Fisheries Assessment Manager Job Description Location: Responsible to: Responsible for: Salary: Working Hours: Contract: Holiday: Equal opportunities: MSC Head Office, London or Seattle, WA Senior Fisheries Assessment Manager None currently, although the potential for limited or intermittent staff supervision is considered within the scope of the position Commensurate with appropriate salary level. Benefits are dependent on location. Dependent on location. The MSC supports flexible working, so the pattern of hours may vary according to operational and personal needs. The MSC works across different time zones and weekend work may be required on occasion. The post holder may be required to undertake considerable UK travel, if based in the UK and periodic international travel. No overtime is payable, however, under certain circumstances time off in lieu is possible. 2-year fixed term contract with a notice period of three months in writing on either side. Probationary period of six months. 25 days per annum, or prorated equivalent, plus statutory holidays. There is a discretionary carry-over entitlement of five days per annum. The MSC strives to be an equal opportunities employer and commitment to this process is expected. Date prepared: May 2018 Full details of Conditions of Employment are set out in the MSC Employment Contract, the main features of which are standard to all staff.
A. JOB SUMMARY MSC Background The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a global not-for-profit organization, established in 1997 to address the problem of unsustainable fishing and to ensure healthy oceans for the future. Working with scientists and marine experts we have developed the world s most credible standard for sustainable wild-caught seafood. Only well-managed fisheries that ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and keep ecosystems healthy can meet this standard. Through our worldleading certification and ecolabeling program - and collaboration with a diverse set of audiences including consumers, retailers, environmental NGOs and the fishing industry - we are helping to create a more sustainable seafood market. Our blue ecolabel is now one of the most well recognized and trusted ecolabels in use in over five continents. The MSC Fisheries Assessment Managers (FAMs) develop and oversee the MSC s policies and procedures for the assessment of fisheries against the MSC s Fisheries Standard (see here). Each FAM oversees a portfolio of fisheries that are under third party assessment by external Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). They also have organisational responsibility for developing and implementing key elements of the MSC s Fisheries Standard and/or assessment processes. About the role Reporting to the Senior Fisheries Assessment Manager (SFAM), this role requires developing and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the basis, implementation and intent of policies related to the MSC s standards, and involves regular interaction with CABs and the MSC s Accreditation Body, ASI. The position holder coordinates the MSC s review and oversight of fishery assessments among headquarters and regional staff, helps to evaluate programme performance, and provides programme support to CABs. Regular and effective communication with a wide variety of interested parties, both internally and externally, is essential. This includes representing the intent and status of the MSC s certification programme to a wide range of audiences. The position requires sound judgement when interpreting and implementing MSC policy, under the broad oversight and review of the SFAM and the Fisheries Standard Director. The role has no current budget management responsibilities, but requires sound judgement on how to prioritise and utilise resources available for the position s function. B. RESPONSIBILITIES (Key Result Areas) The FAM within the Fisheries team plays a key role under the MSC s current 2017-2020 Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP), which has five overarching objectives: 1. Recognising and rewarding sustainable fisheries and incentivizing improvement globally; 2. Ensuring MSC certifications are highly credible and reflect global best practice; 3. Cultivating and expanding sustainable seafood markets; 4. Building public awareness and support and demonstrating science and impac;t 5. Enabling and resourcing a high performing global organisation.
The bulk of the FAM s work is focused on delivering key elements in the first two of these overarching objectives and the further key outputs to be delivered by the Standards team, which seeks to ensure that: Fisheries certification requirements are clear and comprehensive, and facilitate efficient assessments. Assessments against MSC standards are efficient and robust, as the program grows. The MSC Fisheries Certification Requirements are accessible globally. Certification programs and internal operations are consistent with and inform international best practice. To achieve these objectives, the post holder will perform the following functions either directly or through coordination/leadership of internal teams: FUNCTION 1 Project management: Participate on, and lead as delegated, internal MSC project teams designed to tackle emerging issues, within and outside the Science and Standard team s immediate area of assigned work. 2 Technical Oversight (30%): Contribute, as delegated by the SFAM and Senior Fisheries Certification Manager (SFCM), to the technical oversight of specific fishery assessments and/or annual post-certification surveillance audits, coordinating the involvement of other Fisheries team members and/or contracted experts as appropriate. 3 Policy development (40%): Contribute, as delegated by the SFAM, to the development of policies to improve the assessment methodologies that support the implementation of the MSC s Fisheries Standard. Undertake research in fisheries science/management to support this policy development, focusing on aspects of the fisheries standard related to ecosystem impacts and bycatch. 4 Capacity building: Contribute to the development and delivery of technical training and capacity building programmes in relation to the MSC s fisheries standard and related methodologies for internal and external audiences. 5 External relations: As delegated, promote and represent the MSC at international forums on relevant fisheries sustainability, certification and ecolabeling issues. 6 Internal collaboration and technical fisheries support: As delegated by the SFAM, contribute to the work of the Fundraising, Communications, Commercial and Regional departments of the MSC and provide advice and support to colleagues on technical aspects of the programme or of specific fisheries.
C. PERSON SPECIFICATION Technical Qualifications. You will have an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in marine ecology, fisheries science and/or management, or related subject; a post-graduate degree (or equivalent experience) in a field relevant to fisheries or marine conservation management is highly desirable. Experience. highly motivated individual with previous experience that demonstrates the progressive development of technical skills within the fields of fisheries science and management, marine ecology or marine conservation. o Excellent knowledge of current research into marine ecosystem dynamics (e.g. structure and function, productivity and resilience, trophic interactions) and/or ecosystem modelling; o Good knowledge of measures and strategies to mitigate bycatch, unwanted catch and/or ecosystems impacts; o Experience of the development or implementation of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management is desirable; o Strong scientific and technical skills with specific experience in fishery impacts on marine ecosystems. Market-based ecolabelling programmes. Knowledge or experience of third party certification schemes including the MSC program and the role of ecolabelling is desirable. IT. Well-developed computer and IT skills, including the use of standard software packages (Microsoft Office) is essential. Stakeholder Oriented Clear understanding of, and affinity for, stakeholder-engagement processes such as operated by the MSC. Prior experience working with stakeholders and other external parties, preferably in fisheries management, science or fisheries policy development on a range of fisheries and resource sustainability issues would be desirable. Evidence of an ability to successfully manage relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and collaborators, with a people-centred approach to business and work essential. Communications Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications in the English language; spoken and written fluency in another relevant language is an advantage. Demonstrated excellence in spoken communication skills with a diverse range of people, including senior people in fisheries, conservation organizations, business and government. Confidence and experience in preparing and delivering presentations. Management and Organisational Skills Excellent personal organisational and work planning skills, demonstrating high productivity and ability to manage competing work priorities; Versatility to combine self-management and self-support when working alone with productive team membership Logical thinker with well-developed analytical and systematic problem solving skills, demonstrating sound reasoning abilities and logical decision-making A successful record of project development and management. Personal Attributes Excellent judgement and creative abilities, including influencing and negotiating skills and ability to make decisions in a rapidly changing environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with people at all levels, motivate others and change people s attitudes when necessary. High level of integrity, accountability and credibility. Ability and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of staff at all levels of the MSC, as well as external partners and stakeholders. Proven ability to successfully manage relationships and partnerships with colleagues, commercial partners, stakeholders and other collaborators. Willingness and enthusiasm to contribute to MSC-wide responsibilities and development, where appropriate, in pursuit of the MSC s mission and vision. Empathy and interest in the MSC s mission and objectives Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diversity of values, views and approaches to issues relevant to the MSC program by stakeholders around the world is essential.
D. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT Manager s Signature: Date: Job Holder s Signature: Date:
ORGANISATIONAL CHART Standards organisational chart with the FAM post highlighted. Fisheries Standard Director Senior Fisheries Certification Manager Senior Fisheries Assessment Managers x 2 (London and Seattle) Fisheries Certification Managers x 2 Fisheries Assessment Managers x 6 Senior Fisheries Project Officer