Fisheries Scientist (Climate Fisheries Analysis)

• 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 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 is one of SPC’s oldest Divisions and it has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the Pacific for over 60 years. FAME’s goal is that fisheries resources of the Pacific region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. FAME includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). OFP is the region’s centre for oceanic fisheries science and information, providing essential data collection, data management and modelling and analysis services to the Pacific. CFP provides science and technical support to PICTs to enhance the management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods across the region. The work of OFP and CFP are supported by the FAME Director’s Office, which includes the Information Section, communications, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The role – the Fisheries Scientist (Climate Fisheries Analysis) will provide scientific advice on the climate impacts on the status of tuna and other oceanic stocks to SPC members and will provide training to national counterparts in interpretation and use of climate information.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

National level analyses

• Analyze and assess the impact of climate variability and climate change on fish stocks, ecosystems, and fisheries at the Pacific islands National level.
• Analyze fisheries and environmental data to deliver country-specific reports, at both a technical scientific level and as public information pamphlets.
• Provide scientific advice to member countries on climate adaptation strategies for sustainable fisheries management.
• Support the development of early warning systems for climate-related fisheries risks.
• Work with other SPC divisions, CROP agencies and national counterparts to support climate-fisheries work.
• Respond to ad-hoc requests from SPC member countries and territories.

Capacity building of SPC members

• Develop training materials and conduct workshops for member country fisheries managers on climate-related topics.
• Build capacity within member countries to monitor and adapt to climate impacts on fisheries.
• Organize and host attachments of SPC member fishery officers to SPC Headquarters to participate in performing analyses and drafting reports of national and sub-regional relevance, including provision of skills training to enhance capacity to interpret and analyse climate and national fisheries data and information in light of regional management approaches.
• Communicate scientific findings to non-scientific audiences, including policymakers and local communities, engaging with stakeholders, including fishers, industry representatives, and NGOs, to discuss climate impacts and adaptation measures.
• Working collaboratively with FFA staff in the delivery of joint in-country workshops.
• Provide national level support at regional scientific meetings to ensure understanding and uptake of the scientific information presented.

 Collaboration with regional and international initiatives on climate change-fisheries impacts

• Represent the organization at regional and international forums on climate change and fisheries.
• Participate in the development of regional climate change adaptation frameworks and strategies.
• Conduct reviews of fisheries management plans to ensure they incorporate the latest climate science.
• Contribute to the development of new methodologies for assessing climate change impacts on fisheries.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present at conferences. Stay updated on the latest scientific developments in climate and fisheries research.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Masters qualification, in fisheries science, environmental and climate science, natural resource management, or a related discipline.

Technical expertise

• At least 7-8 years’ experience in the analysis of climate and environmental and impacts on fisheries.
• Thorough knowledge of stock assessment and harvest strategy principles
• Skills in data analysis, statistics and modelling of fisheries data in R
• Able to develop solutions to deliver tangible results for SPC, its members and other stakeholders.
• Able to generate new ideas/opportunities, develop policy advice based on sound analysis, and support original solutions.
• Proven ability to meet project deadlines, often under difficult circumstances.
• Proven ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary and/or multicultural team.

Language skills

• Excellent verbal and written presentation and communications skills in English, both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for general public.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills that contribute to building productive relationships and partnerships across SPC and with stakeholders

Salary, terms and conditions

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

Remuneration – the Fisheries Scientist (Climate Fisheries Analysis) is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 622,159-763,470 (USD 5,594-6,865; EUR 5,214-6,398). 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 10% 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.

Application procedure

Closing date: 27 October 2024 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: CR000302

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. Describe the difference between climate change and climate variability.
2. Why should climate projection and forecasting be interpreted differently
3. How are oceanic fisheries expected to be impacted by Climate Change.