Country: New Caledonia (France)
Closing date: 16 Oct 2016
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–TheSenior Fisheries Scientist(National and Sub-Regional Team Leader) will undertake analyses and interpretation of biological data and fisheries statistics and provide scientific support for both management initiatives and policy advice; develop an annual work plan to service the needs of regional and sub-regional agencies; and oversee the day-to-day implementation of the national and sub-regional work plans.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
- Inform and influence regional fisheries policy-making– collaborate with relevant partners to improve the basis for regional fisheries policy; undertake scientific stock assessment and related analysis; evaluate the effectiveness of fisheries management measures, including the use of Management Strategy Evaluations (MSE), and develop and improve methods for undertaking regional stock assessments.
- Develop and implement work plans to support sub-regional fisheries management initiatives– plan, develop, and implement joint Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)/Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA)-SPC projects through designing and implementing methodologies, and reporting the results to relevant sub-regional forums as support for FFA and PNA management initiatives; provide technical support and data summaries to FFA’s regional and sub-regional meetings, and provide technical support and data summaries to PNA and other related sub-regional arrangement meetings.
Inform national fisheries policy-making– provide technical support, data summaries and interpretation for the development of national tuna management plans (TMPs) and their related processes; undertake scientific analyses required for drafting issue-specific national reports and address ad-hoc requests for information from the FFA, PNA and Te Vaka Moana (TVM), and their respective members.
Enhance the capacity of SPC members– assist in the development and delivery of regional workshops to build in-country capacity; host attachments from member countries and provide training in analytical and data handling methods; provide assistance and make presentations at national and sub-regional meetings.
Increase the effectiveness of section activities– oversee the day-to-day activities of staff working on national and sub-regional related issues; contribute to planning processes for the Oceanic Fisheries Programme in the development of strategic and operational work plans, in conjunction with the Principal Fisheries Scientist; assist in drafting written communications of OFP’s achievements towards meeting strategic goals and operational work plan objectives.
Key selection criteria
1. Qualifications
PhD degree, or equivalent, in fisheries science, population biology, stock assessment modelling, or a related discipline.
2. Technical expertise
· At least 7 years’ practical experience in the direct application of fisheries science to fisheries management.
· Thorough knowledge of fisheries stock assessment principles and techniques, demonstrated through practical and quantitative fisheries science experience.
· Experience in managing scientific staff and work programmes.
3. Essential skills
· Strong quantitative analytical skills, including experience in data modelling and programming.
· Advanced skills in either R, C++ or ADMB.
· Excellent verbal and written presentation and communication skills in English with the ability to present complex information in an understandable manner to diverse audiences.
· A demonstrated record of scientific publications and presentations.
· Excellent time and project management skills.
· The ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment, with multiple demands and tight deadlines.
· Strong PC-based computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
4. Language skills
Excellent English language skills, with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
5. 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.
· Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.
Salary, terms and conditions
Required start date– This position is to be filled as soon as possible.
Contract Duration– This position is budgeted for 3 years.
Remuneration– The Senior Fisheries Scientist is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2016 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 4,498–5,526 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 678,645–833,783 (USD 6,252–7,681; EUR 5,687–6,987). 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: