Fisheries Analyst (Pacific)
Global Fishing Watch is an international, non-profit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. We create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean.
Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, GFW became an independent non-profit organization in June 2017. Using cutting-edge technology, we create and publicly share map visualizations, data and analysis tools to enable scientific research and drive a transformation in how we manage our ocean. Our major focus is on commercial fishing because it is the most widespread human activity at sea, the most impactful on ocean health, and the most crucial for global livelihoods and food security.
By 2030, we aim to monitor and visualize the impact of ocean-going vessels, both industrial and small-scale, that are responsible for the vast majority of the global seafood catch. We believe human activity at sea should be common knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean commons for the common good of all.
The Position
Global Fishing Watch creates, collates and shares data to increase the transparency of human activities in the global ocean, leading to greater accountability, improved governance, reduction of ecological threats and an ocean that is healthy, productive and resilient.
The Fisheries Analyst (Pacific) is a key position for the region. With a focus on using vessel tracking data, AI generated estimates of vessel identity and activity, and other satellite datasets, this position will focus on improving fisheries management and marine managed area monitoring throughout the region. Working under the supervision of the Senior Program Manager, Pacific, and in close collaboration with the applied research and analysis and capacity development teams, the individual will have the opportunity to contribute to the breadth of Global Fishing Watch’s deliverables in the region.
We are looking for an individual with well-developed analytical and coding skills. They must be able to critically engage with complex datasets, possess an advanced ability to create and communicate data driven outputs for varied audiences and demonstrate an ability to effectively engage with national, regional and industry partners. They must have a willingness and interest to work within a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic work environment.
** Initially this position is a one-year consultancy contract with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and Present Analyses, Graphics, and Reports.
- Work collaboratively with national, regional and industry partners and the analytical team to collect, analyze, and display data on commercial fishing.
- Analyze fishing and shipping vessel AIS and potentially VMS data, vessel databases, oceanographic datasets, and animal movement/species distribution data using BigQuery (SQL) and R.
- Research and understand national and regional fishery and marine resource management frameworks and policies as they relate to analytic findings.
- Identify analysis priorities of partner governments through in-country workshops and virtual discussion.
- Create reports and presentations based on analyses, produce summary graphics and maps, and present recommendations as required. Outputs include technical briefs to support effective fisheries surveillance patrols and marine protected area design.
Support the Sr. Program Manager, Pacific, in engaging a wide range of stakeholders and governments to advance the mission of the organization in the region
- Assist with the development and delivery of materials for regional trainings and capacity building activities.
- In support of the Program deliverables, contribute to briefings, white papers and case studies and engage with national, regional and industry partners as required.
- Develop and maintain an informed awareness of topics that relate to fisheries management, safe and decent working conditions on fishing vessels, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Learn about new datasets and share technical knowledge across the other regional teams.
- Internally communicate feedback received from external partners to adapt and update GFW tools.
- Support the implementation of three data-focused Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with partners in Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Papua New Guinea.
- Support effective port state measures in the Philippines through targeted analysis and training.
- Participate in media interviews, public speaking & GFW training events.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Regional travels will be required (estimated about 15% of time), as well as some international travel beyond the Pacific.
Candidate description
Skills:
- Bachelor's degree
- At least three years of relevant professional experience working in fisheries management or marine conservation, preferably in a Pacific island country (but not essential).
- Fluent in database handling, data mining skills and programming in R and SQL (or equivalent) or a demonstrated ability to acquire these skills in a timely way.
- Strong spatial data handling skills with experience in analyzing vessel tracking data and creating maps or spatial inferences in GIS or programming languages.
- Strong ability to independently error check and troubleshoot code.
- Good interpersonal skills and an ability to remotely cultivate relationships.
- A demonstrated ability to develop and manage work independently.
- A demonstrated ability to critically evaluate data and information and identify. opportunities to add value to the work of national, regional and industry partners.
- Good written and oral communications skills in English and the ability to communicate complex technical and scientific information to non-technical audiences.
Also great:
- Master's degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience
- Vessel tracking and / or big data handling analytical experience.
- Experience in fisheries compliance, and monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) and/or forced labor on fishing vessels.
- Experience in fishing industry engagement and support.
- Experience in the field of fisheries data and statistical analysis.
Note: if you do not fulfill all of the essential requirements but feel you can contribute to the team, we encourage you to apply and describe your interests in the cover letter.
Additional Information:
Reporting to: direct report to Senior Program Manager, Pacific
Location: Remote working with a preference for time zones in the Pacific region.
Term: 1-year consultancy contract
Hiring Process: If selected for consideration, the hiring process for this position will include an initial HR call, followed by a 60-minute interview with two staff members. Candidates advancing beyond this round may be asked to complete an assessment. Finally, an additional call with two members of the team will be scheduled for finalists.
Applications must be received by May 20, 2024
Working Hours: One year, full time position with the possibility of an extension. Global Fishing Watch supports flexible working, so the pattern of hours may vary according to operational and personal needs. The position will be part of a global team spanning many different time zones and so the candidate must be able to accommodate regular early/late meetings to be able to work effectively. Weekend work may be required on occasion. The post holder may be required to undertake regional and international travel. No overtime is payable.
Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience and will vary depending on the hired candidate’s country of residence. For reference, the hourly rate for this position ranges from AUD 40 to 55.
Equal opportunities: Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer. Global Fishing Watch is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization and in the greater ocean management and conservation community. We believe that diverse backgrounds, skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger organization. Bringing together professionals who possess broad experiences and a spectrum of perspectives will enable us to reach our goal of improved ocean governance faster. We hire and promote qualified professionals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organizational goals match the urgent challenges facing our global ocean, and our mission is designed to help secure a healthy ocean for all. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of humanity’s diversity, by providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees of Global Fishing Watch and for our partners, vendors, suppliers and contractors.
