FISHERIES SCIENTIST (STATISTICAL MODELLING)

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation that provides technical and policy advice and assistance, training and research services to its Pacific Island members. SPC works in a wide range of sectors with the aim of achieving three development outcomes – sustainable economic development, sustainable natural resource management and development, and sustainable human and social development. SPC was established in 1947. It has 26 member countries and territories and its working languages are English and French. SPC’s headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has regional offices in Suva, Fiji, and Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and country offices in Honiara, Solomon Islands and Port Vila, Vanuatu. Additional information on SPC can be found on its website: www.spc.int. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Fisheries Scientist (Statistical Modeling) will conduct analyses of tuna tagging data, contributing to improved regional and national assessments of tuna stocks in the exclusive economic zones of SPC members and adjacent areas. The Fisheries Scientist (Statistical Modeling) will be responsible to the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) Principal Fisheries Scientist (Ecosystem Monitoring & Analysis Section) and will work closely with the staff of other sections of OFP. KEY RESULT AREAS The position of Fisheries Scientist (Statistical Modeling) encompasses the following major functions: 1. Research to support stock assessment and ecosystem-based fisheries management · Undertake statistical analyses and modelling of the tagging data held at SPC to support the management of tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean. · Contribute to the development of Multifan CL to enhance the use of tuna tagging data in stock assessments of tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean. · Contribute to the incorporation of tuna tagging data/information into the ecosystem models: SEAPODYM (Spatial Ecosystem and Population Dynamics Model) and Ecopath. · Document the results of research for publication as scientific papers, technical reports and country reports, and present findings to regional and scientific meetings. · Participate in project planning and reporting. 2. Support for ecosystem-based fisheries management by Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) · Provide advice and information derived from tuna tagging data and tuna biology to the WCPFC Secretariat, the WCPFC Scientific Committee and its technical working groups as required. 3. Support for ecosystem-based fisheries management by SPC members · Build the capacity within SPC members for interpreting and undertaking tuna tagging data analyses. · In collaboration with other senior OFP staff, provide advice to SPC members on the ecosystem impacts of regional tuna fisheries and provide scientific support for the adoption of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Essential Ø A relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably at PhD level, in statistics, mathematics, fisheries science, population biology, or a related discipline Ø Demonstrated skills in statistical and mathematical modelling of mark-recapture data Ø Demonstrated technical proficiencies in a range of mathematical and statistical methods, including Bayesian and non-linear parameter estimation Ø Well-developed computer programming skills in AD Model Builder, R, or C++ Ø Excellent verbal and written presentation and communication skills Ø Ability to work and travel in a multicultural and multilingual environment Ø Past experience in teaching or capacity building Desirable Ø Past experience with the modelling of mark-recapture data obtained from both conventional and electronic tags Ø Past experience or familiarity with the fisheries models MULTIFAN-CL and SEAPODYM Ø Demonstrated ability to meet project deadlines, often under difficult circumstances Ø Direct experience in fisheries science and management SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS SALARY AND ALLOWANCES The position is in Band 11 of SPC's salary scale. Salaries for staff recruited internationally are set in SDR (Special Drawing Rights) and paid in the local currency (e.g. the French Pacific Franc, XPF, in New Caledonia). As per SPC’s 2011 salary scale, the salary range for this band is SDR 3,589–5,182 per month. At prevailing exchange rates, these amounts convert to approximately XPF 490,257–707,861 per month (USD 5,600–8,200 / EUR 4,100–5900). 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. The organisation subsidises housing. An SPC-owned or SPC-rented house or flat will be made available, with the staff member contributing 25 per cent of the normal rental. In addition, an establishment grant is payable to non-residents of New Caledonia. Where appropriate, other allowances, such as an education allowance, may be payable. SPC salaries are not subject to income tax in New Caledonia at the present time. PROVIDENT FUND The appointee will be eligible for membership in SPC’s Staff Provident Fund. Staff members contribute eight per cent of their base salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution. TENURE The appointment is for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for a further period depending on performance and continued funding availability. DUTY STATION Noumea, New Caledonia. LEAVE Annual leave will accrue at the rate of 25 working days per annum. Sick leave is 30 working days per annum. MEDICAL BENEFITS SPC’s Staff Medical Insurance reimburses doctors’ fees, cost of prescribed medicines, surgical and hospital costs, etc. up to certain percentages and limits. Supplementary medical insurance is available to increase these percentage reimbursements and limits. FARES AND REMOVAL EXPENSES For an appointee recruited outside New Caledonia, the cost of air fares by the most direct and / or economic route for the appointee and recognised dependants, and reasonable removal expenses by sea of personal and household effects, will be met by SPC on appointment and termination. COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT SPC has a standardised computing environment based on Microsoft Office running under Microsoft Windows. SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT Smoking is not permitted in the work place. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit, but in cases where two short-listed candidates are ranked equal by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES The closing date for applications is 09/12/2011

Applicants are asked to use SPC’s online recruitment system. Only those applicants residing in a Pacific country or territory who cannot access the online recruitment system are allowed to send their documents to: Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, P.O. Box D5, 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia or submit them by fax (+ 687 26 38 18) or email (spc@spc.int, preferably as an electronic attachment in Microsoft Word format). All other applicants must use the on-line recruiting system or their applications will not be considered. Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and specifically address how their qualifications, knowledge and experience demonstrate their ability to successfully undertake the duties and responsibilities of the position in their cover letter. They should also provide names and contact details of three referees.