*The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Fisheries Scientist (National) within its Oceanic Fisheries Programme located at its headquarters in Noumea, New Caledonia.*
Description
The Pacific Community (SPC) 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 unique organisation works across more than 25 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 includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). The goal of the OFP is to ensure fisheries that exploit the region’s resources of tuna, billfish and related species are managed for economic and ecological sustainability using the best available scientific information. In pursuing this goal, the OFP provides scientific support for the management of fisheries for tuna and associated species, with a strong focus on stock assessment and modelling, fisheries and ecosystem monitoring and analysis and data management. The OFP works closely with member countries and territories, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the Forum Fisheries Agency, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement and other regional and sub-regional entities.
The role – The Fisheries Scientist (National) *–* will provide scientific advice on the status of tuna and other oceanic stocks to SPC members; and training to national counterparts in interpretation and use of stock assessment information.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
1. National level advice
• Identifying the analyses required to support key fisheries management decisions at the national level
• Analysing fisheries and environmental data to deliver country-specific scientific advice through reports, presentations, and national web pages that support fisheries management decision making at a national level
• Providing authoritative scientific advice on fisheries and the status of oceanic fisheries resources as required at in-country Tuna Management Planning consultations and stakeholder workshops
• Responding to ad-hoc requests from SPC member countries and territories
• Working collaboratively with FFA staff in the delivery of joint in-country workshops
2. Capacity building of SPC members
• Develops and delivers capacity building workshops to enhance SPC members understanding and use of stock assessment information
• Develops and delivers online stock assessment training revision exercises to consolidate SPC members understanding of regional stock assessments
• Develops and delivers in country one-two week targeted courses on fisheries stock assessment and harvest strategy on request
• Organises and hosts attachments of SPC member fishery officers to SPC Headquarters to participate in performing analyses and drafting reports of national and sub-regional relevance, including provision of skills training to enhance capacity to enhance interpret and analyse national fisheries data and information in light of regional management approaches
• Provides national level support at regional scientific meetings to ensure understanding and uptake of the scientific information presented
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
1. Qualifications
• Masters qualification, in fisheries science, population biology, stock assessment modelling, natural resource management, or a related discipline
2. Technical expertise
• At least 5 years’ 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 in R
• 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
• Proven ability to meet project deadlines, often under difficult circumstances
3. Language skills
• Excellent communication skills in English particularly in written and oral presentation of scientific results to diverse audiences
4. 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 manage and support staff in a team environment and relationships critical for collaborative projects
• Cultural sensitivity and a demonstrated understanding of developing country environments
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.
Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.
Remuneration – The Fisheries Scientist (National) is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,113–5,045 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 602,042–738,463 (USD 5,717–7,012; EUR 5,045–6,188). 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 repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of 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.**Recruitment principles** – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is faire, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.
How to apply:
Application procedure
Closing date: 11 April 2021
Job Reference: AL000387
Applicants must apply online at 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 with contact details for three professional referees
· a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
· responses to all screening questions
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Screening questions
Describe the key issues you feel fishery managers must understand when reviewing scientific advice on stock status.
Provide an example of a statistical or modelling analysis of fisheries data you have performed, and why the results were useful.
Describe how you would go about developing and delivering a fishery management-themed capacity building workshop.