Employment & Consultancy Opportunities
Employment & Consultancy Opportunities
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Current Employment Opportunties at MRAG:
- Fisheries Support Officer (Posted on 24/04/2009)
Current Fisheries Monitoring Work Opportunities:
Application Process:
How to Get Involved
Fisheries Support Officer
MRAG is seeking a suitably qualified individual to assist with the running of a number of international fisheries observer programmes. In addition this person will also be involved in other work including administration of fishery control regimes when required.
Responsibilities- Assist the observer and compliance officers in administering licensing and MCS systems;
- Support the management of MRAG observer and inspector operations, particularly developing logistic solutions;
- Support the development and delivery of training and debriefing programmes for compliance officers and scientific observers; and
- Provide general assistance with the preparation and implementation of projects, including data input, data analysis and report review and preparation prior to submission.
- Must hold a BSc degree; an MSc would be desirable;
- Practical experience of scientific work at sea or scientific observer experience desirable;
- Good communication skills, including good standard of written and spoken English essential;
- Ability to work both individually and as part of a team;
- Demonstrated ability to manage data collection systems using databases / spreadsheets required;
- Demonstrated ability to undertake data analysis; and
- Good report writing skills.
ICCAT Regional Observer Programme on Bluefin Tuna Farms in the Mediterranean
The ProgrammeICCAT Recommendation 08-05 calls for a Regional Observer Program designed to monitor fishing and farming activities. Although the recommendation is not expected to formally enter into force until June 2009, many members have decided to monitor fishing activities for this year´s fishing season (which takes place mainly between mid-April and mid-June) with their own national observer programs. In terms of monitoring farming activities, the ICCAT Secretariat has obtained approval of the participating CPCs to work with MRAG to provide regional coverage starting in mid-June. The purpose of this part of the programme will be to ensure an observer presence during all transfer of bluefin tuna to the cages and all harvest of fish from the cage. In particular, the observer tasks shall be to:
- observe and monitor farming operation compliance with the ICCAT regulations,
- validate the caging report (a record of the amount of fish delivered to the cage),
- carry out scientific work, for example collecting samples, as required by ICCAT.
The Programme will cover those farms in the ICCAT Convention area which are included in the ICCAT Record of Farming Facilities
and which are operative during the 2009/2010 period (figure 1). ICCAT observers will need to be from one of the ICCAT Contracting
Parties or Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties (see http://www.iccat.int/en/contracting.htm) and,
to the extent possible, not of the same state as where the farm is located.
Figure 1. ICCAT registered Bluefin Tuna Farms located in the Mediterranean
MRAG will be deploying observers to monitor bluefin tuna farms from 15th June 2009. Observers will need accommodation on land near to the port from which the farm is serviced, and will travel out to the farm on the farm operator's vessel each day. Periods of deployment at each location will vary according to requirements but may be up to three months in duration. Options to move from location to location in an extended deployment may also be considered.
Observers will be required to complete the following tasks, among others:
- Maintain a daily record of activities at the farm;
- Monitor and record fish deliveries and harvests;
- Submit data and produce trip reports summarizing deployment and observations on a schedule to be decided; and
- Provide feedback on training, operational support material and recommendations integral to improving the objectives of the Programme.
Qualifications
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. 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.
Follow the link for National authorities maintaining registers of certificates and endorsements (http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id=25367/rptPartyAddresses.pdf) for advice on where to obtain these certificates.
If you do not currently possess these certificates you will be required to complete the relevant courses before being deployed.
In addition, observers must have no current financial or beneficial interests in the bluefin tuna fishery.
Observers will be expected to provide proof of qualifications and references (professional and personal). Please submit references with your CV if you intend on applying for a post.
Regional Observer Programme
SuitabilityMRAG 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.
Follow the link for National authorities maintaining registers of certificates and endorsements (http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id=25367/rptPartyAddresses.pdf) for advice on where to obtain these certificates.
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.
Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs during deployment will be covered by the project.
TrainingOnce 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
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.
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:
