Country: New Caledonia (France)
Closing date: 30 Jun 2017
The Pacific Community is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is located at SPC’s head office in Noumea, New Caledonia, and comprises the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). The Oceanic Fisheries Programme provides scientific support for the management of fisheries for tuna and associated species, with a strong focus on stock assessment and modelling, fisheries monitoring, data management and ecosystems management.
The role– The Fisheries Scientist (national-level support) operates within the Oceanic Fisheries Programme and is accountable to the Senior Fisheries Scientist (national and sub-regional team leader) and the Principal Fisheries Scientist (Stock Assessment and Modelling). The role is responsible for the provision of scientific advice on the status of tuna and other oceanic stocks to Pacific Community members; and training to national counterparts in interpretation and use of stock assessment information.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
National-level advice– With a particular focus on the South Pacific albacore longline fishery, identify the analyses required to support key fisheries management decisions for individual member countries. Analyse fisheries and environmental data to deliver country-specific scientific advice through reports, presentations, tools and national webpages that support fisheries management decision-making. Provide authoritative scientific advice on fisheries and the status of oceanic fisheries resources as required at in-country Tuna Management Planning and Fishery Policy-related consultations and stakeholder workshops. Respond to ad-hoc requests from Pacific Community member countries and territories. Work collaboratively with Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) staff in the delivery of joint in-country workshops.
Capacity building for Pacific Community members– Develop and deliver capacity-building workshops to enhance members’ understanding and use of stock assessment information, and relevant fishery management schemes. Develop and deliver online data analysis and stock assessment training revision exercises to consolidate members’ understanding of regional stock assessments. Organise and host attachments of Pacific Community member fishery officers at SPC headquarters, including provision of skills training to enhance capacity to interpret and analyse national fisheries data and information in light of regional management approaches. Provide national-level support at regional scientific meetings to ensure members understand and can act on the scientific information presented.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably at the postgraduate level, in fisheries science, population biology, stock assessment modelling, natural resource management or a related discipline.
- Qualifications in training or teaching will be an advantage.
Technical expertise
- At least five years of experience in the development of scientific advice for fisheries management
- Thorough knowledge of fisheries stock assessment principles and techniques
- Skills in data analysis, statistics and modelling of fisheries data, including skills in programming in R
- An understanding of fisheries economics and of the western and central Pacific tuna fisheries would be an advantage
Essential skills
- Able to develop solutions to deliver tangible results for SPC, its members and other stakeholders
- Able to generate new ideas/opportunities, develop policy advice based on sound analysis, and support original solutions
- Excellent verbal and written presentation and communications skills in English, both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for the general public
- Proven ability to meet project deadlines, often under difficult circumstances
Language skills
- Proficiency in English is essential, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Excellent interpersonal skills that contribute to building productive relationships and partnerships across SPC and with stakeholders
- A team player, with the ability to work effectively as a member of interdisciplinary teams and in a multicultural setting
- Cultural sensitivity and a demonstrated understanding of developing country environments
- Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage
Salary, terms and conditions
Required start date– This position is available immediately.
Contract Duration– This position is budgeted for three years and may be renewed depending on available funding and performance.
Remuneration– The Fisheries Scientist is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2017 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,951–4,842 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 592,075–725,668 (USD 5,491–6,730; EUR 4,995–6,122). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.
Benefits for international staff employees based in NEW CALEDONIA– SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).
Languages– SPC’s working languages are English and French.
As an equal-opportunity employer, SPC recruits on merit; however if two interviewed candidates are ranked equally by the selection committee, preference will be given to nationals of Pacific Island countries and territories.
How to apply:
Please use SPC’s online recruitment system to lodge your application: http://careers.spc.int/
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
For your application to be considered you must provide us with:
- an updated resume, containing the contact details of three professional referees
- a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
- responses to all screening questions (this is the final step in submitting your application online)
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.