Country: New Caledonia (France)
Closing date: 11 Aug 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 assistance, support and advice to governments, stakeholders and private sector in developing national aquatic biosecurity standards, risk assessment criteria and strengthening national capacity to be able to manage biosecurity risks in aquaculture.
The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate skills and experience in the following key result areas:
1.Increase skills and knowledge base in the SPC region in the areas of aquatic biosecurity and risk assessments for introduced non-native species
• Strengthen skills of national government authorities in undertaking import risk assessment for imported species for aquaculture.
• Provide technical support and trainings to farmers and farm clusters to improve farm level biosecurity.
• Provide technical support to enterprises to strengthen better management of biosecurity risks.
• Assist member countries through increasing skills and capacity to meeting national World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) disease reporting requirements for export of cultured products.
• Develop knowledge products to bride information gaps in aquatic biosecurity.
• Participate in national, sub-regional and regional aquatic biosecurity workshops as required.
2.Improve capacity for strategic policy and planning to establish clear priorities in aquatic biosecurity.
· Provide input to implementing regional and sub regional framework for aquatic biosecurity for aquaculture/mariculture sector.
• Collaborate and provide technical assistance to countries to develop national aquatic biosecurity plans and regulatory frameworks in line with the regional approach.
• Identify and address gender and human rights issues affecting national aquatic biosecurity plans.
• Provide accurate and timely information on aquatic biosecurity activities and issues.
• Provide training and supervision for national staff on the development of aquatic biosecurity plans and risks assessment including some attachment training at SPC.
3.Promote inter-agency networking and cross-sectoral collaboration in aquatic biosecurity
• Liaise and work with Coastal Fisheries Science & Management Section on areas relating to aquatic biosecurity policies
• Maintain coordination with FAO, OIE, the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and relevant organisations to ensure standardised approaches to aquatic biosecurity are maintained in the region.
• Liaise and work with the Aquaculture team and others to incorporate the work of these areas into aquatic biosecurity activities.
• Implement joint activities with other Divisions within SPC, agencies and international organisations and avoid any overlap of work.
4.Section management, administration and communication
· Assist the Adviser to develop the annual work plans and reports for the section.
• Contribute, where applicable, to Programme, Divisional and Corporate publications.
• Produce reports for all activities undertaken relating to activities including technical reports and input into funding proposals and donor reports.
Key selection criteria
1.Qualifications
Postgraduate qualification in a field relevant to aquatic biosecurity and aquaculture. Lower academic qualification plus extensive experience can be considered in lieu of postgraduate qualification.
2.Technical expertise
At least 7-8 years’ of practical hands-on experience developing aquatic biosecurity policies and plans. Demonstrated experience in developing import risk assessments for introduced species. Demonstrated experience in delivering trainings to manage aquatic biosecurity risks in aquaculture. Experience of working in the Pacific Island private sector and government systems. Excellent skills in cross-cultural communication (written and oral) in English. Strong skills in report writing, reporting against project work plans and managing project expenditure. Demonstrated experience in working as part of a team or with minimal supervision. Excellent computer skills across necessary applications.
3.Language skills
Proficiency in English, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
4.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 30 September 2019.
Remuneration– The Aquatic Biosecurity Specialist is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2016 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,951-4,842 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 596,104–730,607 (USD 5,491–6,730; EUR 4,955–6,122). 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.
How to apply:
Applicants must apply online at: http://careers.spc.int/en/