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 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 composed of two programmes: Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP) and the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP). The Director’s Office provides divisional support and strategic direction across the programmes
and cross-cutting projects. Working with all 22 Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs), FAME has strong partnerships with regional, subregional, and national entities working in the marine sector.
The role – Fisheries Technical Assistant will assist the Project Manager in carrying out port and observer sampling of tuna and similar species that supports the improved management of Pacific fisheries and their resilience to climate change.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Port and at-sea sampling of tuna and similar species
- Carry out port and at-sea sampling of tuna and other species on a regular basis to ensure timely completion of FAME projects.
- Assist the project manager and national authorities with supporting port and at-sea sampling of tuna.
- Assist in upkeep of the equipment used for port and at sea sampling of tuna and other species as required.
Data entry
- Enter port and at-sea sampling data into SPC databases.
- Assist with other data entry task as directed by the Project Manager.
Support to the cataloging, storage and freight of samples
- Support the Project Manager and Pacific Marine Specimen Bank staff with cataloging, storing, and shipping biological samples.
Inventory of supplies
- Assist the Project Manager in ensuring that re-provisioning of sampling consumables, supplies and equipment is undertaken in a timely and efficient manner.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Relevant PIRFO (Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observer) vocational qualifications related to port and at-sea observation duties.
Technical expertise
- At least 2 years of work experience.
- Knowledge of fisheries unloading operations.
- Competent fish identification skills.
- Experience in biological sampling of fish.
- Good organizational skills.
Language skills
- Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2025 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – The Fisheries Technical Assistant is a band 5 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,558-1,948 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.
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 bilingualism, 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 Privacy Policy.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing Date – 6 October 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)
Job Reference: JM000760
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.
Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.
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):
- What are the key skills required to be a successful fisheries observer?
- How do you communicate with the fishing captains, crew and other stakeholders in the fishing industry?
- In your experience, what types of data are collected on board fishing vessels and/or in port during unloading that will help in determining key fish stock attributes such as age classes, movement, etc.