Fisheries Technician – Samoa

The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Fisheries Technician – Samoa. This position will be located in Apia, Samoa.

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 unique 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 includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). The goal of the OFP is to ensure fisheries that exploit the region’s resources of tuna, billfish and related species are managed for economic and ecological sustainability using the best available scientific information. In pursuing this goal, the OFP provides scientific support for the management of fisheries for tuna and associated species, with a strong focus on stock assessment and modelling, fisheries and ecosystem monitoring and analysis and data management. The OFP works closely with member countries and territories, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the Forum Fisheries Agency, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement and other regional and sub-regional entities.

The role – the Fisheries Technician – Samoa will undertake a programme of work that supports the fisheries and ecosystem monitoring and analysis objectives in the FAME Business Plan. The jobholder will help to collect fisheries data within the commercial tuna fisheries sector, or during scientific experiments, including at sea. He/she may assist in assignments to train fisheries observers/samplers and in the communication and reporting of results.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Enhance data collection and provide data management services for fisheries & marine ecosystems

• Improve data on the ecosystem, fisheries and biology of key species.
• Data acquisition, management and dissemination, including processing, auditing and consolidating data holdings.
• Develop systems, tools and support services for standardised data collection, management and reporting.

Provide analyses and advice for evidence-based fisheries management

• Provide ecosystem, climate change, biodiversity, marine resource ecology and fisheries assessments, models and analyses.

Support capacity development in fisheries and aquaculture in the PICTs

• Enhance capacity development in science, technology, data management, analysis and advice.

Provide and facilitate access to fisheries information

• Develop information and knowledge products
• Facilitate information management and circulation

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Higher technical diploma (BTS) in biology, ecology, zoology or a related field.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 to 4 years of practical experience related to monitoring fisheries and ecosystems, including at least 2 years directly associated with field or laboratory work.
• Proven experience in biological sampling.

Language skills

• Good command of written and oral English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A proactive and positive team player able to work effectively in a multicultural environment with a wide range of individuals.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 31 December 2023.

Remuneration – the Fisheries Technician – Samoa is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a starting salary range of WST 37,210 – 46,512 per year. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

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 bilinguism, 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 private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Samoa Nationals currently residing in the country or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.