Science and Standards Director

The MSC’s vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Through our world-leading certification and ecolabeling programme we recognise and reward sustainable fisheries and through the leadership of our partners, create market incentives to encourage other fisheries to improve the way they operate. Over 300 fisheries around the world, representing 12% of the annual global marine catch, are now engaged in the MSC programme. MSC certified and labelled seafood products are now available in over 100 countries.

Underpinning and integral to the MSC’s work and its ecolabel programme are the standards which it sets and maintains: the Fishery Standard and the Chain of Custody Standards.   Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Executive Committee, the Science & Standards Director plays a key strategic and leadership role within the MSC, contributing to the global delivery of the vision and mission of the MSC and to the collective management and strategic development of the organisation, ensuring the international credibility, rigour, quality and consistency of the MSC programme.  

Leading the Science & Standards department and working with colleagues across the global organisation, the post holder has direct accountability and responsibility for the development, maintenance and management of the MSC’s Standards (fishery and supply chain).   Alongside executive colleagues the Director works closely with the MSC’s governance bodies, including the Board, Stakeholder Advisory Council and Technical Advisory Board, acting as lead executive officer for the latter.

This is a tremendous opportunity for the right individual to make a significant contribution towards the delivery of MSC’s mission and vision.  The Science & Standards Director will combine scientific credibility, vision, and innovation with exceptional ambassadorial and negotiation skills, gravitas, energy and a strong spirit of collaboration. This person will bring specialist subject knowledge and substantial experience at senior level in a fisheries or marine science discipline relevant to the MSC Fishery Standard, as well as experience in an active fishery management role either as practitioner or adviser, and have a significant international reputation in one of these fields.  A track record of effective leadership at a senior level will be important, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders both internally and externally, as well as excellent communication skills, is essential.   

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Marine Stewardship Council on this appointment. For further information about the roles, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QMSH. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com or telephone 020 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 1st January 2018.