However, we launched our formal marine program in 2011 focused on the following three strands:
- securing important areas to safeguard marine biodiversity;
- informing and influencing policies and practice affecting the marine environment; and
- supporting key national local institutions to help them deliver effective marine conservation.
Since 2011, we have worked across 197 countries with over 90 partners. We have contributed directly to the establishment or strengthening of over 50 marine protected areas and dozens of new no-take zones, witnessed a reduction in destructive fishing activities at 45% of all sites and seen evidence of recovery in key species groups and habitats. Fauna & Flora recognizes that unsustainable wild capture fisheries can be a key threat to biodiversity at many of the sites at which we operate, through direct impacts on marine habitats (use of damaging fishing gear), vulnerable species mortality (direct capture and by-catch), and impacts on wider marine food chains (as a result of knock-on impacts of population declines from overfishing). This increasing focus on fisheries within Fauna & Flora complements, and reinforces, our ongoing activities to promote sustainable fishing practices amongst the small-scale fishers in and around the sites at which we work.
About the role
We are offering a unique opportunity to lead Fauna & Flora’s work focusing on addressing the biodiversity impacts of unsustainable, destructive fishing, distant water fleets, and the widespread issue of bottom trawling globally. You will play a key role in developing strategies for advocacy to raise such issues at global, regional and national policy levels, seeking to leverage impact by influencing important stakeholders at a range of levels, including the seafood sector and national and international governments. You will have a role in supporting marine projects globally to develop strategies to support coastal communities and to address destructive fishing, and in building a strong portfolio and platform for Fauna & Flora to engage more widely on this issue, including testing innovative solutions.
You will work closely with the Director, Marine to support and integrate new work streams on unsustainable and destructive fishing, into our existing sustainable fisheries approaches. We are looking for an experienced technical specialist with a proven track record in fisheries management and advocacy and the ability to work constructively with a range of stakeholders, including the corporate fisheries sector. You will have excellent research and analytical skills combined with the ability to present convincing arguments. You will be able to communicate with confidence and credibility to a range of audiences, and have experience in building and maintaining positive organizational and external relationships.
Requirements
Essential criteria include:
- Proven technical competency in approaches to manage the ecological impacts of fisheries, such as policy, market, technology and/or enforcement
- Experience of developing positions on policy issues and/or engaging with policy makers to raise awareness of such positions
- Substantial experience in marine conservation, fisheries science or marine policy, including specific fisheries management and or monitoring, control and surveillance experience
- Knowledge of the ecological effects of fishing and associated social and governance implications
- Understanding of market-based approaches to incentivizing good fisheries practices
- Proven knowledge of/relationships with the key players in the marine conservation sector
- Experience of effective partnership management
- Excellent organizational skills, with structured and methodical approach to work and a clear focus on results
- Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and verbal)
- Research and analysis skills with acute attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
- IT literate
- Advanced degree (or equivalent level qualification) in fisheries science, marine resource management, marine policy or other relevant discipline or equivalent work experience in a relevant field
- An understanding of and experience of working in and/or with NGOs
Salary and benefits
£39,640
In return, the role offers the opportunity to work within a ground-breaking and entrepreneurial organization, at the forefront of global conservation, with opportunity to apply your skills and expertise where appropriate. In addition, Fauna & Flora offers a generous pension contribution, attractive annual leave allowance and life insurance.
Application deadline: March 9, 2025
