The world’s oceans are in crisis. Existing legal frameworks are failing to protect the marine environment. Without adequate marine protection, commercial fisheries could collapse and ecosystem stability will seriously deteriorate.
Now is an exciting time for oceans management. The Common Fisheries Policy is undergoing reform, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive is being implemented, and marine protected areas are being established and enforced.
ClientEarth is a unique, multi-discipline and cutting-edge organisation of experts. We bring together law, science and policy to create practical solutions to challenging environmental issues in Europe and beyond. We have an opportunity for a marine scientist to join our biodiversity team and have a positive impact on the critical issues our oceans face.
Job specifications
The ideal candidate will have a background in marine research and conservation, and be able to provide sound scientific expertise and analysis to our multi-discipline team, particularly on matters regarding the Common Fisheries Policy.
Key responsibilities include
- providing sound, up-to-date scientific expertise on a number of marine issues, in particular regarding the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP);
- keeping abreast of the scientific, policy and grey literature on the CFP;
- developing practical and scientifically suitable solutions to CFP (and other fisheries related) issues, encompassing an ecosystems and precautionary approach;
- jointly drafting combined scientific and legal briefings, on key fisheries and aquaculture issues;
- liaising with and providing ad-hoc advice to European Commission officials, representatives from Member States, Members of the European Parliament, NGO partners, and other stakeholders in CFP reform;
- assisting in policy analysis, key events, and the production of campaign materials, publications, blogs and other relevant materials;
- monitoring and reporting on the progress of advocacy success;
- providing support and backstopping the biodiversity team’s advocacy work on the CFP
- preparing reports to donors;
- supporting the activities of other members of the biodiversity team.
Skills
- excellent communication skills, including a track record of presenting complex scientific issues to broad audiences;
- excellent writing skills, especially the ability to write in a concise and influential style, and modify style and format according to the target audience;
- strong research, analytical, and advocacy skills with an interest in performing rigorous analysis in support of impactful work;
- ability to grasp new and complex concepts and adapt to new work strategies accordingly;
- competent at identifying and resolving issues, and capitalising on opportunities;
- confidence working with industry stakeholders, NGOs and Government bodies;
- ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds;
- team player and strong interpersonal skills;
- experience in a fast-paced work environment;
- flexibility and ability to balance priorities and co-ordinate work effectively with colleagues;
- entrepreneurial spirit and ability to work confidently with limited supervision.
Person Specifications
- positive attitude and a strong commitment to working for the environment;
- enthusiastic and self-motivated;
- good honours degree and a higher degree (or equivalent qualification), in marine biology, marine ecology, fisheries science, closely related field;
- 3 years practical experience in marine or fisheries conservation, or relevant field (PhD research also considered as experience);
- knowledge of marine fisheries essential;
- a broad understanding of fisheries management and issues;
- knowledge and understanding of marine conservation challenges, aquaculture, and MPAs highly regarded;
- understanding or experience with marine policy and law, particularly the CFP and relevant EU marine nature conservation legislation, an advantage;
- confidence working at a high level with legislators, policy makers, and NGO partners, as well as other stakeholders including industry and retailers;
- fluent in English, other languages an advantage;
- ability to travel, as necessary, to European cities;
- excellent judgment, flexibility, humour, diplomacy, and optimism.
The position will be based in London with travel to Brussels and Europe generally.
Salary will be commensurate with the requirements of the role, the candidate’s experience, and the non profit sector. The position is available starting as soon as possible.
To apply
Please send us a CV and a cover letter, explaining your interest in joining ClientEarth and the contribution you believe you could make to the organisation. Please address your application to James Thornton, Chief Executive, ClientEarth, The Hothouse, 274 Richmond road, London E8 3QW and send it by mail to jobs@clientearth.org. Please include ‘ Marine & Fisheries Lawyer’ in the email subject line, and identify the documents you are sending by including ‘[your name cover letter’ and ‘[your name] CV’ in the file name.
Recruitment is open now and you should send your application as soon as possible. Applications are scheduled to close on 10 May 2012. Interviews are intended to take place in the week commencing 14 May 2012.
If you have any questions about the roles advertised or recruitment process, please contact Sandy Luk, Senior Lawyer, Head of Biodiversity (sluk@clientearth.org).
