Senior Fisheries Scientist (Fisheries Ecology and Biology)

• 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 Senior Fisheries Scientist (Fisheries Ecology and Biology) will lead field-work and lab-based research to provide quality data on dynamics and life history of pelagic and coastal fisheries to improve regional tuna stock assessments and adaptations to climate change.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Data acquisition on fisheries ecology and biology to support stock assessment and ecosystem-based fisheries management

• Conduct research on fisheries biology and ecology and participate in ecological and biological research that delivers new knowledge on fisheries, populations, biology and the physical and biological environment.
• Develop ecosystem monitoring by designing strategies for tagging and biological sample collections (otoliths, stomach content, tissue) from diverse sources (observer-based, ship of opportunity, tagging and scientific cruise) and supervise the implementation of these designs and undertake fieldwork when required.
• Coordinate, supervise and undertake laboratory work and provide training for staff, attached staff or trainees in laboratory.
• Contribute to the development of databases for the management of the acquired data.
• Document the progress in data acquisition and management for publication as scientific papers, technical reports and country reports, and present findings to regional and scientific meetings.

Data analysis and modelling of fisheries biology and ecology including age and growth studies, and stock structure

• Analyse fisheries biology and ecology data and incorporate these and other information into existing and/or new analytical frameworks and models.
• Participate in ecological and biological analyses and model development that delivers new knowledge on the relationships between fisheries, populations, bycatch populations and their physical and biological environment.
• Analyse climate change impact on fisheries biology and ecology through model simulation and ecosystem scale analyses.
• Document the results of research for publication as scientific papers, technical reports and country reports, and present findings to regional and scientific meetings.
• Technical support provided to SPC members, to the WCPFC Secretariat, the WCPFC Scientific Committee and its technical working groups, to FFA and PNA and other regional organisations, on fisheries biology and ecology.

Information and capacity development at regional level for WCPFC and national level for SPC members

• Provide training to attachments in fisheries biology and ecology and related analytical approaches and modelling
• Contribute where applicable to OFP, FAME and SPC publications, such as Fisheries Newsletters, annual reports, and results reporting for CRGA and donors.
• Produce reports for all activities undertaken in the appropriate format for the activity including technical reports and trip reports, and input to funding proposals, donor reports.

Project development, planning, fund raising, reporting and administration

• Assists the Section Head, to develop the annual work plans and work plan reports for the Section, consistent with the FAME business plan.
• Manage on a day-to-day basis a Senior Research Officer.
• Maintains up to date corporate and administrative procedures for all activities undertaken.
• Fills in for the other staff when they are on leave or duty travel, when required.
• Undertakes resource mobilisation activities when required.
• Contribute to enhanced collaboration with other science institutions.
• Participates in other administrative duties as directed by the Section Head.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably at PhD level, in fisheries science, population biology, population genetics, age and growth, ecosystem modelling or a related discipline or equivalent experience.

Technical expertise

• At least seven years of professional experience in marine ecological research ideally directed at the development of scientific advice for fisheries management.
• At least 3-5 years post-graduate experience in fisheries biology and ecology.
• Publications in fisheries biology and ecology.
• Demonstrated quantitative analytical skills.
• Ability to meet project deadlines, often under challenging circumstances.

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

• Proven ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary and/or multi-cultural team.

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 Senior Fisheries Scientist (Fisheries Ecology and Biology) is a Band 12 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,792-5,894 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 708,852-871,830 (USD 6,374-7,839; EUR 5,940-7,306). 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: CR000301

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 emerging technologies are relevant for understanding the life-history of commercial fishes ?
2. In a few sentences describe how life-history analyses of fishes can measure environmental histories.
3. What are the important assumptions of life history analyses for fisheries stock assessment ?

Position Description