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Fisheries Scientist

2 year contractual position based in Newlands, Cape Town

In order to achieve its goal of moving fisheries towards responsible and sustainable practices, WWF South Africa is seeking to appoint a Fisheries Scientist. The successful candidate will play a key role in the development of WWF’s Seafood Market Transformation Programme fisheries work and will report to the Seafood Market Transformation Manager.
 
Key Responsibilities
The WWF-SA Fisheries Scientist will be responsible for the following actions:
1.    Oversee and co-ordinate the WWF-SASSI assessment process including the following:
  • Identify annual list of priority species to be assessed;
  • Conduct key research to underpin WWF-SASSI assessments;
  • Develop draft WWF-SASSI assessments using the WWF Common Assessment Methodology;
  • Co-ordinate the subsequent WWF-SASSI assessment process, which includes public participation and external review processes;
  • Ensure electronic database of WWF-SASSI assessments is kept up to date; and
  • Engage with the WWF Global Network on species assessment-related matters.
2.    Provide strategic leadership on the scientific component of WWF-SA fishery conservation and improvement projects:
  • Lead on the technical input during the development of WWF-SA fishery conservation and improvement project work plans;
  • Provide ongoing technical guidance on the implementation of WWF-SA fishery conservation and improvement projects; and
  • Implement and maintain an effective monitoring and reporting system for the technical components of WWF-SA fishery conservation and improvement projects.
3.    Contribute to a strong partner-based approach to addressing marine conservation and development issues in South African fisheries:
  • Develop fisheries management decision support tools and environmental impact mitigation experiments; and
  • Provide technical input on fisheries related issues with regards to the Responsible Fisheries/ Small Scale Responsible Fisheries training programme’s content, WWF-SASSI consumer queries and campaigns, WWF-SASSI Retailer/ Supplier Participation Scheme assessments, etc.
4.    Ensure that the WWF-SA Marine Programme fisheries-related work is underpinned by credible and up-to-date science:
  • Keep abreast of emerging marine scientific knowledge, issues and policies relating to fisheries, and market-related marine conservation initiatives;
  • Represent WWF-SA Marine Programme on industry bodies such as the Responsible Fisheries Alliance, government Scientific Working Groups, relevant scientific forums and relevant marine related symposia; 
  • Ensure effective linkages with other WWF-SA Programmes and other relevant organisations working in the marine conservation field; and
  • Contribute to WWF Global Network marine working groups to develop position papers, input into the scientific rigour of the MSC, and collaborate on guidelines for fisheries-related projects.
5.    Perform further duties as specified by the WWF-SA Seafood Market Transformation Manager including inter alia:
  • Work with WWF-SASSI Manager and WWF-SA Communications team on fisheries related communications activities including events, awareness materials, newsletters, websites, media content, etc.;
  • When appropriate, act as a representative spokesperson for WWF-SA’s fisheries-related work; and
  • Contribute to fund-raising efforts to develop WWF-SA’s Marine Programme work.
 
Skills/Requirements
  • A tertiary post-graduate qualification in a marine and/or conservation related field (specific knowledge around fisheries management and conservation will be advantageous).
  • At least 2 years of work experience in multi-disciplinary project management and multi-stakeholder initiatives natural resource management, experience and/or knowledge of Southern African fisheries legislation and stakeholders would be advantageous.
  • The successful candidate must be skilled in communications (written and verbal) with strong scientific report writing skills.
  • Self-motivated, with strong administrative and project management skills.
  • Passion for the conservation of nature and the involvement of people and businesses in the implementation of practical solutions to the challenges facing the marine environment.
  • Collaborative spirit and ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a diverse institution.
  • Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office (MS Word), spread sheets (MS Excel), email (MS Outlook), and presentations (MS PowerPoint).
  • Excellent communication skills in English and proficient in at least one other language, Afrikaans or Xhosa.
  • Valid driver’s license and own transportation essential.
 
Further Information:
To apply for the position, please click here and create or update your profile, please provide a detailed CV and covering letter fully motivating why you should be appointed, together with the names, current e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three relevant references.  Applications close on 6 October 2017. Applicants who previously have applied for this position need not re-apply.
 
WWF seeks to promote diversity among its staff. Candidates who have not received a response within three weeks of the closing date are kindly requested to assume that their application has not been successful in this instance.  WWF-SA reserves the right not to fill this position.

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