Country: New Caledonia (France)
Closing date: 16 Jun 2016
The Pacific Community is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly 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 renowned 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). CFP’s goal is to ensure that inshore fisheries, nearshore fisheries and aquaculture in Pacific Island countries and territories are managed and developed sustainably. The programme assists governments and administrations to develop scientifically informed and socially achievable coastal fisheries management policies and systems (national and community-based). It provides a regional framework for sustainable aquaculture, including planning, research and development and trade, for Pacific Island governments, the private sector and other stakeholders. It assists in developing sustainable nearshore fisheries in Pacific Island countries and territories to provide food security, sustain livelihoods, promote economic growth and assist climate change adaptation.
The role– To provide technical support and advice to governments, NGOs, stakeholders and the private sector in planning and implementing general coastal fisheries science and management activities covering finfish, invertebrates and their supporting habitat.
The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate skills and experience in the following key result areas:
1.Assess coastal living marine resources to inform management, and provide related training and capacity development
Promote standardisation of data collection and assist in expanding standardised data collection/monitoring systems for coastal fisheries programmes at national level.
Provide input to the development and implementation of databases to support data collection and monitoring systems for coastal fisheries at national and sub-national level.
Conduct ‘in country’ training of local staff across all areas of data collection, standard survey methods, use of relevant databases and data analyses for habitats, and coastal finfish and invertebrate fisheries.
Analyse scientific data on coastal finfish and invertebrate fisheries to provide fishery resource status updates.
Identify gaps in scientific information requirements and availability at country level.
2.Provide practical assistance to members in designing and targeting awareness raising information
Develop materials such as training manuals, guidelines, identification tools.
Provide input to awareness raising and educational materials focused on coastal fisheries science and management and conservation.
3.Promote inter-agency networking and cross-sectoral collaboration in coastal fisheries science and management
Liaise and work with regional and international organisations on coastal finfish and invertebrate fisheries issues.
Develop and promote collaboration with other SPC programmes on issues such as food security, small-scale livelihoods and climate change adaptation.
4.Section administration and communication
Assist the Adviser and Coastal Fisheries Scientist to develop annual work plans and reports for the section.
Maintain up to date corporate and administrative procedures for all activities undertaken.
Where applicable, contribute to programme, divisional and corporate publications such as fisheries newsletters, annual reports and results reports.
Produce reports for all activities undertaken including technical reports and trip reports.
Key selection criteria
1.Qualifications
Postgraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline relevant to coastal fisheries assessment (finfish and invertebrates).
Current open water SCUBA diving certificate. Medically fit and able to dive in a range of environments.
2.Technical expertise
At least 5 years of direct relevant experience in Pacific Island fisheries, particularly in field research on finfish and invertebrate resources/fisheries.
Experience in providing sound technical advice to local collaborators.
Proven experience in designing and implementing standardised monitoring protocols for finfish and invertebrate resources and their supporting habitat using a range of methodologies (e.g. underwater visual census, market and creel surveys, biological studies).
Understanding of current Pacific Island regional coastal fisheries management and science issues, and experience in gender issues relating to fisheries.
Proven ability to design, plan and facilitate workshops and training events.
Experience in using PC systems and MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software and programmes for data entry and management.
3.Essential skills
Excellent approach to teamwork and effective collaboration.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with capacity to engage scientific, government, public and community audiences.
Commitment to undertaking overseas assignments (sometimes under difficult physical conditions).
4.Language skills
- Proficiency in English, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
5.Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Cross-cultural skills and ability to work with team members from different cultural backgrounds.
Salary, terms and conditions
Required starting date– This position is available immediately.
Contract duration– This contract ends in June 2019.
Remuneration– The Coastal Fisheries Science Officer is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2016 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,355-4,098 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 506,270–618,314 (USD 4,664–5,969; EUR 4,242–5,181). 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.
How to apply:
Applicants must apply online at: http://spc.turborecruit.com.au/job/job_details.cfm?id=366943&from=direct
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:
- an updated resume
- 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 either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Closing date: 16 June 2016 (New Caledonia time)