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Park Ranger
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This is a local recruitment. Only Maldivian nationals, individuals with residence status or the appropriate employment visa for Maldives are eligible to apply. The remuneration and benefits package for this position is established with reference to the local labour market and in line with the IUCN conditions of service for Maldives.
Located on the southern fringe of coral reef of the South Ari Atoll (Alif Dhaalu), South Ari Marine Protected Area is the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Maldives stretching 40km along the outer southern rim of Ari atoll.
SAMPA was designated a Marine Protected Area (MPA) on June 5, 2009 by Directive Number 138- EE/2009/19 of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The MPA status is the highest form of protection prescribed by the Government of Maldives and is supported by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act: 4/1993. The MPA was established with the following objectives:
1. To protect and preserve an important Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation area in the Maldives
2. To provide a means to promote and ensure the long-term conservation and protection of the South Ari ecosystem, and
3. To generate income for local islands through sustainable tourism, facilitating scientific research projects and fostering community-focused education and conservation initiatives.
This MPA is one of the most heavily used areas for tourism and diving activities in the Maldives. The area is known globally for its biologically diverse marine life, notably the high probability of whale shark encounters throughout the year.
Project REGENERATE, a Government of Maldives project implemented by IUCN and generously funded by USAID has initiated the process of formulating a management regime for the MPA. The project working alongside Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to station rangers in the MPA to ensure safety of visitors, wildlife and manage interactions between humans and the environment in this area.
The ranger will be primarily responsible for the safety of visitors and wildlife through compliance with regulation, and assist with collecting data, managing and monitoring the South Ari Marine Protected Area. The ranger will work closely with IUCN and the Environmental Protection Agency and shall create a schedule of work and report to IUCN and Environmental Protection Agency.
• Monitor and manage the South Ari Marine Protected Area in accordance with regulations, guidelines, and management plan to ensure safety of humans and protection of the environment as instructed by EPA and IUCN
• Daily data collection:
a) number of vessels and details of the vessel utilizing the area including but not limited to whale shark excursions, diving and snorkeling
b) number of people using the MPA including but not limited to whale shark excursions, diving and snorkeling
c) standardized reporting on regulatory compliance and incidences (e.g. excessive number of people per whale shark sighting, any vessels without registration number and name, issues identified in random spot checking, fishing in the MPA, sand mining and any other extractive activity etc.)
DUTIES
• Conduct awareness sessions on best practice for whale shark guides, boat crews, dive operators to ensure safe and sustainable use of the MPA and measures prescribed in the management plan once it is approved
• Organise and conduct regular stakeholder meetings (e.g every 1-2 months) in collaboration with the EPA, IUCN, Ministry of Environment and stakeholders, including island and atoll councils, resorts and guesthouses, to inform them of new developments.
• Assist in communications between users, government and enforcement agencies as needed
• Maintain and manage all records
• Monthly report to EPA and IUCN
• Undertake any activities prescribed in the management plan or as guided by EPA and IUCN
• Perform other tasks as may be assigned
Skills
• Ability to work for extended periods with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills, assertive and able to resolve conflict and engage in public speaking
• Ability to work in a team and flexible to emerging or changing conditions
• Familiarity with Microsoft office or equivalent IT software including word, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint
• Ability to maintain and report on budget/expenses
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• General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced level in at least two subjects orGeneral Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary level • Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience • Fluent in verbal and written English as well as the local language Dhivehi at the duty station (Maldives) • Excellent knowledge and understanding of the South Ari Marine Protected Area • Certified diver and excellent swimmer • Marine vessel driving license with First Aid, CPR, and lifesaving training preferred • Knowledge of or an interest in conservation, ecology, biodiversity, fisheries, eco-tourism and/or natural resource management, specially conservation of coral reefs and marine megafauna such as the whale sharks and rays • Resident of one of the islands with the MPA and must submit a letter by island council confirming that they have been residing in the island • Able to work on flexible and long working hours including early mornings and holidays (especially on holidays) • Available to travel to attend short training outside of South Ari Atoll • Experience in marine ecology surveys and organizing/facilitating events/meetings preferred • Familiarity with Microsoft office or equivalent IT software including word, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint • Ability to maintain and report on budget/expenses • No criminal record |
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
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