Head of Stakeholder Engagement

~ The Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Through our internationally-recognised certification and ecolabeling programme well-managed sustainable fisheries are recognised and rewarded in the market place, through the leadership of our partners. ~

Also, critically, other fisheries are incentivised to improve their performance to meet the growing demand for certified sustainable and traceable seafood choice.  Over 400 fisheries around the world, representing 14% of the annual global marine catch, are now engaged in the MSC programme and over 1200 documented improvements to the way our oceans are being fished have been recorded. MSC certified and labelled seafood products are now available in over 100 countries.

The delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) is a monumental challenge but is also ultimately achievable. Market based programmes like the MSC are part of the solution, but such a transformation is dependent upon leadership and collaboration among a diverse set of interest groups. As a multi-stakeholder organisation, the MSC relies on support and involvement by a very wide range of stakeholders, from the fishing industry to environmental NGOs, scientific community to commercial partners, and consumers. Effective multi-stakeholder engagement, transparency and continuous improvement are core principles for the MSC, and at the heart of our effort to ensure we maintain a robust, mission-driven programme.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Global Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Director and working closely with the Chief Executive, Science and Standards Director and other members of the MSC’s Executive team, the Head of Stakeholder Engagement is responsible for developing and enabling the delivery of MSC’s global stakeholder engagement strategy to ensure effective dialogue and deep engagement in the MSC program. This will involve leading and contributing to strategic initiatives which enhance MSC’s ability to build effective relationships with all stakeholders.

• The post holder will work closely with the MSC’s Stakeholder Advisory Council (STAC), proactively supporting its activities. An immediate focus will include working directly with the Co-Chairs to establish STAC working groups which will include engaged external expert stakeholders from both the seafood industry and NGO community on a number of major Fishery Standard review topics.
• This is an exciting new role and opportunity to shape how the MSC engages with key stakeholders and develops new relationships, identifying the most effective ways both to build understanding of our program and enhance the MSC’s understanding of stakeholder priorities, issues and areas of mutual interest.  The role provides a tremendous opportunity for the right individual to make an enormous contribution towards the delivery of MSC’s mission, working to navigate a complex, international, multi-stakeholder environment.

Additionally: 

• Position located in London
• Permanent appointment (an 18-month fixed term secondment will also be considered)
• Attractive Salary

Qualifications

• The MSC is looking for a highly motivated and dynamic individual who will bring significant proven and relevant experience at a senior level in multi-stakeholder relations and facilitation in an international organization, with diverse issues, interests and audiences.
• Relevant experience and understanding of international environmental conservation, and a willingness and ability to grasp and communicate MSC’s Fisheries Standard and requirements is essential.
• You must also be able to demonstrate your empathy and interest in the MSC’s mission and objectives.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to submit your CV and a covering letter. When submitting your information, please ensure:

• Your cover information (about you) outlines how your skills, experience and knowledge directly address the responsibilities and requirements detailed in the job specification; and
• Include information on your right to work in the UK; also
• Do ensure your CV is sent in Word or PDF format with the title "[your name] CV".

 Also:

• Please also indicate your current salary or salary expectations, and where you saw the role posted.
• Applications should arrive no later than 1700 GMT on Thursday 20 December 2018.
• Interviews will be held in person in London or by Skype on Thursday 10 January 2019.