Research Officer - Mexico

About MarAlliance

MarAlliance is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving threatened marine wildlife and sustaining healthy ocean ecosystems that further benefit coastal communities. Its mission is to Explore, Enable, and Inspire conservation action for threatened marine wildlife and their habitats with dependent communities.

Founded in 2014, MarAlliance works across the Mesoamerican Reef and the Eastern Tropical Pacific, partnering with fishers, governments, and local organizations to advance conservation solutions that support both biodiversity and livelihoods. As the organization grows, it seeks a dedicated and skilled Research Officer to support MarAlliance's growing research and conservation program in Mexico's Quintana Roo and particularly support the Shark Superhighway Project.

About the Role

MarAlliance seeks a Research Officer (RO) to support its Mexico program through field work implementation, data management, analysis, and reporting. The RO reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Mexico Program Officer, the Belize National Coordinator and bilateral field teams to conduct programmed field work, process, interpret and report scientific data on marine megafauna, artisanal fisheries, and Marine Protected Area (MPA) impact. This is a part-time post for a year, based in Quintana Roo, Mexico, that will require a mix of presential and virtual coordination with the wider team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct marine megafauna and associated habitats field work with traditional fishers in Quintana Roo.
• Support MarAlliance Mexico's scientific data management, quality control, and analytical activities.
• Support the training and development of the traditional fisher team and build the network.
• Assist in survey design, mapping, and data visualization using R and QGIS.
• Collect, enter, proof, analyse, and interpret scientific data submitted by the Mexico field team.
• Track field equipment use, location, status and ensure working order.
• Coordinate with the Mexico field team on data collection protocols, standardisation, and troubleshooting.
• Lead the preparation of Mexico-based scientific reports, summaries, and presentations.
• Contribute to scientific publications and international technical reports.
• Support and participate in outreach events and shaping of communications outputs, including content for public engagement including the generation of visuals/text and results.
• Liaise and work closely with MarAlliance staff, fisher associates, community partners, and collaborating organizations in Mexico.
• Perform other related duties as required by MarAlliance linked to the remit of this post.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in marine science, biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in marine or fisheries data analysis.
• Demonstrated proficiency in R and QGIS for statistical analysis, modeling and mapping.
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and clearly communicate scientific data and technical information, in written and verbal form.
• Strong presentation and writing skills and good with people.
• A curiosity-driven mindset and indisputable integrity are essential.
• Native or fluent Spanish, with strong professional English (written and spoken).
• Must be proactive/self-starting, able to work independently and meet deadlines in a remote, part-time work arrangement.
• Must be a Mexican national.

Preferred Assets and Knowledge

• Knowledge of fisheries, wildlife biology, and marine conservation issues in Mexico or the MAR region.
• Experience with marine megafauna monitoring programs, citizen-science data and elasmobranchs.
• Prior experience working with international conservation NGOs.
• A good sense of humor, creativity, flexibility, and a genuine passion for the mission and work of MarAlliance.

Location

This is a part-time, remote position based in Quintana Roo. The RO will work from a home office with occasional virtual check-ins and coordination with the Mexico Program Officer and other MarAlliance staff. Periodic travel within Mexico and possibly to Belize for team meetings or training may be required.

Terms and Conditions

This is a part-time, contractual position with compensation commensurate with experience and hours committed. The RO must have reliable internet access and be available to coordinate across time zones with the Mexico and regional MarAlliance teams during agreed working hours. Applicants must be Mexican citizens authorized to work in Mexico. The initial contract term is for one year, including a 6-month probationary period, with renewal based on performance and funding.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF to careers@maralliance.org with the subject line "MX RO - [Your Name]" by 31 July 2026.

MarAlliance is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. All applicants are thanked for their interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. No calls or emails please to request feedback or additional information.

More information: https://maralliance.org/research-officer-mexico/