Fishery Observer Consultant New

Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources

Salary

MVR 15,000

Employment Type

Contract

Vacancies

Island

Male' City, Male'

Details

Salary and Benefits: MVR 15,000

Job Description

The Government of the Republic of Maldives through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources is implementing Maldives –Transforming Fisheries Sector Management in South-West Indian Ocean Region and Maldives Project financed by the World Bank. The project will be managed by the Corporate Department / Project Management Unit (PMU) set up within the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources. The project will be implemented in accordance with the Project Implementation Plan (PIP), Project’s Procurement Manual, and the Project’s Financial Management Manual all of which are consistent with the World Bank’s guidelines and procedures on procurement and financial management.

The aim of the Project to strengthen regional, evidence-based fisheries management in the South-West Indian Ocean Region and to improve competitiveness in the fisheries sector in the Maldives. The project comprises of the following components.

The Project Management Unit (PMU) wishes to contract a Fishery Observer to support the science activities of component 2 (Improved and innovative implementation, enforcement and monitoring of fisheries management plans and sharing results with SWIO countries) of the Project. The objective of the assignment is to support the Research and Science Specialist to implement the science activities to be undertaken under the component.

The relevant and respective activities of the Project include: (a) scientific monitoring of the tuna and non-tuna fisheries to contribute to the enhanced understanding of the fishery and stock status of the species; (b) scientific observation of fishing trips to understand the operational aspects of fishing trips in detail; (c) biological studies on key reef, tuna and livebait species important for the Maldives fisheries; (d) resource assessment of key species in the reef associated fisheries; (e) population structure and connectivity of key reef and livebait species; (f) documenting the fishing grounds and seasonality of tuna and non-tuna fisheries and (g) establish baseline population information for data limited invertebrate species.

The Fishery Observer will be expected to report to the Research and Science Specialist and to work closely with other members of the PMU, technical staff of MoFOR and MMRI as well as with the project members from the World Bank.

The overall responsibilities of the Fishery Observer include, but are not limited to the following:

Work with the Research Assistant and Research and Science Specialist to organize the observer deployments to selected landing sites.
Travel to identified tuna landing sites based on the observer deployment schedule to conduct observer trips.
Board the identified tuna fishing vessels and record fishery and scientific data and information based on the data collection protocols.
Obtain, preserve and fix specimens and tissue samples as and when required.
Prepare summary reports on the activities of the trip as trip reports.
Report on the activities of the field deployments to landing sites as deployment reports.
Record all the data into the observer database.
Prepare and submit observer reports according to the format required by the IOTC Regional Observer Program.
Prepare and keep the necessary equipment in working condition.
Identify equipment and data sheets that need to be replaced and report to relevant staff.
Conduct port sampling at landing site as required by the Project.
Assist with the orientation and training of new observers.
Any other task assigned by the Project that may be necessary for the performance of the duties for the project.
Any other task assigned by the Project may be necessary for the performance of the duties for the project.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Secondary School Education (GCE O’Level) or higher.
Basic computer literacy and ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to interact with multiple staff in the relevant agencies, respond and liaise with stakeholders from industry and private sector
Ability to perform the duties at sea, including during periods of rough weather and challenging conditions
Ability to handle interactions with fishers on potentially sensitive topics in a respectable manner and maintain a high level of situational awareness to ensure personal safety while at sea and in the field.
Must be able to work independently often with little oversight and make decisions, solve problems and adapt to changing conditions.
The successful individual must be willing to work for extended periods without direct supervision and travel to islands within the project area
Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complex situations.
Should have strong and proactive interpersonal communicative skills, experience in team leadership and participatory management.