ClientEarth is establishing an office in Madrid primarily to enable it to sensitively tailor practical solutions to the fisheries issues in the Mediterranean region, particularly with regard to our work on the reform of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and our CFP reform proposal , the Fishing Credits System.
The marine scientist in Madrid will play a key role in helping to manage our new Oceans team in this office and to develop our work on the CFP reform and the Fishing Credits System, with particular reference to the specific conditions in the Mediterranean.
The role provides considerable scope for initiative and developing strategies and ideas within a team to secure sustainable and ecosystems based fisheries in the Mediterranean (and the EU) in the long term. The scientist will support the efforts of team members working on CFP reform by investigating the conditions for and then working on the implementation of ecosystems based fisheries management, ClientEarth’s CFP reform proposals and specifically the Fishing Credits System in the Mediterranean. The candidate should be a good communicator to both internal and external audiences, be able to influence, convince and collaborate, be able to identify issues and opportunities, to develop creative strategies, sound scientific and technical expertise and analysis. This is a position that requires strong advocacy and interpersonal skills.
Qualifications:
• A degree in marine science, fisheries science, marine biology or a closely related field; relevant Masters degree and 3 years related experience; or relevant marine Phd and one year related experience;
• Research into ecosystems based approaches to fisheries management desirable
• Knowledge of marine and fisheries governance, including the CFP and relevant EU marine nature conservation legislation an advantage
• Fluent in English and Spanish - other languages desirable, particularly French;
• Ability to travel, as necessary, to European cities
• Confidence working at a high level with legislators, policy makers, and NGO partners, as well as other stakeholders including industry and retailers;
• Excellent judgment, flexibility, humour, diplomacy, and optimism
Skills:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including proven ability to explain complex scientific issues in lay language and ability to modify language, content, and style to address the needs of different audiences;
• Strong scientific research, analytical and advocacy skills
• Evidence of project management and securing funding are desirable;
• Ability to perform rigorous scientific analysis in support of impactful work;
• Ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experience in a fast-paced work environment and within a team spread across a number of offices internationally;
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to work confidently with limited supervision;
• Team player and strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to grasp quickly and accurately new and complex concepts and areas of law;
• Ability to balance priorities and co-ordinate work effectively with colleagues;
• Energetic and dedicated to working for the environment and fishing communities.
Key responsibilities include:
• Interfacing with Mediterranean governments, local authorities, scientific institutions and other partners, for example NGO or fishers, as well as other stakeholders on CFP reform and the FCS, including also EU institutions;
• Scoping, investigating and establishing the major ecological conditions within which ClientEarth’s reform work and the FCS need to be set in the Mediterranean
• Promoting the practical application of ecosystems based fisheries management principles in the Mediterranean (through the Fishing Credits System);
• Overseeing ecological modelling of the Fishing Credits System in the Mediterranean region;
• Working towards and establishing trials of the Fishing Credits System;
• Developing CFP reform and FCS strategy and relationships with partners and stakeholders, particularly in Spain and neighbouring Mediterranean states;
• Developing briefings, policy analysis, campaign materials, publications, press releases, and other relevant materials;
• Engaging with the media and journalists;
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of campaign activities;
• Participating in policy advocacy, as necessary, under the supervision of senior lawyers;
• Preparing reports to donors; and
• Supporting the activities of other lawyers within the Oceans programme.
The position will be based in Madrid, with travel to London and Europe generally.
This is a two-year term with the potential for extension. Salary will be commensurate with the requirements of the role, the candidate’s experience, and the non profit sector. The position is available starting June 2011.
