Fisheries Officer, US

~ Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) operates the world’s most recognised fisheries certification and eco-labeling programme. We celebrate, promote and add value to sustainable fisheries and through the leadership of our partners, create market incentives to encourage other fisheries to improve the way they fish the oceans. ~

Over 300 fisheries around the world, landing 12 % of the annual global harvest, are now engaged at some stage of the MSC’s independent assessment process. MSC certified and labelled seafood products are now available in over 100 countries.

Position Overview

The Fisheries Officer for the US is a new position. Reporting to the Senior Fisheries Manager USA, the U.S. Fisheries Officer will work closely with the US Fisheries team in a support role, assisting the team with delivery of program credibility, effectiveness and the MSC mission.  In addition, the Fisheries Officer will work with commercial and marketing-communications teams in the US and global MSC offices to help deliver value to US fisheries and partners engaged with the MSC program.

Specifically, the Fisheries Officer will be responsible for work to include research and analysis, value and supply chain mapping, understanding target fisheries and US and global commercial linkages within those fisheries, helping to formalize relationship and communication linkages, and feedback to U.S. fisheries and member companies certified to the MSC fishery standard.

The Fisheries Officer will join a dedicated US Fisheries team, contributing to the knowledge base spanning MSC certified fisheries and commercial supply chains. The Officer will help to bridge gaps and formalize reliable connections between fisheries and early commercial supply chain partners.

It is expected this Officer will contribute to the US Fisheries Team’s commitment to deliver value to MSC certified fishery partners and stakeholders. This position will be based in Seattle, WA.

Responsibilities

The post holder will contribute to the objectives of the U.S. Fisheries team by performing the following functions either directly or collaboratively:

Research and Analysis

• Value and supply chain mapping for US fisheries, and US and global commercial partners and seafood products.
• Research and data analysis to support US Fisheries Team mission.
• Assist in updating, organization and maintenance of a range of internal fishery tracking databases and materials.
• Prepare specification sheets for each fishery to be used as part of a suite of value proposition materials.

Team Collaboration

• Interface with US and global commercial teams to ensure consistent connections between early supply chain partners and certified fisheries, to include:
  • Identification and mapping of supply chain companies, products and MSC chain of custody certified companies, to include those with commitments to the MSC program. Includes global supply chain partners sourcing from MSC certified US fisheries.
  • Identify ‘touch points’ with supply chain companies belonging to or associated with MSC certified fisheries.
  • Ensure core fisheries information from certified fisheries is available to chain of custody certified companies upon request.
• Interface with US marketing and communications team to ensure consistency between certified fisheries and supply chain partners, to include:
  • Continue building material base comprising ROI packets for certified fisheries.
  • Ensure linkages are in place between marketing and communications efforts and MSC certified fisheries.

Communication

• From collaborative efforts above, ensure timely and responsive feedback loops to fishery clients are in place.
• Where needed, assist communication team to help amplify positive stories and messaging to MSC certified fisheries.

General Support

• Assist US Fisheries Team with incoming requests for information and resources
• General outreach, when needed

Qualifications

Person Specification - The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Commercial/Technical

• A primary university degree in fisheries or marine conservation biology, or natural resources or environmental management required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Prior fisheries/seafood business or marketing experience is desired.
• Ability to analyze research and information and report concisely.
• Strong and effective communications skills at every level including: interpersonal, group, writing, email, telephone, internet, social media, website.
• Knowledge or experience of third party certification programs such as MSC, and the role of eco-labeling is desirable.

Management, Organisational and Personal Attributes

• Excellent personal organisational and work planning skills, demonstrating high productivity and ability to manage competing work priorities.
• Demonstrated project management skills with an emphasis on building good relationships internally and externally.
• A high level of attention to detail, balanced by an ability to get things done efficiently.
• High personal and work ethics.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize a heavy workload.
• Excellent organizational and computer skills, and an ability to develop efficient processes.

Communications and Working Relationships

• Must be able to effectively work and communicate with others in the target region, within MSC and with external partners.
• Must be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a professional, respectful, and effective manner.
• Must be a strong internal communicator and collaborator, with excellent verbal and written English skills.
• Another relevant language (e.g., Spanish) is desirable but not essential.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply" to email a cover letter and resume to:

Robin Mead

MSC Americas Region

5030 1st Avenue South, Suite 300

Seattle, WA  98134

• Applications must be received by Monday, March 6, 2017 5pm PST.  Anticipated work start date is April 1, 2017.
• For the full Job Description and Organizational Chart visit our website.