Asian Salmon Manager

Reports to: Director of Sustainable Fisheries and Markets Program

Location: Japan

Position Summary

The Asian Salmon Program Manager is a regular, full-time position; s/he is responsible for designing and implementing program strategies for WSC’s conservation activities in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. This position will lead the WSC’s efforts to protect and sustain wild salmon fisheries and ecosystems in Japan, with a particular emphasis on Hokkaido Island.  This position will directly engage key stakeholders (e.g. commercial and sport fishing communities, seafood industry representatives, government officials and local communities) in Japan and the larger Asia-Pacific region to support the sustainability of wild salmon fisheries and help them become a significant source of sustainable, third party certified seafood. Key objectives will be to engage the Japanese salmon fishery in certification efforts or a credible fishery improvement project (FIP) as well as engaging major buyers and processors of salmon in Japan and China.  Engaging and building relations with the Japanese sport fishing community on conservation efforts including development of aquatic reserves and additional protections for rare and endangered salmonids (e.g. Sea run taimen and cherry salmon) will be a priority. 

The position will be based in Sapporo or Tokyo, Japan and will require domestic and international travel up to two months a year. The person in this position should therefore possess independent and entrepreneurial qualities; have a strong background in international fisheries issues, third party certification, and conservation finance instruments; and understand the intricacies of working in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. S/he should also possess the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and strong project management skills.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• In collaboration with WSC staff, plan and implement salmon conservation program strategies and activities in Japan and Asia-Pacific region.
• Support third-party certification and Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)s for Japanese salmon fisheries
• Point person for outreach, communications and relationship building with Japanese and Asia-Pacific  stakeholders, especially the commercial and sport fishing community, seafood industry, government officials, as well as local and international NGOs
• Support conservation efforts to protect endangered and/or depleted salmonids such as the sea-run taimen and cherry salmon.
• Lead implementer of all work related to chain-of-custody certifications, traceability, and engagement of salmon supply chain in Japan.
• Work with partners and stakeholders to identify and address illegal imports of illegal Russian salmon.

Key Qualifications and Requirements

• Undergraduate degree and/or a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a relevant field
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Fluent in both Japanese and English; Chinese language skills desirable
• Experience and working knowledge of commercial fisheries and the principles of sustainable fisheries
• Ability to work independently
• Creativity and problem solving ability
• Computer skills (Internet, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets and database)
• Personal commitment to environmental and social justice
• Experience working cross-culturally
• Sense of humor is essential

Compensation

Competitive compensation; details to be discussed individually.

Wild Salmon Center is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume and list of references to info@wildsalmoncenter.org with "Asian Salmon Program Manager" in the subject line.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.