FADs and Sea Safety Focal Officer

• Pohnpei-based position
• Attractive 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 Programme (CFP). The goal of the OFP is to ensure fisheries that exploit the region’s resources of tuna, billfish and related species are managed for economic and ecological sustainability using the best available scientific information. In pursuing this goal, the OFP provides scientific support for the management of fisheries for tuna and associated species, with a strong focus on stock assessment and modelling, fisheries and ecosystem monitoring and analysis and data management. The OFP works closely with member countries and territories, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the Forum Fisheries Agency, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement and other regional and sub-regional entities.

The role – the FADs and Sea Safety Focal Officer will provide technical, field and communications support for the implementation and day to day coordination of projects related to drifting and anchored Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) and sea safety in FSM. The role provides a focal point for information, training, and general liaison with relevant agencies and partners, including governments, fisheries agencies, NGOs, fishing industry and local communities.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Local coordination and day to day management of FAD related project activities

• With guidance from SPC project lead scientists, coordinate and manage the local activities of FAD related projects in FSM.
• Identify and engage with relevant local stakeholders and interest groups.
• Take responsibility for the implementation of project workplans.
• Key focal point for the national FAD program and local FAD projects in FSM.

Data collection, entry and management

• Collect and enter data collected by fishers/general population on stranded drifting FADs.
• Work with local fisheries staff to develop and increase the collection of data on catch, effort, and gear use on anchored FADs.
• Assist with surveys of local communities on anchored FAD socio-economic benefits and perceptions, as required.

Local coordination and development of sea safety initiatives in Pohnpei and other FSM states

• With guidance from SPC project lead scientists, support the development of initiatives to increase sea safety outcomes for small scale/artisanal fishers in Pohnpei and other states of FSM.
• Increase awareness and organize activities to enhance and promote sea safety to fishers and communities.
• Visit other states to work with local agencies and communities to develop approaches and strategies to increase sea safety.
• Liaise regularly on sea safety issues and project work with partners in fisheries department, governments and local community groups.

Awareness and communication

• Help design and prepare communication products using various means and approaches for different audiences and settings and manage the logistics and local dissemination of materials.
• When needed, organise translation into local languages.
• Organize and present project information to targeted relevant public meetings, events, community groups, local media etc.
• Represent SPC on sea safety and FAD-related projects or other initiatives.
• Participate in the reporting and communication processes for the projects.
• Discuss and explore ways to reach communities, especially from outer islands and other states.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in fisheries science, natural resource management, life sciences, data collection or a related field, or significant demonstrated relevant experience working in a fisheries related area.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in oceanic and/or coastal fisheries management, science, community engagement or monitoring activities in the Pacific region.
• Strong communication skills and ability to adapt the message delivery and approaches to the audience.
• Strong planning and organizational skills including the ability to manage a number of competing priorities, and work with limited supervision.
• Driver’s license.

Language skills

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A proactive and positive team player able to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted for 1 year and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – the FADs and Sea Safety Focal Officer is a Band 4 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting taxable salary range of USD 1,764–2,204 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

Benefits – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave. Provident Fund and/or Social Security will be according to FSM’s local legislation.

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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be FSM Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

Application procedure

Closing date: 26 March 2023 – 11:00 pm Pohnpei time

Job Reference: SH000278

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):

1. What are the main types of Fish Aggregation Devices used in the Pacific and discuss the pros and cons of these for fisheries operations and Pacific Island countries?
2. What types of approaches would you use to raise awareness of Fish Aggregation Devices and communicate research and development work to diverse communities and other stakeholders of varying socio-economic and educational backgrounds?
3. What will be the challenges faced to collect data on beached FADs in FSM and Micronesia?