Are you passionate about marine conservation and protecting the majestic manta rays of the Maldives? Join our team at the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme and make a difference in the preservation of these gentle giants. Explore career opportunities with us today and be a part of a meaningful conservation effort that benefits both the environment and local communities. Please read the testimonials below from previous interns:
DHUAA ABDULLA
Research Intern
‘Back in September 2023, I spent a month in Four Season Landaa Giraavaru working with Maldives Manta Conservation Programme as a Research Assistant Intern. I was assisting a Manta Trust Researcher with her PhD research on manta ray feeding ecology by collecting oceanographic data and zooplankton samples in Hanifaru Bay, Baa atoll, which is the largest known reef manta ray aggregation site in the world.
I had very little knowledge about manta rays when I first joined, but during the time I spent with the team, I learned a lot about manta ray behavior, and had the most amazing opportunity to see it all for myself. The experience I got was extraordinary working with the sweetest researchers, learning about oceanography research equipment and spending hours in a lab processing samples after being in the ocean all day, collecting zooplankton samples.’
‘Getting to work with Maldives Manta Conservation Programme in collaboration with Six Senses Laamu has been such a rewarding learning experience. It feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to be working with such passionate marine biologists from different parts of the world as well as members of different sectors of island communities from my own country. It has been an opportunity to make small differences in these communities which hopefully contributes to lasting change.’
AISHATH REESHA AHMED
Community Outreach and Research Intern
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Manta Ray Conservation Community Officer
Laamu Atoll | Ref: #MMCP2024
Deadline = Open until filled
Please note: we are only able to accept Maldivian candidates for this recruitment.
The Manta Trust is seeking to fill a new 6-months paid position reserved for a local resident in Laamu Atoll, preferably from the islands of Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo, Mameendhoo, Gan or Fonadhoo (for transportation reasons). The Conservation Community Officer will work closely with the Manta Trust project manager and assistant project manager who are based at Six Senses Laamu. The Conservation Community Officer will work remotely from a local island 4 days / week and visit the resort for trainings and research 1 day / week. The officer will work a total of 5 days / week.
Essential qualifications & skills:
Interest and experience in conservation or a related field;
Fluent in spoken and written English and Dhivehi;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to represent the Manta Trust to members of the public, external organisations and colleagues;
Confident public speaker eager to engage student and community audiences;
Knowledge of MS Office Package (Excel, Word, Power-Point, etc.);
Demonstrate organisational and administrative skills with the ability to plan and deliver to deadlines;
Self-motivated individual with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to a diverse workload;
Desirable skills:
Experience leading environmental education and outreach initiatives;
Experience working with children;
Teaching experience;
Community outreach experience;
Experience in snorkelling / in water activities.
Roles and responsibilities include:
Collaborate and develop effective working relationships with local Councils, community and organisations that are involved within the community;
Establish strong connection / liaison with schools and environment clubs;
Promote and implement an education programme;
Arrange, organise and assist in snorkel sessions with the help of other Manta Trust team members.
Development and deliver community awareness sessions;
Conducting surveys with local community;
Investigate ways of benefitting the local community through environmental conservation;
Active participation in education and awareness events on the local island or nearby islands;
Possibility to be involved and learn about reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) data collection in the field (photographic ID, parasites sampling, environmental variables, etc.). Dependent on in-water capabilities;
Data analyses through photo-ID editing and matching and updating survey spreadsheets.
Equipment requirements
Dropbox Plus Subscription (minimum 1TB storage space)* to be reimbursed upon completion of contract term.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
This is a self-employed (consultancy) role. Consultants will be entitled to a monthly consultancy fee between $800- $900 depending on skills and level of experience.
Consultants will be required to take out their own insurance cover, including but not limited to, travel and personal liability insurance;
Additional details available on request.
Please submit a cover letter and CV to laamu@mantatrust.org if you meet the essential requirements and would like to apply.
Only those who meet the essential requirements will be considered for the role.
Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted with short-listed candidates before the application deadline.
Due to limited capacity only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Although we encourage applications from any Maldivian national, people local to Laamu will be prioritised in the recruitment process
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
RahVeshi Programme Scholarship
For Maldivian Nationals Only
Deadline = 10th July 2024
Interested in a career in marine conservation but unsure how to get involved? Well, the opportunity has now arrived - The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme is excited to announce the launch of the RahVeshi Programme Scholarship. The RahVeshi Programme Scholarship is open to Maldivian nationals, looking for education and training, with the ambition of working in marine conservation. This exclusive programme includes the PADI Divemaster course without any prior dive experience necessary, though it is also open to individuals with diving experience! Over the course of three months, individuals taking part in the scholarship programme will have the opportunity to engage with one of the Maldives’ key marine conservation NGOs, the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme. Successful scholars will also improve their knowledge of marine biology through remote completion of a Level 3 Certificate course in Marine Biology to equip you both inside and out of the water to engage with marine conservation. Applications for the 2024 programme are now open!
Requirements:
Applicants must have a keen interest working in a Marine / Environmental Conservation field and have a demonstrable interest in marine conservation
Good swimming/snorkeling skills
Good spoken and written English
Good physical fitness, diving can be a very physically demanding activity
Self-motivated individual with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to a diverse workload
Independent, good time management and communication skills
Applicants must be able to commit to a 3-month period (19th August 2024 – 17th November 2024)
Ability to travel to and stay in Male, Hulhumale or Villimale for the duration of the course
Desirable Experience:
Previous volunteer or work experience with a marine conservation NGO (e.g. internships, volunteer or educational roles)
Experience engaging in community events and/or citizen science initiatives for the benefit of the local environment e.g. beach cleans, wildlife monitoring, attending environmental festivals
Previous participation in marine biology courses (school or other)
Existing dive qualifications
Roles and responsibilities include:
Complete PADI Divemaster qualification within the timescale of the scholarship (requires 5 days per week)
Complete Marine Biology Level 3 to a high standard, submitting all assessments within the timescale of the scholarship
Engage with the running of the dive centre, performing tasks such as preparing guest dive equipment, filling and moving tanks, shadowing instructors, assisting on courses, learning dive sites and more
Report to and attend regular meetings with the RahVeshi Programme Coordinator or other members of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme Team
Attend outreach activities and/or events for the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme alongside the RahVeshi Programme Coordinator as an exemplary ambassador of the MMCP
Inclusions & Exclusions:
Scholars will be entitled to a monthly stipend of $250 USD
DAN insurance is provided as a part of the Divemaster course but scholars will be required to take out their own insurance cover, including but not limited to, travel and personal liability insurance for other activities
Scholars must fully reimburse the cost of the courses undertaken if the course is not completed to finality, or to an acceptable standard
If you are interested, please send your CV/resume (maximum two pages), and a covering letter (maximum one page) to mmcp.careers@mantatrust.org quoting ‘Scholarship Application #MMCP2024 and your name in the email title e.g. ‘Scholarship Application #MMCP2024 Joe Bloggs’.
If you have any further enquiries about the scholarship please contact Fauz, our RahVeshi Programme Coordinator (fauz.fath-hee@mantatrust.org, +960 930-4239).
This is an extremely popular and highly competitive opportunity, so really try and impress us if you want to stand out! We welcome you to apply even if you already have diving qualifications or experience in the field, alongside those who are just getting started. It should also be highlighted that completion of this scholarship may present the opportunity to work or intern with the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme in the future. We look forward to reading your application.
Please note this scholarship is reserved for Maldivian nationals aged 18+
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted with short-listed candidates before the application deadline.
Due to limited capacity only successful candidates will be contacted.