Research Manager

SANCCOB is a leading seabird conservation non-profit organisation which seeks to employ a Research Manager to join their energetic and dedicated team based in Cape Town on a full-time basis. This position will play a critical role in supporting seabird conservation by providing the frameworks, approaches, and activities for SANCCOB to maximise its impact and achieve the organisation’s conservation strategy. The Research Manager is a key member, reporting to the Head of Conservation who directs SANCCOB’s conservation strategic objectives.

**Responsibilities and Scope**
- Provide strategic leadership to place SANCCOB as a thought leader in seabird research and conservation, using science to inform conservation action:

- Conduct applied seabird research in the following areas:

- Artificial Incubation, chick rearing and rehabilitation
- Veterinary interventions
- Diseases in the wild
- Post-release monitoring and seabird survival
- Predation
- Effects of climate change
- Effects of underwater noise pollution and maritime expansion
- Foraging, food availability, and at-sea movements
- Effects of oil pollution on seabirds
- Other relevant seabird research
- Publish annually as a first author in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
- Present research findings at relevant conferences, meetings and workshops.
- Attend relevant meetings and working groups.
- Provide internal thought leadership:

- Manage an internal unbiased seabird research ethics committee.
- Ensure SANCCOB remains at the forefront of current scientific thinking.
- Ensure research findings are fed back to be implemented as organisational protocols.
- Build strong partnerships with relevant academic institutions and other seabird organisations and researchers:

- Develop collaborative projects advancing SANCCOB’s research profile.
- Manage the research deliverables for the NIMPA+ project.
- Forge strong partnerships with conservation authorities including DFFE, SANParks, CapeNature, Robben Island Museum and the City of Cape Town.
- Manage the Research Department:

- Personnel management, budget development and management, administration and work planning.
- Fundraise for research projects, securing sufficient funds to cover project costs.
- Management of data generated by SANCCOB including the analysis of the data.
- Any other tasks necessary for the conduct of the employer’s business, as the employer may from time to time direct.

**Requirements**:

- Minimum of a MSc or equivalent qualification in the natural sciences, conservation sciences, or environmental sciences.
- Proven competency statistical software, and MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) skills experience.
- Published articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

**Abilities and Experience Requirements**
- Field experience including handling seabirds.
- Experience in data gathering and interpretation.
- Ability to work well in a highly matrixed and collaborative organisation. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and is politically savvy. Must be a team player.
- Self-starter capable of proactively delivering on requirements.
- Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary context.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
- Critical and analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.
- Experience managing complex projects or strategic initiatives alongside governmental partners.
- Experience developing and/or implementing species plans or activities.

**Other Requirements**
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Available to travel locally and internationally at short notice.
- Valid Code B driver’s license.
- Willing to receive identified and necessary vaccinations.
- Physically fit and able to work in inclement weather conditions.
- South African citizen or valid work permit.

**Start Date**: Immediately