Fisheries Economist Project Manager

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Suva, Fiji

The Fisheries Economist will play an instrumental role in the completion of the GEF-funded and FAQ-implemented Common Oceans tuna project in Fiji focused on enabling the private sector to engage and innovatively invest in collective action to address tuna fisheries sustainability issues within and beyond Fiji's national jurisdiction. The project specifically seeks to enhance private sector understanding and ability to act to address tuna fishery sustainability by identifying opportunities and risks associated with new potential investments in the sector. The latter outcome will be achieved through completion of the following project outputs:

• Outputs 3.1.1: Three strategic documents and one forum that improves private sector understanding of the financial feasibility and risks associated with investments (domestic and offshore) and promote partnerships to support actions to address sustainability issues pertinent to Archipelagic Waters National Jurisdictions and Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions (ABNJ).
• Output 3.2.1: One private sector investment agreement that contributes to realizing Program objectives
• Output 3.2.2: One pilot study that applies the value chain approach demonstrating private sector adoption of best practices to improve sustainable use of ABNJ resources.

The Fisheries Economist will focus on leading the completion of several key project outputs (see below for additional details), as well as supporting the completion of additional outputs led by other Cl staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will manage the GEF-funded and FAO-implemented Common Oceans tuna project in Fiji. The incumbent will lead the following outputs:

• Day-to-day project coordination and implementation activities for the GEF-funded and FAQ-implemented Common Oceans tuna project in Fiji.
• Completion of Strategic Document 2: "Value Proposition & Business Model" which improves private sector understanding of the financial feasibility of new investments and partnerships that support more sustainable albacore tuna fishing by Fiji's tuna industry. The Value Proposition & Business Model Section will include a tuna value chain analysis, a feasibility study, and/or a cost-benefit analysis to assess the viability of new private-sector interventions.
• Completion of Strategic Document 3: "Financial & Risk Analysis", which improves private sector understanding of the financial feasibility of new potential investments in the tuna fishery in Fiji. The latter could include an assessment of new commercial partnerships that incentivize more sustainable tuna fishing within and beyond Fiji's National Jurisdiction, of tuna fishery waste utilization options, and/or an assessment of other investment opportunities in the sustainable utilization of tuna.
• Drafting of investment proposal which will consist of an improvement strategy document, building on Strategic Documents 1-3, which identifies policy and market-based approaches to strengthen the environmental, social, and economic performance in Fijian tuna fisheries. The proposal will also outline the various potential commitments and investments that could be made by the pertinent stakeholders.
• Donor reporting tasks and other duties as may be required by the manager.

The incumbent will work under the leadership of the Senior Director, Fiji and the Sustainable Tuna Director on the following workstreams:

• Support completion of Strategic Document 1: "Contextual Analysis" which improves private sector understanding of the environmental and/or social risks associated with albacore tuna fishing by Fiji's domestic fleet. The Contextual Analysis section will include an analysis that summarizes the current conditions of Fiji's domestic longline tuna fishery and identifies the priority environmental and social improvement needs.
• Support organization of a Strategic Forum in collaboration Fiji Marine Manager that generates greater knowledge necessary to reduce risk and uncertainty for investments in the sustainable operation of the fishery and the fleet; and for the market to subsequently reward that investment. The latter will include a tuna symposium that brings together public and private sector actors to scope and secure new sustainable partnerships and investment opportunities for the fisheries sector in Fiji.
• Support the design of a pilot study in collaboration with Fiji Senior Marine Manager to demonstrate improved private sector engagement in the sustainable use of ABNJ resources. The latter pilot study may include support for the MSC re-certification of Fiji's Fishing Industry Association that expires in 2023, and/or investing in key social responsibility improvement areas in the tuna fishery identified through the strategic documents. The latter may also involve applying the value chain approach to develop a tuna value creation pilot study that seeks to identify new potential ways of generating greater value from tuna fisheries, including potentially through the utilization of waste generated by tuna fisheries.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Staff will work from Cl's Fiji's office with travel to field office for official business when required.
• May need to work extended hours as needed.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
• This is a fixed-term assignment "expected to be 2 years".

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Economics, Environmental Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• 4 to 6 years of proven experience in conducting economic analysis and research related to fisheries or natural resource management, and project management.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and data interpretation using software such as Excel, R, Python, or similar tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex economic concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting large meetings and workshops.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with a focus on developing practical solutions to complex fisheries management challenges.
• Experience in project management and donor reporting.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The Fisheries Economist should have expertise in at least a subset of the below skills:

• Economic Analysis: Conducting in-depth economic analyses of fishery sectors, including assessment of market trends, supply and demand dynamics, pricing mechanisms, and economic impacts of regulatory measures.
• Resource Management: Providing expert advice on resource management strategies, taking into consideration economic considerations, conservation goals, and the socio-economic impacts on fishing communities.
• Policy Development: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop and evaluate fisheries policies, regulations, and management plans, incorporating economic principles and sustainable practices.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conducting cost-benefit analyses of various fisheries management options, evaluating the economic feasibility and potential impacts on stakeholders, and making recommendations based on findings.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting, organizing, and analyzing relevant fisheries data, including catch statistics, market information, and socio-economic indicators, to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Socio-economic Impact Assessment: Assessing the socio-economic impacts of fisheries management policies, considering factors such as employment, income distribution, and community well-being, and providing recommendations for mitigating negative effects.
• Market Development: Identifying opportunities to enhance economic value within fishery sectors, such as exploring new markets, analyzing value chains, promoting value-added products, and supporting entrepreneurship.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with fishing industry representatives, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to gather input, foster partnerships, and ensure effective communication of economic findings and recommendations.
• Research and Publications: Conducting research on fisheries economics, contributing to academic publications, and participating in conferences and workshops to stay updated with the latest developments in the field and share knowledge with the broader community.

Preferred

• Master's degree.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE (https://www.conservation.org/about/conservation-international-jobs)

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.

Apply at: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CONSERVATION&cws=39&rid=2211