MARINE RESEARCH JOB VACANCIES Needed to start immediately GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL, AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND MARINE RESEARCH EXPEDITION, SHIMONI, KENYA. GVI is looking for adventurous & motivated staff to assist in developing and running an exciting new cetacean monitoring research programme One position available ASAP FOR MORE INFO READ BELOW If you are interested, are AVAILABLE WITHIN A MONTH and have the relevant qualifications and experience pls send me your CV and cover letter ASAP to sophie@gvi.co.uk Information . "Global Vision International promotes sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world by matching the general public, with international environmentalists, researchers and pioneering educators." Global Vision International, (www.gvi.co.uk), was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non profits and governmental agencies. Through their international network of 40 personnel in over 20 countries GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe. GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with aid-reliant organisations throughout the world provides opportunities to Volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. GVI wildlife and Marine Expeditions work closely with local organisations and providing essential support monitoring the Kisite-/mpunguti National Marine Park, environmental and sustainable development education. Project: This new expedition combines a variety of both marine and terrestrial research together with community development projects within the tropical environment of East Africa. The expedition looks at the biodiversity of the immediate region around Shimoni and Wasini Island, utilizing a base in Shimoni on the Kenyan border with mainland Tanzania. The expedition examines how the local communities affect and utilise the region's natural resources, and aims to assist these communities to profit from their resources in a sustainable manner. GVI is working alongside many high profile local partners, including the Kenyan Wildife Service (KWS) and Kenyan Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). The expedition will focus on three main elements, wildlife research and the impact of development upon it, marine mammal research (specifically cetaceans) to determine trends related to tourism and populations and community development projects which together with many other activities will include teaching English programs, sustainable tourism workshops and development programs such as health centre construction. GVI is looking for adventurous & motivated staff to assist in developing and running this exciting new expedition, which started in January 2006 Aims: The aim of the marine project is to create an extensive and comprehensive long-term cetacean monitoring programme within the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area (MPA) to determine, primarily, which cetacean species utilise the MPA. Once species occurrence has been determined, the population ecology, biological condition and exposure to anthropogenic influences of those species, can be investigated. This information will be used to support conservation and long-term sustainable development with the Kisite-Mpunguti MPA. Whilst conducting this research, data will also be opportunistically gathered on other marine mega-fauna occurring within the study area, particularly whales, turtles, whale sharks and rays. Additional research focuses the expedition is involved in are Wildlife research on species such as Colobus monkeys and forest biodiversity studies. Teaching English, Environmental education, Rainforest re / degeneration, Sustainable tourism practices, and Community infrastructure development. Role: The project is managed by a young team of six full-time Researchers assisted by teams of temporary, overseas volunteers. The position open is as Marine Officer, however all staff will be trained in all areas of the expedition focuses: Marine position Assist in managing the marine programme, train Expedition Members in survey and monitoring techniques, teach survey techniques and identification, write reports, liaise with local partners and head office. Drive boat; maintain high health and safety standards, aid with logistics, budgeting and community programme, possible publications. Qualifications needed: Science degree and environmental studies/sustainable development background. Marine biological degree an advantage. Experienced boat handlers with a minimum of RYA boat handling level 2 or equivalent, essential. Extensive field experience in surveying and monitoring of cetaceans and 1st Aid qualifications essential. PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) instructor qualifications an advantage. Able to work as part of a team, in a remote area, in basic accomodation. International Driving licence. Excellent people skills essential, exposure to expedition life and experience working with volunteers or groups of people in isolated environments essential. This position also offers potential opportunities within the growing organisation of GVI, all around the world. Please look at the GVI website for more information on this exciting organisation www.gvi.co.uk Conditions All food, accommodation, equipment and essential transport provided, plus expedition monthly salary ($450) and flight contribution, paid at start and end of the contract. Own insurance has to be provided. Hours are long, with a day and a half off at weekends when not on duty. Conditions are basic living on a remote island and staff may have to share a room. Solar power provides limited electricity at night. The diet is generally vegetarian and staff are expected to join Expedition Members in camp duties such as cooking, base cleaning, maintenance of base and boats. Position starts End of February, closing date 28th February If you are not available before the end of March please DO NOT apply Enquiries and applications to Sophie Greatwood sophie@gvi.co.uk Cell: +2782 410 5539