Turtle Foundation seeking Project Coordinator for Cape Verde project

TURTLE FOUNDATION is an international non-governmental, non-profit organization working for the protection and conservation of sea turtles. Since 2008, TURTLE FOUNDATION is implementing a program for the protection of loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta) on the island Boavista, Cape Verde.

TURTLE FOUNDATION is currently seeking a Portuguese speaking Project coordinator.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Title of the position: Project Coordinator

Employer: TURTLE FOUNDATION

Job location: Boavista Island, Cape Verde, West Africa

Period of employment: March 2015 – End of December 2016

How to apply: cordes@turtle-foundation.org

For further information on the turtle project please visit: www.turtle-foundation.org

Responsibilities
TURTLE FOUNDATION is currently seeking a portuguese speaking Project coordinator to implement a multi-stakeholder based management system for eco-touristic activities on Boavista Island.

The core of this management system is a new software based distribution tool for Turtle Watching groups. The software will be provided by Turtle Foundation and the Project Coordinator will receive training to operate the system.

The Project Coordinator will organize and moderate stakeholder meetings with governmental authorities, companies, NGOs and community members, in order to introduce the system and to seek support for the project. The successful candidate will establish an office with a team of two cape verdean call-agents to run the system. He/she is responsible for hiring local employees, oversee work structures and budget, supervise personnel and to keep contact to governmental authorities, local project partners and the headquarter in Europe.

This is a management position that requires an assertive individual with excellent communication skills, good organizational skills, sound judgment, initiative, flexibility and.

Salary: 800 EUR/month

Accommodation and a return flight to Boavista will be provided.

Qualifications The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:

• University degree in tourism or business administration, social science or equivalent 
• A minimum of two years of working experience in a project management position 
• Must be fluent in Portuguese and English 
• Experience in negotiating with governmental authorities, enterprises, NGOs and community members 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing 
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills 
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision 
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel 
• Holding a driving license 

To apply: Send cover letter, resume, transcripts and at least two professional references to

cordes@turtle-foundation.org,   attention Dr. Hiltrud Cordes.

January 2015 report from Biological Consultant Hana Svobodova, in Indonesia. She has been doing amazing work on behalf of Turtle Foundation. Click on the arrow in the upper right corner to view the report in a separate window.

December Report from Biological Consultant Hana Svobodova, in Indonesia. She has been doing amazing work on behalf of Turtle Foundation. Click on the arrow in the upper right corner to view the report in a separate window.

Welcome to Zeddy Seymour, Assistant Project Manager for Cape Verde

Hi Everyone,
Meet Zeddy Seymour, our new Assistant Project Manager for our Cape Verde project:


In May of this year I will be starting as assistant project manager in the Cape Verde. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you I haven’t met in person.

I have been interested in turtles ever since I first met one whilst snorkelling in Hawaii as a child. It was a simple experience but one that has profoundly affected my life. I feel extremely privileged to be able to work in an area that I feel so passionate about, and fortunate to be part of an organisation that I truly believe in. I hope to continue to develop the great work that Turtle Foundation has done in Cape Verde so far and  to  build upon this, particularly within the community.

Having spent the last two seasons in Boa Vista, first as camp coordinator of Lacacão and then last year responsible for Geomar’s data collection, I feel I have developed an understanding of the island’s ecology and community that will help me to do so. On the other hand, my previous experience working in Mozambique and Latin America will also be useful, as will my qualifications.

I have BA in Latin American Studies from the University of Leeds, a degree that allowed me to study the Portuguese language in depth, and which consequently has been fundamental to my understanding, and appreciation, of the Lusophonic world and its’ cultures. However, I never lost touch with nature and my desire to work towards achieving a better and more sustainable balance. As a result I went on to read
an MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity at the University of Exeter. During this degree I was lucky enough to work with Doctor Rachel Graham and Professor Brendan Godley, both of whom were fundamental in developing my understanding of the situation in the seas, and as a result, instrumental in my decision to pursue a career in marine conservation.

It is the mixture of a Lushophone environment and marine conservation that I feel most suits me. I look forward to the new challenges, expanding my knowledge of kriolu and strengthening the link between conservation and the local community. I really look forward to working with you and to bringing my dog, Frida, back to her homeland!

All the best,
Zeddy Seymour

Volunteer opportunities with Turtle Foundation in Cape Verde

Do you want to work with endangered loggerhead turtles in Africa, gain hands-on experience in the field or simply help make a difference during your holidays? Turtle Foundation - Cabo Verde, are now recruiting for the upcoming nesting season (June-Nov 2015).

~ We have a range of positions available. Please visit our website for more information & application forms:
                                          Volunteer information Turtle Foundation