The Government of Ascension Island is seeking a suitably qualified individual to establish and run a new Fisheries Management Programme in Ascension’s EEZ.
Ascension is a tiny (34 sq mile) UK Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic with a non-permanent population of 800 people. It provides a base for US and UK military bases, the BBC and Sure South Atlantic Ltd (formerly Cable and Wireless) to undertake activities there in support of national security and communications objectives.
Ascension has a 200 mile Economic Exclusion Zone. The Government has been operating an interim fisheries management process since 2010 which needs to be upgraded to a fully comprehensive, structure, administered by Ascension-based staff. A review is being commissioned to provide options for a new regime which the new Director will implement and manage.
The Role
The successful candidate will undertake the following within the first 2-year contract (see below for contract details).
- Co-ordinate and lead the response to the review recommendations – working closely with the Island’s Administrator, Elected Council, Solicitor General, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and relevant stakeholders.
- Implement a comprehensive fisheries management regime; including managing the assessment of fisheries applications and the appropriate issue of licences, appropriate to achieving the long-term sustainable utilisation of Ascension’s biological and economic resources.
- Oversee the implementation of a system of effective fisheries regulation to ensure licensed vessel compliance with necessary monitoring and reporting standards and to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Ensure the fisheries management regime integrates and complies with the requirements of international fisheries management authorities in the administration of the AIG fishery, specifically the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).
- Build links with fisheries managers in the Falklands, South Georgia and St Helena and with relevant UK authorities.
- Develop the Fisheries Department on Ascension – maximising value for money and synergy with other departments, especially the Conservation Team.
- Ensure synergy with ongoing Darwin Funded Biodiversity Action Plan work led by the Conservation Department.
- Act as liaison with Ascension’s tiny domestic fisheries sector, and the developing tourism-based interest in accessing the Island’s inshore potential (i.e. sports, spear and rock fishing)
Qualifications, Qualities and Skills
Candidates should possess the following:
- Proven experience and/or good understanding of fisheries management principles, techniques and regulatory procedures:
- Including (but not limited to); the identification of appropriate quota limits, vessel inspection procedures, deployment of fisheries observers, monitoring and reporting systems for catch validation and remote monitoring techniques and capabilities (VMS).
- Experience of the development of emerging fisheries, including sports fisheries.
- Understanding of relevant national and international legal requirements, procedures and investigations, or a wide understanding of the key issues relating to the same.
- Financial appraisal, modelling and forecasting skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, and developing partnerships and relationships with stakeholders from elected officials to NGOs.
- A self-starter, effective leader and manager.
- Strong communications skills
- Proven experience of working within a public service environment, providing support to senior managers, elected Councillors, policy development and budget management.
- Strong personal resilience attributes – Ascension is a remote Island, with a small community. The job holder will be a senior manager on Island with a recognised local profile.
The Package
We offer an initial 2-year contract with a competitive salary of £42,000 (taxable on Ascension Island). All contracts on Ascension must be limited to a period of roughly 2 years. They are renewable. In addition, the successful applicant will receive benefits to an estimated value of £19,000 including:
- Fully maintained and expensed car
- One mid-contract return airfare to the country of recruitment/residence for the family
- Rent-free housing, with electricity and water allowances
- Free schooling for dependent children up to 16
- Free medical care, dental care and optician services
- A terminal gratuity on satisfactory contract conclusion
An application form and recruitment pack can be obtained from Director of Human Resources, Alan Nicholls ( alan.nicholls@ascension.gov.ac).
Applicants who wish to discuss the position further may speak to the Island’s Administrator, Colin Wells. To make an appointment for a consultation contact his PA Nicola Dillon ( nicola.dillon@ascension.gov.ac, tel 00-247-7000 Ext 100).
Applications must be received by Alan Nicholls ( alan.nicholls@ascension.gov.ac) by no later than 21 February 2014. [Interviews will be undertaken in London during the week beginning 3 March 2014.]
Alan Nicholls
Director of Human Resources
Administration Building
Georgetown
Ascension Island
ASCN 1ZZ
31 January 2014
