VACANCY: PEOPLE AND OCEAN: RESEARCH ASSISTANT
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is the non-profit public benefit partner of the Two Oceans Aquarium. The Foundation’s main focus-areas are Conservation, Education and Research. We are constantly looking for creative ways of expanding our reach and seek enthusiastic team members to help us achieve our ambitious goals. The new People and Ocean Research Institute at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is lookingfor a Research Assistant for a one-year contract.
WHO YOU ARE
As our new People and Ocean Research Assistant, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:
- Passionate about ocean conservation and inspiring others to care for it.
- Skilled in evaluation, including research design, data collection, and logic models.
- Data-driven, proficient in database management, and capable of conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis independently.
- Supportive team player, fostering strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and partners while building evaluation capacity.
- Driven to create a lasting impact through meaningful research and action aligned with personal values.
- Strong communicator, adept at transforming research into accessible content such as articles, blogs, and reports.
- Based in Cape Town, available for in-office work four days a week, with occasional weekend and holiday availability.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Manage databases, analyse data, and write actionable reports.
- Write publishable papers with supervision.
- Collect qualitative and quantitative data onsite and offsite.
- Apply innovative research methods, data visualization, and participatory designs.
- Document project processes and results through reports.
- Support proposal development and funding efforts for research projects.
- Develop and revise research plans with project leaders and partners.
- Design and implement research and evaluation plans, including various evaluation stages.
- Serve as liaison between the Foundation and external consultants.
- Train and supervise volunteers and staff, fostering evaluation capacity.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree from an accredited university plus four or more years of related experience in social science, behaviour change, applied psychology, marine science or similar fields; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience developing and implementing research designs, preferably within an educational or informal learning setting.
- Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data analysis and data management. Experience with R, Python, SPSS or other data analysis tool.
- Proven experience in writing scientific papers and reports and the ability to communicate complex data simply.
- Ability to interpret, synthesize, and communicate research findings to varied audiences including demonstrated public speaking skills with experience presenting to both public and professional audiences.
- Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate tools such as Qualtrics, CyberTracker, Google Forms and/or SurveyMonkey.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and their promotion through culturally responsive or equitable research.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Intellectually curious and can work independently with minimal supervision
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative as a self-starter
- Experience analysing and manipulating large, complex datasets
- Familiarity with participatory research or similar community-centred strategies
Reporting to: Executive: People and Ocean Research Institute
Starting Date: 1 May 2025
Salary: To be discussed
If you would like to apply for this position, please email a maximum 4-page resume with a covering letter motivating why you are suitable for the position to: careers@aquariumfoundation.org.za
Short-listed candidates will be requested to supply the names and contact details of three referees.
Preference will be given to candidates who will add to the diversity of our organization. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation reserves the right not to make an appointment if no suitable candidates apply for the position as advertised.
Closing date for applications: 10 March 2025.
If no response is received within 14 days of the closing date, candidates should regard their application as unsuccessful.