Marine Program Coordinator (2-Year Contract)

About the role

Love The Oceans Conservation, a grassroots marine charity protecting Mozambique's ocean ecosystems, is seeking a Marine Program Coordinator for a minimum 2-year contract starting 6 January 2027, based in Jangamo Bay. The role reports to the Managing Director and involves coordinating and delivering field research projects, mentoring students and staff, and managing the day-to-day running of marine science activities. It includes a 3-month probationary period.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and oversee research projects such as coral reef surveys, fisheries assessments, megafauna monitoring, BRUVs, ocean-trash studies, socio-economic studies, capacity strengthening and aquaculture initiatives.
• Ensure safe, high-quality fieldwork and provide ad-hoc scientific and technical support to expedition leaders during expeditions.
• Deliver lectures, workshops and field training; supervise student theses and placements; coach expedition leaders.
• Maintain data quality, clean datasets, and contribute to publications, reports and impact assessments.
• Represent the charity at public talks and stakeholder meetings, host partners and build respectful relationships with local communities.
• Complete monthly financial reconciliations, assist with donor/grant reports, maintain equipment and health-and-safety documentation, and conduct annual health and safety audits.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Marine Science or a related field.
• PADI Divemaster (or higher) with at least 50 logged dives, scientific diving experience and strong dive-safety awareness.
• Full valid driver's licence (manual) and a valid First Aid certificate.
• High proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Experience coordinating small-to-medium teams or academic programs and in field research in tropical or coastal marine ecosystems.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and in a remote coastal setting; physically able for fieldwork.

Required skills

• Data management, cleaning and quality assurance.
• Public speaking and teaching to varied audiences.
• Desirable: Portuguese, previous remote field experience, experience designing marine projects, familiarity with financial tracking or grant reporting.

What we offer

• Competitive salary adjusted to the local cost of living, disclosed to shortlisted candidates.
• Year-round shared on-site accommodation and a one-time economy flight home.
• Covered scuba dives and snorkels, organised cultural and recreational activities, and full training in the charity's conservation strategy.
• Overland transfer from Inhambane Airport/Bus Station to base camp.

Applicants apply online; shortlisted candidates receive the compensation package and a follow-up questionnaire, then an online interview, possibly with a second interview.