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 27 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 and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP). CFAP’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 – the Nearshore Fisheries Development and Livelihoods Specialistoversee and manage and implement the fisheries development related work programme of the Livelihoods Unit of the Coastal Fisheries Management and Livelihoods Section. This includes identifying, planning, promoting and implementing opportunities for sustainable fisheries development, post-harvest handling, value-adding, related livelihood activities and safety at sea technical support, capacity building and advice to SPC members and partners.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Provide guidance, planning and practical advice to members on nearshore fisheries development, post-harvest handling, value adding and related livelihood activities
- Assist and advise the region or individual PICTs with planning and feasibility assessments of sustainable nearshore fisheries development initiatives.
- Review and provide inputs into Human Resources Development (HRD) plans, Training Needs Assessments (TNA) and nearshore fisheries development plans and strategies.
- Assist PICTs develop, investigate and test new fisheries development initiatives as part of pilot projects before a wider promotion of initiatives occurs.
- Advise PICTs on the development of national anchored FAD programmes.
- Develop links with other CROP agencies, partners and NGOs to promote sustainable nearshore fisheries development.
- Develop and promote joint projects with other international organisations, to draw on the strengths of all involved.
- Develop and promote collaboration with other sections within SPC on issues such as food security, small-scale livelihoods, by-catch mitigation, food systems, human rights, gender, social inclusion and climate change adaptation.
Provide practical capacity building assistance to members in nearshore fishing techniques, safety at sea, post-harvest handling, value adding and related livelihood activities
- Provide advice and oversee technical assistance and training in all aspects of anchored fish aggregating devices and nearshore fishing techniques.
- Oversee, conduct and facilitate training in post-harvest handling, processing and value-adding for nearshore fishing operations.
- Provide advice and oversee technical assistance and training in all aspects of small boat safety for nearshore fishers and operations.
- Support, advise and mentor national-level Fisheries Development/Extension Officers as required.
- Undertakes and provide training in post-disaster needs assessment covering the small-scale fisheries sector.
Provide practical assistance to members in the designing, targeting and delivery of appropriate training, awareness raising and educational information and materials
- Supervise and review the technical content, printing and distribution of resource materials.
- Provide input to the production of fisheries educational materials.
- Expands the use of digital technology and social media, for promoting section activities and raising awareness more broadly.
- Support, advise and mentor national-level Fisheries Development/Extension Officers in the implementation of national training and awareness activities.
Unit leadership, administration, communication and staff supervision
- Leads the Nearshore Fisheries Development and related livelihoods work programme of the Livelihoods Unit.
- Assists the Principal Fisheries Adviser (Management & Livelihoods) in developing and reporting on the Section’s annual work plan.
- Manages the Fisheries Development Officer.
- Maintains up to date administrative records for all activities undertaken and produce reports.
- Acquits any cash advances for fieldwork and training activities, with receipts to justify all expenses.
- Contributes to Programme and Divisional publications.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- A graduate degree in fisheries management, fisheries development, fisheries training, maritime / nautical studies or a related field.
- Qualifications in fishing vessel operations, Minimum Master Class 4.
- Technical maritime qualification or recognized fishing skipper or fishing master’s qualification.
Technical expertise
- At least 10 years of direct relevant experience working and advising on tropical nearshore fisheries development, in the Pacific region or tropical regions.
- Knowledge and at least 10 years’ experience in a range of fishing gears and techniques e.g. deepwater snapper fishing, midwater fishing techniques, pole & line fishing, bait fishing techniques, longline fishing, night fishing techniques, especially small-scale and medium-scale nearshore fishing methods.
- Experience in seamanship, safety at sea and fishing technologies training.
- Extensive experience in anchored Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) design, construction, site surveys and deployment methods.
- Experience with training and mentoring counterparts and supervising attachments and staff.
- Management of nearshore fisheries development projects and commercial fishing project evaluations, “troubleshooting" and advice.
- Demonstrated capability in collaborating and working in an integrated programme involving colleagues from several different countries, cultures and academic backgrounds.
- Ability to interact well with the private sector and local communities in the Pacific.
- Experience working with non-governmental organisations, and other non-state actors.
- Understanding of the current priorities of Pacific islands regional coastal fisheries administrations, and experience of working with gender, culture and human rights issues relating to coastal fisheries.
- Proven ability to facilitate stakeholder consultations to reach a workable solution.
- Experience working with PC systems and MS Office/365 and Teams software.
- Willingness and demonstrated capacity to travel and undertake overseas assignments in SPC member countries, sometimes under difficult physical conditions.
Language skills
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English, with the capacity to engage effectively with government, public and community audiences.
- Excellent cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Proven ability to supervise the tasks of an inter-disciplinary and/or multi-cultural team.
- 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 funding and performance.
Remuneration– the Nearshore Fisheries Development and Livelihoods Specialistis a band 11 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 637,132-781,844 (USD 5,636-6,916; EUR 5,339-6,552). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is 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 fair, 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: 17 September 2023 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000083
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
Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference.
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.
Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):
- Please explain your understanding of the following terms in the Pacific islands context, “sustainable livelihoods” and “fisheries development”?
- What do you see as the main opportunities and issues for nearshore fisheries development, post-harvest handling, and value-adding livelihood activities across the Pacific islands region?
- Working at the regional level, how will you effectively engage with and respond to, SPC members’ requests for training and assistance with nearshore fisheries development and related livelihoods activities at the national and local levels? Please use examples from your recent work experience.