Blue Prosperity Fiji (BPF) is a program led by the Government of Fiji that supports a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and prosperous economies. It incorporates community consultations, scientific research, and traditional knowledge in planning to sustainably manage 100% of Fiji’s ocean, including fully protecting 30% and growing Fiji’s blue economy. The program is coordinated by a Fiji-based team and experts from the Waitt Institute, a U.S.-based nonprofit that provides technical expertise, capacity, and funding.
BPF is seeking to hire a Sustainable Fisheries Coordinator. The position will be partially housed at the Ministry of Fisheries to support the Government of Fiji in its engagement with BPF. The Coordinator will work closely with Ministry staff, government officials, BPF and Waitt Institute teams, and key stakeholders in Fiji to ensure sustainable fisheries activities and associated initiatives advance as planned in coordination with existing BPF initiatives and work streams.
About the Position
Based in Suva, Fiji
Housed at the Ministry of Fisheries and with the BPF team
Must be a Fijian citizen and fluent in English; fluency in Fijian and/or Fiji Hindi will be an added advantage
Comfortable working cross-culturally as part of a diverse team with U.S. headquarters
Full-time (40 hrs/wk), 1 year contract position with the potential for renewal for the duration of the program
Reports to the BPF Country Manager and Waitt Institute Program Manager
Eligible for Fijian public holidays and 15 days of paid time off
Duties & Responsibilities
Support the Ministry of Fisheries engagement with BPF, working closely with staff from the Ministry, BPF, and the Waitt Institute to execute the joint work plan and ensure that the Marine Spatial Plan, sustainable fisheries, and blue economy aspects of the program advance as planned, in addition to supporting other aspects of the program
Collaborate in the design and implementation of programs supporting sustainable fisheries management and responsible blue economic development, including policy advocacy, responsible seafood markets, or other areas of intersection
Engage the fishing industry and other private sector stakeholders in Fiji’s marine spatial planning process
Identify and assess opportunities to sustainably increase economic benefits associated with fisheries production and supply chains
Support efforts to collect, analyze, and interpret data on fisheries, seafood markets, and blue economy initiatives
Build and maintain relationships to keep government officials, technical staff, and committee members engaged and informed
Facilitate engagement and foster partnerships with communities, the private sector, and other stakeholders
Work with program partners to plan, prepare, and support committee meetings or information requests
Attend BPF and government meetings to facilitate information flow, data sharing, technical input, approvals, and decision-making, tracking progress and outcomes to ensure decisions are noted and actioned
Develop memos, reports, and presentations to raise awareness and facilitate decision-making processes
Execute agreed upon deliverables based on the BPF annual work plan built in coordination with the Waitt Institute based on government and program priorities
Qualifications Skills & Experience
Degree in marine or fisheries science, environmental science, policy, economics, business, law, political science, social sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of work experience
Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to efficiently manage competing demands and find solutions to achieve agreed-uponagreed upon targets in a timely manner
Proven ability to engage and effectively support high-level government officials, technical staff, stakeholders, and communities
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to understand scientific information and translate it to a non-technical audience
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
Demonstrated experience in planning and facilitation of sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and/or marine management practices at the national scale and experience working closely with local communities; work experience with the government practices and protocols will be an added advantage
Ability to develop and implement strategies to promote sustainable fisheries and blue economy in alignment with national and regional priorities
Experience in meeting facilitation, networking, collaborative projects, report writing, and editing
Understanding of sustainable finance mechanisms and potential funders
Strong commitment to sustainable and progressive ocean management
Salary
A competitive remuneration package based on experience will be offered.
To apply: Please send your resume and cover letter written in English to Saras Sharma, BPF Country Manager, at ssharma@blueprosperityfiji.org, and Alison Rowe, Waitt Institute Program Manager, at arowe@waittinstitute.org, by 15 January, 2025. Include “BPF Sustainable Fisheries Coordinator” in the subject line of your email. The position will remain open until filled.
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