Country: New Caledonia (France)
Closing date: 09 Dec 2015
The Division– The Fisheries Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division (FAME) is located at SPC’s head office in Noumea, New Caledonia. The Director’s Office comprises multidisciplinary expertise to provide cross-cutting support to two programme areas: (i) the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP), which 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; and (ii) the Coastal Fisheries Programme, which provides scientific support for the management of coastal fisheries resources, with a strong focus on science and management, fisheries development, aquaculture and fisheries information.
The role – Reporting to the Deputy Director FAME (OFP), the Principal Fisheries Scientist (Stock assessment and modelling) provides leadership, management and supervision of the OFP – Stock Assessment and Modelling Section.The position is responsible for the following major functions:
1. Section management, administration and communication
Assists the Chief Scientist and Deputy Director FAME (OFP) in strategic planning to ensure that the work for the section meets the needs of SPC members and other programme clients, and develops, in consultation with senior programme staff, annual work plans and work-plan reports for the section consistent with the strategic plan.
Manages the activities of the section consistent with annual work plans and available funding.
Implements the SPC staff performance planning and management system for the section.
Liaises with OFP clients, other regional and global fisheries agencies and the scientific community on stock assessment-related issues.
Contributes to publications and reports.
2. Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) stock assessment services
Oversees the delivery of all contracted stock assessment services and special projects to WCPFC by the Stock Assessment and Monitoring Section.
Undertakes stock assessments and supporting analyses for target and bycatch species as required.
Evaluates the conservation benefits and implications of current and potential WCPFC Conservation and Management Measures.
Provides stock assessment-related advice and services, such as project proposals and/or evaluations, to the WCPFC Secretariat, the WCPFC Scientific Committee and its technical working groups, as required.
3. Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) technical support services
Oversee the delivery of technical scientific support services to the FFA and sub-regional groups by the Stock Assessment and Modelling Section.
Contributes to technical work detailed in the work plan as required.
4. National-level advice
Oversees the delivery of National-level advice to SPC members through Joint Country Strategies, National Tuna Fishery Status Reports, Tuna Management Plan support, and other processes (including ad-hoc requests).
Contributes to the delivery of National-level advice, as required.
5. Capacity building of SPC members
Oversees the section’s delivery of capacity building in stock assessment and modelling to SPC members.
Contributes to capacity building activities, as required.
The profile –SPC seeks a qualified and experienced fisheries scientist with expertise in stock assessment and modelling. Attributes will include skills in leadership and management, research and the publication of technical reports and scientific papers. He/she will be a consultative team player, with excellent representational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners in a regional context.
Key selection criteria
1. Qualifications
PhD degree or equivalent in fisheries science or related discipline, plus at least seven years of relevant post-doctoral research experience.
A formal training in stock assessment and statistical analysis would be highly desirable.
2. Technical expertise
Ø At least seven years’ experience in fisheries research and stock assessment, ideally in tuna fisheries, including experience in:
· the leadership, planning and implementation of fisheries research projects, and the analysis and interpretation of the results therefrom;
· the development and use of fisheries stock assessment models; and
· the formulation of scientific advice for fisheries management purposes.
Ø Broad and detailed knowledge of marine science, fisheries biology and oceanography, pelagic fisheries with emphasis on tuna.
Ø Experience in the development and delivery of capacity building in developing countries and skills in scientific computer programming will be highly regarded.
Ø Knowledge and experience of western and central Pacific tuna fisheries and their management will be an advantage.
3. Language and communication skills
Fluency in English, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
Communication skills in English of a high order, particularly in written and oral presentation of scientific results to diverse audiences.
4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
Good interpersonal skills, a team player with the ability to network and work effectively in a multicultural setting.
Cultural sensitivity and a demonstrated understanding of developing country environments, with knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories being an advantage.
How to apply:
PLEASE APPLY ON LINE AT: http://ldd.tbe.taleo.net/ldd03/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SPCAUS&cws=1&rid=569