Research Officer: Research, Development and Monitoring

SUMMARY:
SST’s vision of success is a future where the people of Africa and her seas flourish together. Using waste as the lens, marine pollution as the impact the organisation works to mitigate, and the coastal communities of Africa as the focal point of interactions between land and ocean, the Research, Development and Monitoring impact portfolio works to design well-structured, high-quality research programmes to ensure comprehensive understanding of the challenges impeding sustainable waste management in identified coastal communities. The hiring organisation is a science-based organisation working to protect Africa’s seas and communities for the benefit of all who live on the continent.  Their vision of success is a future where the people of Africa and her seas flourish together. Using waste as the lens, marine pollution as the impact the organisation works to mitigate, and the coastal communities of Africa as the focal point of interactions between land and ocean, the Research, Development and Monitoring impact portfolio works to design well-structured, high-quality research programmes to ensure comprehensive understanding of the challenges impeding sustainable waste management in identified coastal communities.

THE ROLE:
The Research Officer will manage and analyse existing datasets and databases, produce technical reports and scientific publications, and organise collaboration between SST and partner organisations. This position is answerable to the Manager: Research, Development and Monitoring.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Support research activities as directed by the Programme Manager and contribute to the design of interventions to achieve organisational marine conservation objectives.
• Ensure all baseline, ongoing monitoring and impact research is initiated, conducted, and concluded on time.
• Establish and manage monitoring databases. Retrieve and synthesise information from a wide range of sources, including online databases.
• Engage with external stakeholders and partners on an ongoing basis to understand their requirements and challenges related to waste.
• Assist with project management of external service providers as necessary.
• Assist with managing and coordinating the organisational volunteer database. Ensure all volunteers are trained appropriately and are available to support on all interventions, in all areas of operation, as required.
• Attend and present research and project reports at meetings, workshops and conferences to various stakeholder groups. Facilitate public events and engagements as necessary.
• Establish and organise collaboration with research partners (e.g., universities, NGOs and other partners).
• Support and contribute to the NPO’s peer-reviewed publication activity.
• Produce technical reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Contribute to funding proposals and applications.
• Ensure that the internal M&E systems are always current.
• Assist with analysing data and providing reporting as required to various stakeholders, including assisting other roles in the organisation with such.
• Support the Strategic Stakeholder Engagement impact portfolio (specifically Marketing and Communications) with monthly relevant newsworthy stories, social media content and any other communications content as required.
• Work collaboratively and collegially, as an effective team member.
• Carry out such other duties, as may be required, which fall within the Research, Development and Monitoring impact portfolio.

• At least a Masters’ degree in one of the environmental sciences a prerequisite.
• At least five (5) years’ proven experience in an appropriate discipline.
• A proven track record in successful project management.
• A good track record in research and writing, ideally writing reports and professional publications (beyond science and peer reviewed publications).
• Proven track record in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Ability to successfully work with and lead a team.
• Valid driver’s license essential. Must be comfortable driving alone.
• SA Citizen with clear criminal record.

• Has a passion for the sustainability agenda.
• Is well organised and proactive.
• Well-informed on the latest global developments on plastics (e.g. the Global Plastics Treaty), climate change, marine conservation, and education.
• Has a basic understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Excellence in public speaking and presenting research plans and results.

POSITION INFO:
Research Officer: Research, Development and Monitoring

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