
*APPLICATION*
Please submit a Curriculum Vitae (up to three pages), a cover letter (one page), and contacts of two referees to: beqalagooninitiative@gmail.com by Wednesday, February 28th 2018.
Cheers,
Sefano
*———————–Sefano M Katz*
*Project Manager*
*The Beqa Lagoon Initiative; Pacific Blue Foundation*
*Sustaining Reef Communities*Ph: (+679) 8390473 | Skype: sefano.m.katz | Mail:
P.O.Box 13306, Suva, Fiji
Web: www.PacificBlueFoundation.org <http://WWW.PacificBlueFoundation.org> |
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/PacificBlueFoundation/
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