Background

Blue finance (Bf)is a social enterprise managing Marine Protected Areas, on behalf of Governments to benefit people & wildlife. As of mid-2022, Blue finance, with local partners, manage 5 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Belize, Cabo Verde, Indonesia, Philippines and Tanzania- preserving 1,000,000 ha of high-biodiverse coral reefs, protecting >40 endangered species and improving livelihoods of >20,000 coastal community members. New MPAs are in preparation.

We believe a new model for marine conservation must emerge — one that challenges the status quo. We see business as a force for good and our projects are built on sound entrepreneurial and sustainability principles, to allow us to manage MPAs, conserve marine biodiversity and better the lives of local communities.

Our conservation model is founded on six firm pillars; i. adequate up-front and early stage blended capital for the establishment of sustainable MPAs; ii. innovative co-management agreements with government, iii. trusted local community partners; iv. progressive independence from donors by creating tangible revenue streams that are directly reinvested into each MPA; v. performance oriented management focus on sustainable financing, vi. conservation strategy execution and revenue development.

We work in four fundamental fields of operation: i. community development through employment, micro-enterprise development and empowerment; ii. wildlife monitoring and conservation through robust science; iii. revenue stream development through sustainable tourism, iv. blue-carbon, and responsible aquaculture; and v. compliance through patrolling, community engagement and awareness campaigns.

Our team is positioned for the success of our MPAs with >50+ rangers, community officers and biologists implementing “on the ground” MPA activities and a 10-person senior, international, management team providing support and strategic decision-making to local teams. We are one of the only groups with experience in co-managed, self-financed MPA project execution, in developing countries. Bf has forged strong links with more than 30 conservation partners and financial institutions to cover and meet all the needs of MPAs.

Duties and responsibilities

We are looking for a dynamic fisheries biologist, with a strong science and project management background, capable of collaborating with a geographically dispersed team. S/he will be in charge of assessing and guiding sustainable fishery activities inside & outside our MPAs. Activities are steered both by the Bf head office and individual MPA Management Teams. The Fisheries Biologist will also develop effective fishery monitoring programmes for the assessment of MPA impact at our sites.

S/he will require a solid background in coastal fisheries management and monitoring methods and must have in-depth knowledge of both the social and ecological aspects of small-scale fisheries management. S/he must also have strong statistical analysis skills.

The Fishery Biologist will work under the direction of the Science Director collaboratively with in-country teams. Her/his responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Design, implement and analyse regular data collection of fish abundance & diversity, fishing effort, fish stocks and by-catch
  • Design, implement and analyse fisher socio-economic programmes
  • Remain current with existing fishery regulations for each MPA and provide recommendations re fisheries legislation and MPA management
  • Design, implement and analyse regular assessments of the impact of our MPAs on fisheries.
  • Design and implement a programme of resource monitoring, that includes local fishers, communities and/or visitors.
  • Design and implement income generating activities with fisher households, such-as grow-out farming of over exploited species and supply chain improvement.
  • Provide technical support to external contractors for small scale aquaculture projects.
  • Conduct research and pilot projects to improve existing fishery sustainability (e.g. testing fishing gear to reduce by-catch or implementing temporary species bans).
  • Build capacities and assist in the growth and development of in-country teams.

Qualifications and experience

  • Fisheries biology degree – Masters Level minimum
  • 4-5 years minimum job experience with small scale coastal fishery, ideally in tropical environment
  • Experience with fish landing & CPUE campaigns
  • Experience with UVC fish monitoring strategies
  • Previous academic/practical experience with performing stock and population assessments using statistical analysis
  • Practical experience leading teams

Abilities

  • Tropical fish ID
  • Fisheries statistical analysis
  • Computer literacy & database management
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
  • Ability to manage complex projects remotely and with geographically dispersed teams
  • Ability to work remotely with a minimum of supervision and instruction
  • Demonstrated success in interactions with community stakeholders
  • Dynamic, highly organised, flexible and creative
  • Innovative problem solver

Who should apply

  • Applicants who are excited…
    o … to be part of a skilled and passionate group of people, striving to protect our oceans
    o … for the opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, and gain invaluable experience in this exciting and developing field

Remuneration

➢ Commensurate with experience and role

Application & enquiries

➢ Blue finance Science Director at abrathwaite@blue-finance.org

For further details about the position, click here.

via Blue Finance
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