Header

Tuna Programme Officer WWF MWIOPO Location: Mahé, Seychelles

Position title : WWF Indian Ocean Tuna Programme Officer
Departement : Smart Fishing Initiative
Project : MG0940 – Tuna Fisheries
Supervised by : Tuna Manager - Smart Fishing Initiative, and
Regional Representative - WWF MWIOPO
Classification : Expatriate

Duration of contract: January 2012 to June 2013. This post is subject to funding from an external source and it is currently anticipated that such funds will be available until mid-2013 however further funding sources are expected.
Location : WWF MWIOPO, Seychelles
Date : october 2011

I. Mission of the Initiatives
WWF’s Market Transformation Initiative (MTI) addresses the challenge of how 10 billion people can live on a finite planet by transforming global commodity markets. Our Markets program seeks to ‘tip’ markets toward sustainability for strategically selected commodities that impact the most biologically significant places globally. Our theory of change holds that, by working with 100 companies, we can shift 40 to 50 percent of production—and, in so doing, tip markets to support global conservation priorities.

The Smart Fishing Initiative (SFI) is a new WWF Programme that strives to improve marine ecosystem health through making large-scale commercial fishing around the world sustainable. It is helping to generate a new fisheries paradigm that ensures healthy and productive oceans are recovering and provide sustainably produced protein to meet seafood demand. The key goal of the initiative is:
By 2020, healthy, recovering and resilient marine ecosystems that provide improved food security for the planet and improved livelihoods for dependent communities are achieved through responsible management and trade in four key fishery groups – tuna, whitefish, shrimp, and forage fish.

WWF has an overall joint MTI/SFI global tuna strategy and workplan that is delivered in cooperation with key regions globally.

II. Major Functions
The focus for this role is to increase MSC certification of tuna catches from stocks of principal tuna in the Indian Ocean
To achieve this goal this role will focus on:
• Support the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) to promote sustainable harvest strategies at the member state level and with key stakeholders that use effective science-based targets and limit catches consistent with sustainable stock management and recovery (where necessary);
• Support the IOTC in implementing RFMO governance reform including the adoption of rights-based management systems;
• Advocate for reduced tuna fishery ecosystem impacts including assisting with implementing effective bycatch reduction and other measures for the conservation of all target species, consistent with best EBM practices;
• Promote the use of Port State Measures including the ratification of the PSMA by relevant Member States;
• Link these efforts to shift tuna management in the Indian Ocean by utilising market power through supporting engagement with key tuna markets and coordination with the MTI/SFI seafood buyers’ engagement leads and ISSF.

III. Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with regional staff, WWF partners and key stakeholders to deepen understanding of the regional context and provide unified and consistent WWF tuna coordination in the Indian Ocean;
• Ensure the network is represented and coordinated in its input to relevant external fora internationally especially at IOTC and in other key fisheries governance, tuna management and industry engagement;
• Develop capacity building materials and create support at a member state level for the IOTC to implement sustainable harvest strategies to pave the way for MSC certification;
• Provide support, identify resource needs and seek resource support for the diverse WWF teams (both culturally and geographically) to ensure optimal implementation and execution of the Indian Ocean Tuna strategy;
• Strategically serve, manage and coordinate Network efforts to reduce major fishing footprint threats like overfishing and bycatch in tuna fisheries in close cooperation with the SFI’s Enabling Team and the relevant offices;
• Identify priority regional tuna policy issues and facilitate network processes to address them;
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with the WWF Network and external stakeholders;
• Manage and maintain oversight of relevant budgets.

IV. Profile

Required Qualifications
• Advanced degree in marine resource management / marine biology or a related field as required, preferably related to the impact of fishing on the environment or equivalent fisheries management experience;
• At least 5 years experience in marine capture fisheries, including a strong international component;
• Demonstrable experience in engaging industry and academic sectors related to fisheries;
• Experienced project manager in a complex environment, at an international level.

Required skills and competencies
• Ability to coordinate diverse and dispersed international teams;
• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of marine capture fisheries and conservation strategies for sustainable fisheries management;
• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of policy/governance, and resource management;
• Excellent inter-personal skills including advanced experience in presentation and facilitation. Effective and clear communication skills in writing and verbally in English at least;
• Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Desired skills and competencies:
• An understanding and insight into regional Indian Ocean Fisheries issues and current agenda;
• An understanding and insight into regional political and socio/economic Indian Ocean;
• Experience in fisheries economics;
• Proven success and experience in fundraising;
• Experience in participatory approaches and with experience in working with government counterpart agencies, NGOs, community-based organisations and regional fisheries organisations.

V. Working Relationships
• Internal
Extensive liaison with the WWF Network to ensure delivery of this role.
• External
Forging and maintaining relationships with key external partners.

The applications addressed to WWF Antsakaviro Antananarivo, Lot Près II M 85 Ter or by email tomwiopo.recruitment@wwf.panda.org by 23 November 2011 with the mention «Application Tuna Programme Officer » will be composed of a signed cover letter, a CV(*) with telephone number for quick contact and an identity photo.

(*)Specific templates for cover letter and resume are to be requested by e-mail tomwiopo.recruitment@wwf.panda.org with the mention “Request of template”