job advertisement: intern coordinator

JOB ADVERTISEMENT: INTERN COORDINATOR
SOUTH AFRICAN SHARK CONSERVANCY (SASC)
ADVERTISEMENT DATE: 01 July 2014
About SASC
The South African Shark Conservancy (SASC) is a Section 21 company founded in 2007. Using sharks as icons,
SASC promotes the conservation & sustainable use of living marine resources through research, education &
outreach. We are a small dedicated team driven by passion and committed to a holistic & inclusive approach
to the conservation of the oceans. The SASC facility is based in the Old Harbour Museum, Hermanus, Western
Cape, South Africa.
Job Summary
The Intern Coordinator (IC) is, first and foremost, responsible for marketing the SASC Internship Program and
recruiting interns. The IC must provide quality career-related internship services to interns, students and
graduates, as well as visiting colleagues. The IC will be the liaison between the aforementioned and SASCs
permanent scientific and advisory staff, and will support and facilitate all intern-related activities.
Additionally, the IC will oversee the organization, implementation and facilitation of ALL field- and lab-based
research with the assistance of the Lab Manager (LM). This includes liaising with SASCs partner organizations
and other relevant bodies. The IC must provide training for all field projects and be willing to participate in –
and guide – work in the field, often in inclement weather conditions and on weekends. The IC will work closely
with the LM to coordinate activities and ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the SASC facility.
The successful applicant must be able to assess priorities, delegate tasks and maintain continuous positive
interactions. The IC must exemplify patience, have strong leadership skills and be able to work well in a
constantly changing work environment. Strong organizational abilities are of utmost importance.
This is a dynamic position and the successful applicant should be prepared to assist with various other
programs such as the delivery of educational material, fisher training and outreach at regular events. The
successful applicant may also have the opportunity to develop personal career goals within the mandate of the
organization.
General responsibilities
 Develop SASC Internship Program including program goals, materials and means of evaluation
 Actively research and contact relevant institutes and organizations to build the Internship Program
 Coordinate the recruiting and screening of applicants
 Work with the SASC team to determine need for interns, review applications and accept suitable
applicants
 Mentor & supervise staff, interns and students to ensure they are meeting personal and program
objectives
 Coordinate transport for intern-related needs & work-related activities
 Coordinate meetings and daily task assignments for interns
 Maintain standards for the SASC Internship Program through continued liaising with interns and staff
 Facilitate intern orientation on arrival in South Africa and SASC
 Maintain accurate records on intern appointments and funds received through the program
 Liaise with partner organizations as required
 Act as an ambassador for SASC, be self-motivated and passionate – always leading by example!
Required qualifications and skills
 Valid driver’s licence (manual transmission experience a MUST)
 Dive certification
 Skipper’s certificate with experience at-sea
 Computer literate (including Access, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
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Experience working in marine conservation
Project management experience
Field research experience
Fluent in English (written, oral)
Excellent communication & organization skills
Experience delivering public talks
Physically fit with a passion for the outdoors
A strong desire to communicate conservation-related issues to the public
An ability to work independently & in a team with people from diverse backgrounds & cultures is a
MUST!
Willingness to work irregular hours & spend time away in the field
Beneficial skills
 Experience in experimental design, field methods, statistical analyses
 Scientific writing
NB: The salary is commensurate to an entry level position in South Africa. However, the IC also obtains
commission for each intern recruited. In addition to the basic salary, accommodation and access to the
SASC vehicle for work-related activities is provided. Most importantly the successful candidate will have the
opportunity to develop, supervise and lead local research & education projects, gaining unparalleled
management, research and field experience.
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Application deadline: Monday, April 6 at 09h00 GMT+2. If you are not contacted within 21 days your
application has been unsuccessful.
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The start date for the position is Monday, June 1 2015. This is a 1-year contract position which will be
offered to the successful applicant on completion of a 90-day probation period from the start date.
NB: The successful applicant must be willing to undergo a 2-week unpaid training period beginning June 01,
2015.
To apply: send a detailed (max. 3pg) CV to info@sharkconservancy.org. Applicants MUST include 3
contactable references, a letter of motivation explaining why you want to join the SASC team – addressing how
you fit the abovementioned criteria - and indicate a proven track record in project management.