MSC Market and Communications Officer in the Russian Federation

Introduction

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is the world’s leading marine ecolabelling and certification program for wild fisheries. The organization's mission is to reverse the decline in global fish stocks, to deliver quantifiable improvements in marine conservation and thereby help to secure the livelihoods of those involved in the global fishing industry.  The MSC is recognized internationally as a groundbreaking and credible solution to the serious environmental problem of overfishing. 

To capture momentum that is building for engagement in the MSC program in the Russian Federation, MSC intends to create a greater presence and level of support in the Russian Federation. This growth in the region will be phased, but at the very least should progress at a pace that ensures access to fisheries, processors and retailers in The Russian Federation with an interest in MSC participation. With a substantial amount of Russian seafood increasingly landed and processed in the Russian Federation (before further processing and export, or domestic consumption), it's relevant to service interested processors and retail companies.

MSC is seeking a part-time Moscow-based consultant to work on outreach and communications activities, in support of MSC communications and market work in the Russian Federation. Several fisheries in Russia are currently engaged in the MSC program, a substantial number of companies hold MSC Chain of Custody Certification, and further processor and retail interest is observed.

Further Information

The consultant will focus on outreach to processors, retailers and foodservice operators, as well as communication to build broader recognition and support for MSC program in Russia. Outreach work includes developing relationships with current clients and prospective parties interested in the MSC program from the processing-retail-foodservice arenas; interested conservation organizations; and where appropriate, other stakeholders. The scope for communication related activities ranges from monitoring media exposure of MSC in Russia, to issuing of press releases, development, translation and maintenance of high quality, consistent guidance documents, maintenance of MSC webpages in Russian; development of a social media presence; development of media relationships, responding to media questions and exposure. 

Reports to:  Regional Director Europe and Fisheries Director Americas

Length of project:  One year project starting August 2013, with intent to continue after that, pending budget approvals and performance.

Hours: It is expected that this contract is for a part time position – 20 hours per week, to take place during normal local business hours, 5 mornings or 5 afternoons per week. Travel, and some additional weekend and evening work, may also be required and this is not separately billable from the agreed monthly contract rate.  

Payment and terms:  Consultant will invoice MSC once monthly at an agreed contract rate. Travel and expenses directly related to MSC work will be reimbursed.  MSC will not cover overhead or expenses for an office location. The consultant is not an employee of the MSC and is not entitled to any medical, pension, leave or other benefits of employment.

Skills Required

• Fluency in Russian and English is required.
• Understanding of the Russian seafood processing and distribution chain, and Russian seafood consumption.
• Maintaining and developing relationships with various stakeholders.
• Experience of outreach to processors and traders in Russia.
• Experience of working with partners to raise awareness through all relevant communications channels.

Download the Terms of references for MSC Market and Communications Officer in the Russian Federation - (PDF document, 49 KB).

Application process

Please email the following material to recruitment@msc.org:

• A copy of your current CV.
• A cover letter and any other supporting materials outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge directly address the roles, responsibilities, and requirements detailed in the respective job specification (see web link above), which constitute the position selection criteria.
• Please note that the deadline is on the 28th June 2013.
• Interviews will be held with shortlisted applicants early July.

Please include in your cover letter your current salary and the media (website, advertisement, newsletter etc) in which you first became aware of this vacancy. The subject of your email should read: MSC Market and Communications Officer in the Russian Federation.

While email is the preferred application route, alternatively you may send or FAX a hard copy of your application to MSC's London office, to:

Mona Chergui (SCM)
Marine Stewardship Council
1-3 Snow Hill
London EC1A 2DH
United Kingdom 
Office: + 44 (0) 20 7246 8900  
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7246 8901