Professional vacancy announcement – Fishery Officer (Stock Assessment)

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an intergovernmental organization responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. It works to achieve this by promoting cooperation among its Contracting Parties (Members) and Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties in order to ensure the conservation and appropriate utilisation of fish stocks and encouraging the sustainable development of fisheries.

The position is located in Victoria, Seychelles in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) within the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, FI.

Reporting Lines
The Fishery Officer (Stock Assessment) reports to the Executive Secretary and the Deputy Secretary/Science Manager, IOTC. 

Technical Focus
In close coordination with senior management, the Fishery Officer (Stock Assessment) will lead and coordinate the stock assessment services required by the Commission and provide timely advice, analysis, reporting, and general support to the IOTC Secretariat.

Key Results
The provision of stock assessment services and related products and advice to the IOTC membership and its partners.

Key Functions
• Undertake and analyse catch and associated datasets (CPUE, length composition, tagging, etc.) using population modeling / stock assessment approaches, as directed by the IOTC Scientific Committee at its annual meeting, in order to estimate the current status of IOTC stocks and the impacts of fishing upon them;
• Support the work of IOTC Consultants and Invited Experts working on stock assessments for the IOTC science Working Parties, and other adhoc groups as the Commission may determine;
• Review and provide constructive criticism on all stock assessment papers and other analysis in support of stock assessments for IOTC science Working Parties;
• Lead and support capacity building initiatives agreed to by the IOTC and upon request by IOTC Contracting Parties, relevant to these duties and responsibilities;
• Collaborate in the development of operating models for Management Strategy Evaluation of IOTC stocks;
• Provide support to IOTC Contracting Parties requesting assistance in analysing fisheries data for use in stock assessments (e.g. CPUE standardisations);
• Utilize current methods used in fisheries stock assessment science and the use of scientific information in fisheries management, in particular, integrated catch-at-age stock assessment techniques (i.e. Stock Synthesis III);
• Employ a broad knowledge of mathematical statistics and modelling techniques, fisheries science, and a general knowledge of ecosystem dynamics, including demonstrated programing skills in high-level statistical languages such as R or S-Plus;
• Performing such other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should meet the following:

• Advanced university degree in fisheries science, mathematics or similar field (core focus on fisheries stock assessments)
• Seven years of relevant  experience in fishery stock assessment, including  experience in data poor fisheries, as well as advanced quantitative modelling methods
• Working knowledge of English

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is highly desirable
• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of fisheries (tuna fisheries highly desirable)
• Extent and relevance of experience in analysing fisheries data via stock assessment and related issues
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and dissemination of fisheries stock assessments
• Extent and relevance of experience in the management and leading training workshops
• Extent and relevance of experience in different countries and regions, especially in developing countries and countries in transition
• Ability to mobilize resources

Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
* The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments

REMUNERATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to: FIDT-55-15-PRJ
IOTC
P.O. Box 1011
Victoria, Seychelles
E-mail: [email protected]

Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.

Deadline For Application: 6 November 2015