Maldives Fisheries Science Research Officer

About Us

The International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) is an international charity working to develop and demonstrate the value of pole and line caught tuna to thriving coastal communities.

The charity’s principal aim is to improve the wellbeing of coastal fisheries, and the people and seas connected with them, through environmentally and socially sustainable pole and line fishing. IPNLF works across science, policy and the seafood sector, and uses the influence of market demand to achieve this.

The International Pole & Line Foundation has been operating in The Maldives since its inception. Our work began with supporting the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the pole and line skipjack fishery. We are now working with fishery bodies, government and scientists to ensure that the fishery continues to be managed as responsibly as possible, while providing sustainable livelihoods for the Maldivian fishing community.

IPNLF was established in January 2012: UK Registered Charity 1145586.

The Role

• Full time, 6 – 12 months.
• The role will be based with the Maldives Research Centre in Malé, Maldives.
• Local salary of approx. $24,000 per annum.
• Help can be provided to find accommodation and organise a working visa).
• Activities will likely include field work on local fishing vessels (trips up to 7-10 days) and office desk-work for analysis and report writing.

How to Apply

• Please apply by sending your CV (max 2pages), together with a brief email/cover letter (max 1 page) stating why you are interested in the role and your anticipated availability (from – till what dates), to: info@ipnlf.org
• Closing date for applications 28th April 2014
• Interviews will be arranged via Skype, likely 6th May 2014.

Main Responsibilities, include:

• Support to re-establish the tuna port sampling programme .
• Help implement activities of a livebait management plan.
• Support in the analysis of Fuel Use Intensity data.

Desired Expertise, Skills and Qualities, include:

• An interest in the mission of International Pole & Line Foundation.
• A university science degree (or equivalent), in a subject such as marine biology or fisheries ecology, including quantitative analysis in relevant fisheries science topics.
• An understanding of Regional Fisheries Management Organisatons (RFMOs) and tuna sustainability issues.
• A positive attitude and superior inter-personal skills.
• Ability to work independently with self-motivation and also an amicable team-player.
• An ability to rapidly adapt to novel environments and communities.
• An appreciation of – and sensitivity to – different cultures, cuisines, and norms.
• Content spending several days/nights aboard working fishing vessels.
• Willingness to learn some Divehi, the local language.
• (Previous work in a developing country or Asia an advantage).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy, knowledge of Microsoft Office inc. Access/Excel. (Experience of using ‘R’ software an advantage).