Due to a last minute cancellation we have an open position for an internship as a research assistant on the cetacean conservation project of Nicaragua.
*About ELI-Scientific*ELI-S is a nonprofit organization based in France that has been created in2013. Our organization aims at promoting, protecting and conservingcetaceans. We have set up the research project ?Cetacean Conservation inNicaragua?.ELI-Scientific is seeking one research assistants for field work,photo-identification and data entry from 23 of January to 23 of April 2017.This project aims to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, distribution andhabitat use patterns. The Research Assistant will have a unique opportunityto participate on a pioneer research project under the supervision ofexperienced Team Leader and the Project Director.The expected output is to generate: 1) scientific data on cetaceans inNicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to the local communities in order tocreate a socio-economic relevance in conserving and protecting theirnatural environment and 3) responsible eco-tourism.All team members will have a training beforehand on the field methodologiesand protocols as well as on data management.*Locations: *Padre Ramos North-West of Nicaragua*Period: *January,23rd ? April, 23rd 2017 (3 months)*Type of agreement: *Full time. 1-2 Days off per week.Research assistants should expect to spend at least 4 days a week on thefield and 1 day a week in working with data and should be willing and ableto work a 5-6 days per week during the 12-week field study.*Duties:*- Assist in Boat based surveys in collecting data on cetaceans- Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species- Update photo-ID catalogue- Data entry of collected data- Participate to public outreach*Skills and qualifications:*- Bsc or Mc in biology / environmental sciences- Fluency in Spanish- Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working- Have background in cetacean ecology, and at least one season of field work- Experience of working in developing countries- Experience in delivering educational activities- Proactive with ability to work unsupervised- Interest in wildlife and conservation- Being comfortable on a small boat- Excellent verbal and written communication skills- Being able to work in a small team- Being able to live in basic living conditions *Desirable skills :*- An interest and knowledge of marine life- A background in marine biology- Speaking English and French is a plus- Be able to swim*Successful candidate will:*- Gain valuable experience in cetacean survey techniques and behavioral studies- Work in a very dynamic environment- Get insight in running a research project in developing countries*Accommodation and expenses:*A participation fee of 500 euros/month will be asked to the assistant which covers accommodation, food expenses, travel to and from the airport, themembership to the organisation, 2 project t-shirts and a one week training on marine mammal identification and research methods.*To apply:*Please email a CV and a cover letter outlining your experienceand motivations. Send this to joelle.deweerdt@eli-s.com with -Researchassistant 2017- in the subject line.