Principal Fisheries Adviser (Management & Livelihoods)

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

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 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 procedures (national and community-based). It provides support for sustainable aquaculture, including planning, research and development, aquatic biosecurity 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 for food security, sustainable livelihoods, economic growth and assist climate change adaptation.

The role – the Principal Fisheries Adviser (Management and Livelihoods) – will lead and manage the work programme of the Coastal Fisheries Management and Livelihoods Section to provide support and advice to governments and other stakeholders in planning and implementing coastal fisheries management and livelihood activities, including community-based fisheries and fisheries development.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

1. Section leadership, management, administration and communication

• Develops, in consultation with the DD-FAME (CFAP) and other senior CFAP staff, the Section’s annual work plan and work plan reports consistent with the Business and strategic plans and available funding.
• Manages the activities of the Section consistent with annual work plans and available funding.
• Develops, in consultation with the Deputy Director FAME (CF&A) funding and/or cost-recovery proposals to ensure that work plans are adequately funded.
• Implements the SPC staff performance planning and management system for the Section.
• Contributes to Programme, Divisional and Corporate publications and reports.
• Oversees and supports the implementation of appropriate parts of the Pacific EU Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme.

2. Manage, guide and assist with developing and supporting coastal fisheries management arrangements, policy, MCS&E and coastal fisheries legislation.

• Consults with members regarding their coastal fisheries legislation, policy, management, and MCS&E needs, and prioritises and allocates Section resources to address those needs.
• Oversees and supports the implementation of PEUMP programme KRA 3.11 on MCS&E.
• Oversees the implementation of coastal fisheries legislation, policy, management, and MCS&E support to SPC members.
• Assist governments to develop both national and community-based management plans depending on the approach and needs of each country or territory.

3. Manage, guide and assist with the identification, development, and support of sustainable coastal and nearshore fisheries and livelihood opportunities to provide for food security, sustainable livelihoods, economic growth, and to assist with climate change adaptation in the region.

• Oversees the provision of socioeconomic assessments, capacity building and training provided in developing and supporting coastal fisheries and related livelihood activities.
• Oversees and supports the provision of advice, training and technical assistance in all aspects of anchored fish aggregating devices work.
• Oversees the implementation of feasibility studies for appropriate sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal/nearshore small-scale fisheries.
• Oversees the trials of new coastal/nearshore small-scale fisheries development initiatives to assess feasibility.
• Oversees the provision of advice, training and technical assistance in fish handling, processing and value adding for small- to medium-scale operations.
• Oversees the provision of advice on coastal/nearshore fisheries small boat safety.

4. Manage, guide and assist with coordinating, promoting and supporting the scaling up of community-based fisheries management in the region.

• Oversees the provision of advice and support on the implementation and scaling up of community-based fisheries management.
• Oversees the coordination and promotion of CBF/CBFM activities within the Pacific islands’ region.
• Promotes consistent approaches to community-based fisheries management within the region.
• Ensures that the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management principles are incorporated into community-based fisheries management.
• Oversees and supports the implementation of PEUMP programme KRAs 3.4 to 3.7 on CBFM.
• Oversees the development of the CBFM web site/portal to provide CBFM related information, tools and approaches to members, communities, CSOs, and NGOs.
• Oversees collaboration with the Fisheries Information Unit on the development of information and awareness materials in support of CBFM.

5. Promote and support internal and inter-agency networking and cross-sectoral collaboration in coastal fisheries management and livelihoods.

• Develops and promotes collaborations with other programmes and divisions within SPC on issues such as food systems, food security, small-scale livelihoods, climate change adaptation, human rights, gender and social inclusion.
• Develops links with other CROP agencies, regional universities, NGOs and CSOs in regard to coastal fisheries management and livelihoods.
• Advocate at regional and global forums on behalf of the Pacific islands’ region coastal and community-based fisheries interests.
• Develops and promotes joint projects with other CROP agencies and international organisations to draw on the strengths of all involved.
• Works closely with other components of the PEUMP programme within SPC and with FFA, SPREP and USP, to ensure smooth implementation.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in fisheries, natural resource management, coastal fisheries science, or a related field.

2. Technical expertise

• At least 10 years’ experience in working with government fisheries administrations, preferably including the development of national management arrangements and/or the involvement of local communities in artisanal fisheries co-management in the Pacific region.
• At least 5 years of experience in staff management, team leadership, project development and project management.
• Proven ability to analyse scientific information on the status of fisheries and develop appropriate management recommendations based on limited data.
• Proven ability to design, plan and facilitate community and regional workshops and other trainings.
• Experience in successfully collaborating and working with other institutions and partners to achieve shared coastal fisheries management goals, and in negotiating with people from different ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Experience working with PC systems and MS Office software.
• Willingness to travel and undertake overseas assignments in SPC member countries.

3. Language skills

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and demonstrated ability to produce written reports for donors, funding proposals, trip reports, training materials etc.

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Understanding of current Pacific Islands regional coastal fisheries management issues, and experience of working with gender and human rights-based issues relating to coastal fisheries.

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 Principal Fisheries Adviser (Management and Livelihoods) is a Band 13 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 5,314–6,547 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately XPF 777,925–958,138 (USD 7,387–9,100; EUR 6,159–8,031). 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.

Application procedure

Closing date: 28 November 2021 – 11:00 pm, Noumea time

Job Reference: SH000107

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 and experience relative to the key selection criteria, 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

1. Coastal fisheries catches within the Pacific islands region are generally considered to be in decline, and aquaculture underdeveloped. What do you consider to be the primary constraints to realising effective coastal fisheries and aquaculture management in the region, and some key policy and management actions needed?
2. The Coastal Fisheries Management & Livelihoods Section includes a broad range of units, including, legal; management and policy; MCS; community-based fisheries; sustainable livelihoods and fisheries development. Briefly outline how you will manage this section based on your previous experience.
3. Please describe what you understand by the following terms: “sustainable and equitable food systems”; “sustainable livelihoods and fisheries development”; and “scaling-up community-based fisheries management”?