Marine Protected Area Engagement and Development

**JOB TITLE: Marine Protected Area Engagement and Development Officer**

**TEAM**: Conservation and Fisheries

**REPORTS TO**: Marine Conservation Team Leader

**JOB PURPOSE**:To work with the Marine Conservation Team to raise awareness of the Ascension Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) and its impacts. This will involve engagement with both the local community on Ascension and the global community. This role will also develop the social and economic benefits associated with the MPA by encouraging scientific research on the island.

**MAIN DUTIES**:

- Assist with the preparation of the MPA Public Engagement Strategy.
- Develop and take part in engagement events and activities with the island community to build awareness of, and support for the MPA.
- Develop educational activities and resources for the Ascension Island school.
- Establish links with schools in the UK and other countries with large scale MPAs.
- Lead on planning and management of the annual MPA festival on Ascension.
- Lead on creating and posting content on the MPA social media accounts.
- Record the work of the Marine Conservation Team through videos and photographs.
- Create and maintain an asset library of photographs, illustrations, interviews, videos and sound recordings.
- Lead on the creation of a series of interviews capturing the views and memories of Ascension’s marine users for online content or posts.
- Write press releases and regular articles for local and online publications.
- Lead on planning and delivering activities with the MPA Youth Committee.
- Identify and develop other opportunities to raise the profile of the Ascension MPA
- Identify potential research and management projects, collaborators and funding sources that deliver the objectives of the MPA Management Plan.
- Produce a promotional package to encourage scientists to work on Ascension.
- Develop best-practice guidance to promote sustainable enjoyment of the MPA.
- Collect and analyse data on the social and economic impact of the MPA.
- Assist with MPA management and research work alongside the Marine Conservation Team.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- To undertake the main duties of the post (detailed above) to the highest possible standard.
- Work closely with other on-Island team members, and other stakeholders to complete the main duties of the post and towards a sustainable programme for marine management and conservation on Ascension Island.
- To report regularly to the Marine Conservation Team Leader, to ensure that all parties are meeting their targets and goals.
- Comply with Health and Safety at Work procedures.
- Comply with AIG Child Safeguarding Policy.

**PERSON SPECIFICATION**:
**Essential**
- A degree level qualification in biology, education, tourism, marketing or public relations, or significant relevant experience in this field.
- A sound knowledge of marine conservation and fisheries biology.
- A proven track record in delivering public engagement events and activities
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Highly self-motivated and able to initiate and deliver projects independently and as part of a team.
- Experience of producing content for social media platforms.
- A full, clean driving licence.
- A good level of physical fitness and be able to work at sea, in sometimes challenging conditions.
- Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work effectively in a small team.
- Willing to sometimes work extended hours (often at weekends) and on projects outside of core duties if required.
- Safeguarding and First Aid training or qualifications or a willingness to acquire them.

**Desirable**
- A qualification in social science or experience in this field.
- Photography and video production and editing skills.
- Experience of managing social media accounts for NGOs or government department.
- Experience in conducting marine surveys and/or tagging of marine species.
- A powerboat handling qualification and experience of operating RIBs at sea
- Experience of living and working on conservation issues in small and remote communities and/or on small islands.

This Job Description indicates the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.

The Ascension Island Government (AIG) reserves the right to amend this Job Description from time to time according to operational needs. Any changes will be discussed with you and confirmed in writing. Please note that you share with AIG the responsibility for making suggestions to alter the scope of your duties and improve the effectiveness of your post.

**Updated: September 2024