Seconded National Expert: Scientific Advice to the Common Fisheries Policy: Modelling approaches and Management Strategy Evaluation

Category: Seconded National Expert

Location: Ispra (IT)

Duration: Initial contact duration of 24 months (possible starting date 3^rd quarter 2013)

Deadline: 25/06/2013
(Deadline is established intenally by the Commission/DG HR. Please check with your Permanent Representation to see if an alternate date preceding this date has been set) 

REF: JRC.G.4 - Maritime Affairs

Job title

Scientific Advice to the Common Fisheries Policy: Modelling approaches and Management Strategy Evaluation

We are

As the Commission's in-house science service, the Joint Research Centre's mission is to provide EU policies with independent, evidence-based scientific and technical support throughout the whole policy cycle. Working in close cooperation with policy Directorates-General, the JRC addresses key societal challenges while stimulating innovation through developing new methods, tools and standards, and sharing its know-how with the Member States, the scientific community and international partners. Key policy areas include: environment and climate change; energy and transport; agriculture and food security; health and consumer protection; information society and digital agenda; safety and security, including nuclear; all supported through a cross-cutting and multidisciplinary approach.

The Maritime Affairs Unit of the Joint Research Centre is involved in a number of research and policy support activities for the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). As fish stocks undergo pressures through fisheries, multi-annual management plans (harvest control rules) are an important element of the CFP. While the increasing application of management plans is seen as a positive development, there is a need for further research resulting in scientific advice on how best to conduct and implement management strategy evaluations (MSEs). To date management plans have been developed for individual stocks but future plans will be fleet-based or fishery-based, and therefore will require a multi-species perspective. Additionally new fisheries modelling and stock assessment approaches are needed to accommodate the increasing availability of fisheries data emerging from the Data Collection Framework (DCF; Council Regulation (EC) No 199/2008), and to ensure the accessibility of such modelling approaches to a broader fisheries scientists community.

We propose

The successful candidate is expected to provide advice and conduct research in

1. the long term development of multi-annual management plans taking into account the fishery-based needs, of compliance with regulations, of the socio-economic dimension and also of changing circumstances;
2. the evaluation of management plans (methodology, definition of criteria, monitoring);
3. bio-economic modelling in relation to management plans and impact assessments;
4. contribution to new fisheries modelling approaches targeting a broader scope of end-users.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should have a PhD degree in the field of fisheries, marine biology, marine sciences or other relevant discipline, plus at least 10 years of professional experience in research and/or in the provision of scientific advice for fisheries is required. Alternatively, candidates need to have 15 years of proven research experience after a degree allowing access to doctoral studies in a relevant field. An international scientific profile is expected, as is very good knowledge of EU fisheries policy and modelling experience. A solid publication record in the peer reviewed literature is required. Very strong communication skills are essential.

In addition to his/her mother tongue, the SNE should have an excellent command ofEnglish.

Recruitment policy

The JRC

• Cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment.
• Embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.
• Encourages learning and development possibilities.

How to apply

Please contact your Permanent Representation.

NO APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE JRC