JOB DESCRIPTION
| Job Title: | Deputy Director – Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme |
|---|---|
| Division/Programme: | Fisheries, Aquaculture & Marine Ecosystems (FAME) / Coastal Fisheries & Aquaculture Programme (CFAP) |
| Location: | Noumea, New Caledonia or Suva, Fiji |
| Reporting to: | Director SPC FAME |
| Number of direct reports: | 8 direct reports with 25-30 indirect reports |
| Purpose of role: | To provide SPC with strategic direction, leadership, management and technical oversight of the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme through the three Section Heads – covering Coastal Fisheries Livelihoods and management, Coastal Fisheries Science, and Aquaculture – to ensure the annual work plans for the programme are in line with the SPC FAME Business Plan and SPC Strategic Plan, are fully implemented within budget, adhere to all SPC policies and procedures, and address the needs and priorities of the Members. The position is also responsible for resource mobilisation and reporting to and engaging with donors to ensure adequate funding is available for the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme to operate successfully now and in the future. The position will contribute to ensuring that SPC provide the highest quality, independent scientific and technical information and advice on the region’s coastal fisheries and aquaculture to SPC members, and other regional and sub-regional agencies. The Deputy-Director is a member of SPC FAME’s Senior Management Team and will work across capability on leadership, integration initiatives, and the four flagships, Gender, Climate Change, Food Systems and Oceans. |
| Date: | July 2026 |
Organizational Context and Organization Chart
The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. We work for the well-being of Pacific people through the effective and innovative application of science and knowledge, guided by a deep understanding of Pacific Island contexts and cultures (https://www.spc.int/).
SPC’s Division of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) capability has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the
Pacific for over 65 years. The goal of SPC FAME is that the fisheries resources of the Pacific islands' region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. In pursuit of this goal, SPC FAME provides scientific and management advice to Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) and regional agencies to support the management of sustainable oceanic fisheries, coastal fisheries, marine ecosystems and aquaculture development. Along with addressing the challenges in the management of the region's marine resources, there are also significant opportunities to derive greater economic and social benefits from them. Deriving greater benefits from the tuna fisheries, the development of aquaculture in the region, along with alternative livelihoods in coastal and nearshore fisheries, hold significant potential. SPC FAME provides technical assistance to support PICTs to maximise these sustainable development opportunities in the marine sector and in some parts of the freshwater sector.
SPC FAME is composed of three programmes: the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP); the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP); and the Marine Ecology and Ecosystems Programme (MEEP). The Director's Office provides implementation support and strategic direction across the three programmes and cross-cutting projects. Working with all 22 PICTs, SPC FAME has strong partnerships with regional, sub-regional and national entities working in the marine and aquaculture sectors. SPC FAME staff are based in New Caledonia, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga, with most of the staff being based in New Caledonia.
The SPC FAME CFAP provides science and technical support to PICT governments and administrations to enhance the effective management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods. CFAP assists PICTs to develop scientifically informed and socially achievable coastal fisheries management policies and procedures. CFAP provides PICTs support for sustainable aquaculture, including planning, research and development, aquatic biosecurity and trade, for governments, the private sector, communities and other stakeholders. CFAP assists in developing sustainable nearshore fisheries to provide for food security, sustainable livelihoods, economic growth, assists with climate change resilience and adaptation, and addressing new and evolving challenges to coastal fisheries and aquaculture in the region.
The Deputy Director (CFAP) is a key position in SPC FAME, providing strategic direction, leadership, programme management, technical oversight, resource mobilisation and donor engagement for the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme, as well as supporting the SPC FAME Director with strengthening engagement and collaboration with Members, other CROP agencies and partners in support SPC FAME's goals and priorities.
Key Result Areas (KRAs):
The position of Deputy Director – Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme encompasses the following major functions or Key Result Areas:
- Leadership, management, reporting and technical oversight of CFAP (25%)
- Resource mobilisation, budgeting, finances and donor liaison (20%)
- Implementation of assistance to members by the CFAP (30%)
- Promote inter-agency networking, cross-sectoral collaboration and strengthen engagement and collaboration with members and partners in coastal fisheries and aquaculture (15%)
- Science and technical communication and outreach of CFAP work (10%)
The performance requirements of the Key Result Areas are broadly described below
| Jobholder is accountable for | Jobholder is successful when |
|---|---|
| KRA#1: Leadership, management, reporting and technical oversight of CFAP (25%): - Coordinates with SPC-FAME team leaders, managers and direct reports, input from members and others for strategic planning, annual work plans and work plan reports that are consistent with the SPC FAME Business Plan and SPC Strategic Plan. - Participates and coordinates, inputs to joint country missions and strategies, including the costing of activities and the reporting back to countries. - Authorises travel and procurement of goods and services for direct and indirect reports within the | - Strategic planning and annual work plans address and meets the needs of SPC members and other programme clients. Annual work plans and reports for the Programme are produced on schedule. - Annual activity level budgets are produced by due dates and provided to responsible officers to assist with annual work planning. - Programme activities are implemented according to annual work plans and budgets and key indicators are achieved. |
| delegated authorisation limits and in line with SPC's policies and procedures. - Oversees and/or takes lead on donor reporting for projects with assistance from the Projects Manager and the PMEL team to meet donor requirements and timelines. - Oversees and participates in the recruitment of new SPC FAME staff. - Oversees staff performance planning and management system for direct and indirect reports. - Creates a positive work environment, promotes collaboration within the team and across functions and other divisions in the organization. - Supports the health, safety and well-being of employees in the way they lead and manage and monitor the team. | - All travel and procurement are completed in a timely manner and in line with SPC policies and procedures. - All donor reports are provided on time, meet the donor's requirements and are accepted by the donor. - New staff with appropriate skills and experience are recruited as necessary. - Staff appraisals and performance planning for direct and indirect reports are completed on schedule. - Staff engagement surveys show high levels of purpose and engagement - Staff contract renewals are timely and reflect robust workforce planning. - Robust transfer of institutional knowledge is demonstrably occurring, and a clear succession plan is in place for key senior technical experts. - SPC staff performance development system timelines and quality standards are met. - Staff have equitable and high performance oriented professional development opportunities |
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| KRA#2: Resource mobilisation, budgeting, finances and donor liaison (20%): - Coordinates the development of significant projects to help deliver outcomes in line with the SPC FAME Business Plan, SPC Strategic Plan and member requests. - Assist the Division Director and/or take the lead in developing larger multi-agency funding proposals. - Assists the Division Director plan CFAP funding allocations from the annual core, programme and project budgets for the Division and specifically to the broad range of coastal fisheries and aquaculture projects. - Ensures adequate funding is available for the implementation of the CFAP annual work plan. - Ensures that financial and activity reporting is carried out according to agreements. - Oversees the expenditure of core, programme and project funding by CFAP teams to ensure high levels of planned execution and no overspending. - Facilitates external monitoring and evaluation of projects as required by donor agencies. | - Funding resources are sufficient to achieve FAME Business Plan objectives and results. - Donor reports are produced on time. - Donors are satisfied that funding are being used efficiently and effectively. - Project cash flow is maintained. - Project reviews and evaluations reflect positively on SPC-FAME and CFAP in terms of achievement, effectiveness and efficiency. - All financial activities are fully documented and acquitted, and budgets are not overspent. - All SPC policies and procedures are fully adhered to. - All budget estimates and narratives for core, programme, and project are provided in the appropriate format and timeline. - Project and programme execution rates are high and in accordance with the annual budget. |
| KRA#3: Implementation of assistance to members by the CFAP (30%): - Oversees the implementation of the annual work plan for the CFAP including participation in the weekly SPC FAME Senior Management Team (SMT) meetings, and fortnightly SPC FAME Senior Leadership Team (SLT). | - The CFAP annual work plan is successfully implemented. - Annual RTMCFA run successfully. - Technical assistance is provided in line with the annual work plan. |
| - Oversees the organisation and running of the annual Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture (RTMCFA). Ensures RTMCFA Outcomes and Actions are followed up. - Participates in one or more of the technical work areas of CFAP, according to skills and experience, and undertakes specific technical assistance assignments in-country as required. - Oversees and assists the Coastal Fisheries Economist, Coastal Fisheries Information and Database Manager, and the Climate Change Project Development Specialist develop work plans and implement them. - Provides logistical support for staff when in the field and assists Section Heads to address problems when these are encountered. - Oversees the implementation of specific coastal fisheries projects, e.g. MFAT/DFAT SCoFA, US PaFMaC, EU PEUMP II, AFD Pacific Ocean Initiative and GIZ Pacific Blue Economy. - Mentors SPC FAME Division staff to improve their capabilities as required. | - Specific projects are implemented as scheduled. - Problems in the field are resolved satisfactorily and timely. - Key projects successfully managed and implemented. - Contributed to staff professional development. |
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| KRA#4: Promote inter-agency networking and cross-sectoral collaboration in coastal fisheries and aquaculture (15%): - Maintains awareness with SPC member PICT needs and issues in regard to coastal fisheries and aquaculture. - Develops, supports and maintains links with other CROP agencies, academic institutions and NGOs in regard to coastal fisheries and aquaculture issues. - Attends and participates in inter-agency groups such as the Marine Sector Working Group (MSWG) and the Community-Based Fisheries Dialogue (CBFD). - Attends and presents at global forums and advocates on behalf of the Pacific region sectoral interests - Develops and promotes collaboration with other programmes within SPC, including the 5 Flagships (Oceans, Food Security, Climate Change, Gender, and Digital), on issues such as food security, small-scale livelihoods, climate change resilience and adaptation, etc. - Collaborate with the DD-OFP and DD-MEEP on cross-cutting science projects and activities between CFAP, MEEP and OFP. | - Work plans are responsive to member needs and issues. - Links are developed and maintained with other relevant CROP agencies, academic institutions and NGOs. - Provide support to members at regional and global forums. - Input is provided to joint internal projects, including the Flagships, where holistic approaches are needed. - MSWG and CBFD meetings run smoothly and SPC FAME input provided. - Science projects implemented jointly by CFAP, MEEP and OFP. |
| KRA#5: Communication of CFAP work (10%): - Oversees the communication of CFAP work internally across SPC and externally to Members, clients, the scientific community and the general public. - Contributes and coordinates the CFAP's input to Divisional and Corporate publications, such as | - SPC-FAME continues to be seen as the region's key provider of high quality, independent scientific and management advice on coastal fisheries and aquaculture. |
| annual reports, programme reports, Divisional reports for CRGA and the Coastal Fisheries Report Card to Leaders. - Oversees the maintenance and updating of the SPC Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme components of the SPC FAME website as a key information sharing mechanism – this includes Echoes of Oceania and REEFLEX. - Contributes and provides oversight to the preparation of peer-reviewed scientific and technical publications. | - Input or articles are provided for all Divisional and Corporate publications within the set deadlines. - Information on the work of the SPC FAME CFAP is up to date and disseminated via the website, scientific publications, media publications, presentations and other appropriate communications. - Coastal fisheries and aquaculture have higher profiles. - Technical work is published in peer-reviewed literature or in other appropriate forms. |
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The above performance requirements are provided as a guide only. The precise performance measures for this job will need further discussion between the jobholder and supervisor as part of the performance development process. Many of the outputs described here will only be achieved through teamwork. The incumbent will not be solely responsible for achieving them.
Most Challenging Duties Typically Undertaken (Complexity):
- Managing the diverse work programme of the CFAP including high demands for ad hoc support from SPC members and other clients in the implementation of joint mission activities in resource-limited situations.
- Providing scientific, management and development advice that responds to complex and often politically sensitive questions regarding coastal fisheries and aquaculture across the region.
- Ensuring adequate funding resources to implement the annual work plan for the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme in an environment of increasing project donor fatigue and competing SPC multi-sectoral priorities.
- Initiate major resource mobilisation initiatives with partners to ensure there are pipeline projects coming online as existing projects come to an end.
- Producing the annual budget estimates and narratives for the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme including cost recovery of staff time and any reductions in core funding, so that a balanced budget is provided.
- Ensuring there is no overspending of budgets within the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme and that all budget estimates and financial reports are completed to the deadlines set using the appropriate templates for each donor.
- Authorising all travel and procurement within the delegated authorisation limits for the position and ensuring all SPC policies and procedures are followed.
- Balancing an increasing administrative workload with the core functions of the position, the management of staff and projects
Functional Relationships & Relationship Skills:
| Key internal and/or external contacts | Nature of the contact most typical |
|---|---|
| External - SPC Member fishery and aquaculture ministries and departments - Pacific Island coastal fisheries and aquaculture partners, stakeholders, investment authorities and private enterprise - Regional Agencies including CROP, WorldFish, FAO - Funding agencies including AU DFAT, NZ MFAT, ACIAR, EU, AFD, GIZ, etc. | - Negotiating, influencing and persuading, gaining cooperation, reporting, collaborating, liaising, forming partnerships - Liaising, gaining cooperation, formal negotiation, forming partnerships, collaborating |
| - International and regional NGOs including WWF, TNC, WCS, CI, LMMA Network, etc and national NGOs - Academic and national fisheries research institutions | |
|---|---|
| Internal - Director FAME Division, DD-OFP, DD-MEEP - Executive - Senior Leadership Team and SPC Flagship Leads - FAME Division - CFAP Section Heads and staff - Operations & Integration support services (Finance, Procurement, Grants, Travel, HR, Publications, Translation and Interpretation) | - Advice on Division/Programme management issues - Planning and implementing the MEEP work programme - Implementation of MEEP work programme in-country - Staff recruitment, contract issues, ICT support requests - Resource mobilization opportunities - Liaising, collaborating, assisting, advising, gaining cooperation - Leading, supervising, advising, coaching, monitoring, resolving minor conflicts |
Level of Delegation:
Routine Expenditure Budget: EUR 10,000,000
Budget Sign off Authority without requiring approval from direct supervisor: EUR 45,000
Person Specification:
This section is designed to capture the expertise required for the role at the 100% fully effective level. (This does not necessarily reflect what the current position holder has.) This may be a combination of knowledge / experience, qualifications or equivalent level of learning through experience or key skills, attributes or job specific competencies.
Qualifications
| Essential: | Desirable: |
|---|---|
| - Postgraduate (Master's) degree in fisheries, aquaculture or related marine resources discipline, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience. | - PhD degree in fisheries, aquaculture or related marine resources discipline - Training in project, programme and people management; and project evaluation methodologies. |
Knowledge/Experience
| Essential: | Desirable: |
|---|---|
| - At least 15 years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: coastal fisheries, aquaculture, fisheries science, development or resource management, ecosystem approach to fisheries management, fisheries monitoring, climate change. | - High-level in quantitative analysis. - Experience in the development and delivery of capacity building in developing countries, preferably within the Pacific islands' region. - Knowledge in fisheries stock assessment and data management. - A working knowledge of both of SPC's official languages (English and French). |
| - At least 10 years of experience in regional project or programme management, including team leadership and staff supervision. - Proven history of successfully leading multidisciplinary teams of fisheries, marine and/or aquaculture scientists, managers, economists, social scientists, and other specialists, and support staff. - Demonstrable project and financial management skills including resource mobilisation and the development of large and small funding proposals. - Demonstrable report-writing skills (examples or publications list should be provided) in English. - Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) of a high order and experience of presentation of management and science advice to audiences at many levels. - Good judgement, particularly in maintaining working relationships both with colleagues and within SPC partner organisations and individuals, without compromising organisational objectives. - Able to translate broad Divisional direction into detailed activities. - Experience with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. | - Willingness to travel and undertake overseas assignments in SPC member countries. |
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Key Skills/Attributes/Job Specific Competencies
The following levels would typically be expected for the 100% fully effective level:
| Expert level | - Coastal fisheries science and management issues - Aquaculture development and management issues - Sustainable livelihood issues and approaches - Understanding of Pacific coastal fisheries and aquaculture, their management and development |
|---|---|
| Advanced level | - Communication skills - Programme management, including financial management - Climate and Climate Change Science - Ecosystem based approaches to fisheries and aquaculture |
| Working knowledge | - Crosscutting issues such as food systems, food security, climate change and human rights, gender, disability and social inclusion - SPC staff regulations, policies and procedures |
| Awareness | - Relevant social, economic and political issues in the Pacific islands' region |
Key Behaviours
All employees are measured against the following Key Behaviours as part of Performance Development:
- Change and Innovation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Judgement
- Promotion of Equity and Equality
- Teamwork
Personal Attributes
- High level of professional integrity and ethics
- Friendly demeanour
- Demonstrated high level commitment to customer service
Change to Job Description:
From time to time, it may be necessary to consider changes in the job description in response to the changing nature of the work environment – including technological requirements or statutory changes. Such change may be initiated as necessary by SPC. This Job Description may also be reviewed as part of the preparation for performance planning for the annual performance cycle.