Project Officer – Marine Biodiversity and Field Research

The Project Officer – Marine Biodiversity and Field Research at Emirates Nature–WWF plays a critical role in supporting the design, implementation, and evaluation of marine conservation projects through robust scientific and technical expertise. The position focuses on field-based data collection, ecological assessments, and technical analysis to inform conservation interventions, restoration efforts, and nature-based solutions.

The role supports multiple projects, including ghost gear retrieval and impact assessment, marine habitat restoration, and seagrass-based nature-based solutions (NbS). The expert will contribute to planning and executing field surveys, managing ecological data, and producing high-quality technical outputs that inform adaptive management and programme-level decision-making.

The position requires strong technical expertise in marine ecosystems, field methodologies, and data analysis, combined with the ability to operate in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and challenging field conditions.

Field Surveys & Data Collection

• Plan and support the implementation of marine field surveys, including biodiversity assessments, habitat mapping, and post-intervention monitoring.
• Conduct fieldwork in coastal and offshore environments, including surveys related to ghost gear detection and retrieval, benthic habitats, and seagrass ecosystems.
• Apply appropriate scientific methodologies and protocols for data collection, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with international best practices.
• Support the deployment and use of field equipment and technologies (e.g. GPS, sonar, underwater cameras, BRUVs, drones, sampling tools).
• Collect, record, and manage ecological and environmental data in line with established standards and protocols.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and operational procedures during all field activities.

Project Planning & Execution

• Support the planning and coordination of field activities, including logistics, permits, stakeholder coordination, and scheduling.
• Contribute to the design of survey methodologies, sampling frameworks, and monitoring plans across projects.
• Work closely with project managers and technical teams to ensure smooth execution of field operations and timely delivery of activities.
• Coordinate with external partners (e.g. research institutions, dive teams, fishers, service providers) to support field implementation.
• Adapt field plans as needed based on environmental conditions, operational constraints, and emerging data.

Technical Analysis & Reporting

• Process and analyse ecological and spatial data to generate insights on biodiversity status, habitat condition, and project impact.
• Support the development of technical reports, scientific outputs, and knowledge products, including baseline assessments, monitoring reports, and impact evaluations.
• Interpret field data to inform conservation strategies, restoration interventions, and adaptive management.
• Contribute to the development of indicators and metrics aligned with programme monitoring frameworks.
• Ensure quality control and validation of data and technical outputs.

Monitoring, Control, Evaluation & Reporting

• Support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks across projects.
• Track ecological indicators related to biodiversity, habitat restoration, and marine ecosystem health.
• Contribute to impact reporting for donors and internal stakeholders, translating technical findings into clear and actionable insights.
• Support the development of dashboards, visualisations, and tools to communicate project progress and outcomes.
• Document lessons learned and contribute to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal teams, including conservation, outreach, and programme management units, to ensure alignment and integration across projects.
• Support in engaging with local stakeholders, including fishers, community members, and partners, to support data collection and participatory approaches where relevant.
• Support coordination with government entities, research institutions, and technical partners.
• Contribute to overall project implmentation and coordination, workshops, field visits, and stakeholder engagements as required.

Technical Integrity, Execution & Implementation

• Oversee project execution to ensure alignment with contractual obligations and donor expectations.
• Support the development of technical reports, policy briefs, and discussion papers to facilitate stakeholder engagement and contribute to fundraising efforts.
• Contribute scientific and technical inputs to field activities, technical reports, and knowledge products when required.
• Coordinate and support the technical team to ensure technical activities are delivered in accordance with stakeholder expectations, timelines, budgets, and established quality standards.
• Lead on circular economy and innovation topics within the project team and across the organisation.
• Keep abreast on related topics and represent the organisation on key topics related to restoration, circular economy and marine biodiversity, as needed.

Experience:

• Minimum 6–8 years of relevant experience in marine conservation, biodiversity assessment, or ecological research.
• Strong experience in field survey design and implementation in marine environments.
• Experience with marine habitat mapping, seagrass ecosystems, and/or fisheries-related research is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ghost gear, marine debris, or restoration projects is an advantage.
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder or cross-sectoral projects is desirable.

Education:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in marine biology, Marine Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of fisheries management, environmental policy, circular economy, or ecosystem monitoring frameworks is advantageous.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Arabic language proficiency is highly desirable given the national scope of stakeholder engagement.

Skills:

• Strong scientific and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Practical fieldwork capabilities, including working in offshore or challenging environments.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear technical outputs.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Problem-solving mindset and adaptability in dynamic field conditions.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools is preferred.

Emirates Nature–WWF Focus:
Acts as a committed member of Emirates Nature–WWF, prioritising organisational conservation outcomes above individual objectives and ensuring alignment across programme activities

External Orientation:
Maintains awareness of environmental trends, technological developments, and stakeholder expectations to ensure programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Delivering Quality Outcomes:
Plans effectively and delivers high-quality technical outputs aligned with programme objectives, KPIs, and timelines.

Building Working Relationships:
Develops strong collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure effective programme implementation.

Communicating Effectively:
Communicates complex technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.

Leading Change:
Supports innovation and adaptive programme management through the integration of scientific evidence and operational learning.

Managing Resources:
Ensures responsible and efficient use of financial, technical, and operational resources.

Internal: Works closely with the Marine Science Lead, Conservation Unit teams, Programme Delivery teams, Communications & Outreach, Fundraising, Finance, and Operations to ensure integrated programme delivery.

External: Engages with government entities, regulators, academic institutions, NGOs, consultants, private-sector partners, fishing communities, and programme stakeholders.

Emirates Nature-WWF is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and offer a flexible and diverse place of employment.

Emirates Nature-WWF staff participate wholeheartedly in general activities and events that require the full support and participation of all staff members, whether the focus of any particular event or activity has any bearing on the job description and assigned project objectives and activities.

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN-WWF and your CV with the subject ‘Application: Project Officer – Marine Biodiversity and Field Research’ to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun on careers@enwwf.ae before 31st May 2026.

Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior this date.