Employment & Consultancy Opportunities

MRAG is seeking the consultancy services of: An MSC Chain of Custody Auditor

• Location: Germany (must be German speaking)
• Deadline: Accepting applications until position is filled.
• Description: MRAG requires the services of an auditor to undertake traceability assessments at sites in Germany. We are looking for a consultant experienced in processing factories, who understands the principles of the MSC, is skilled in auditing to ISO standards and is flexible to travel. Immediate availability is required.
• Action: Please send: CV, covering letter and fee rates for the attention Mr. Iain Pollard to

Current Fisheries Monitoring Work Opportunities:

• CCAMLR International Scientific Observers (ADDED: 22 February 2010)
• ICCAT Regional Observer Programme on Bluefin Tuna Vessels and Farms in the Mediterranean 2010-2011 (Closed:30 April 2010)
• Regional Observer Programmes
  

Application Process:
How to Get Involved

CCAMLR International Scientific Observers

The Programmes

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) scheme of Scientific Observation was established in 1992 (http://www.ccamlr.org/pu/e/sc/obs/intro.htm) and was designed to gather scientific information from vessels operating in the Convention Area. Currently it requires 100% observer coverage for toothfish and icefish vessels and 30% coverage for krill vessels. MRAG is responsible for supplying observers to vessels operating around South Georgia (http://www.sgisland.gs/index.php/Main_Page) in CCAMLR area 48.3 and is currently identifying suitable candidates. Outlines of the data collection requirements are given in the CCAMLR Scientific Observers Manual, available at: http://www.ccamlr.org/pu/e/e_pubs/om/toc.htm

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with a UK passport and a background in marine biology or fisheries and with relevant experience, specifically:

• Completion of College/University education at a recognisable academic institution in a marine biological or other relevant discipline;
• Experience in other domestic or international fisheries observer/monitoring programmes;
• Participation in research cruises or scientific surveys;
• Previously employed as a fisheries officer; or
• Possessing other practical at-sea fisheries experience.

Candidates with suitable academic and vocational qualifications will also be considered. Prior to deployment successful candidates will require a Personal Survival Techniques or Basic Sea Survival certificate (see http://www.uksa.org/fd/career/mca/stcw-95.asp or http://www.rya.org.uk/coursestraining/courses/specialist/Pages/Seasurvival.aspx for examples) and a Medical certificate (ENG 1) proving they are fit to work at sea. In addition, observers must have no current financial or beneficial interests in any of the fisheries operating in the area where they are deployed and no criminal record. Observers will be expected to provide proof of qualifications and references (professional and personal). The work can be hard and demanding and observers should be prepared to work independently for long hours in often difficult conditions, spending up to 4 months at sea.

Regional Observer Programme

Suitability
MRAG currently run a number of observer programmes, including tuna transhipment projects for the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). We are looking for people with a proven track record in industrial fisheries, ideally as an observer, fisheries officer or fisherman. Complementary academic and vocational qualifications will also strengthen your candidacy. Use the following points as a check list:Candidates with the following experience will be considered:

• Experience as a fisheries observer in tuna fisheries;
• Experience in other domestic or international fisheries observer/monitoring programmes;
• Participation in research cruises or scientific surveys;
• Previously employed as a fisheries officer; or
• Possessing other practical at-sea fisheries experience.

�Suitable academic and vocational qualifications will also be considered. Successful candidates must have a Personal Survival Techniques or Basic Sea Survival certificate and a Medical certificate proving they are fit to work at sea, prior to being deployed. These certificates must be the national equivalents of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) (www.imo.org/HumanElement/mainframe.asp?topic_id=486 NOTE: If this link does not work, please copy and paste it into your web browser)  and awarded by an accredited organisation or physician respectively.   
 
 Follow the link for National authorities maintaining registers of certificates and endorsements for advice on where to obtain these certificates:  http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id=25367/rptPartyAddresses.pdf NOTE: If this link does not work, please copy and paste it into your web browser 

If you do not currently possess these certificates you will be required to complete the relevant courses before being deployed. 

In addition, individuals should not have any association with the tuna fishing industry.

Observers will be expected to provide proof and references. Please submit your references with your CV if you intend on applying for the post.
 
 Responsibilities
Observer deployments will be for between 6 and 12 weeks during which they will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Monitor the carrier vessel's compliance with the relevant conservation and management measures;
• Maintain a daily record of activities;
• Monitor and record transhipment operations;
• Upon return, submit data and produce an end of trip report summarizing their deployment and observations;
• Provide feedback on training, operational support material and recommendations integral to improve the objectives of the Programme.

Observers will be expected to comply with requirements established in the laws and regulations of the flag state of the transhipment vessel and observe and be respectful of cultural and vessel practices. Deployments will occur from a wide range of different ports.

Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs during deployment will be covered by the project.

Training
Once approved, Observers will be required to attend a training programme at our London Offices covering all aspects of the deployment:

• Health & Safety
• Language
• Technical
• Operational

Accommodation and subsistence costs will be met by us.

Still Interested in any of these Posts? Here is how you can get involved

In order to assess your suitability we would be grateful if you would submit:

• A cover letter stating:
  • Your full contact details - email, mobile/cell phone, telephone landline
• A 2/3 page (maximum) CV;
• References; and
• Copies of appropriate certificates.

Please use the following format for your CV and complete the profile summary: MRAG Template

It is imperative that you check that your credentials and availability are compatible with the Programme you wish to get involved in.

All applications should be submitted electronically.

What's Next
Please send your application to the address below:

We look forward to hearing from you!