Reporting to: direct report to Program Manager, Pacific

Location: Remote working with a preference for time zones in the Pacific region.

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 within Global Programs and they will be instrumental in Program Delivery for the region. With a focus on using and combining vessel tracking data, other satellite derived datasets and big data methods and AI generated estimates related to vessel identity and activity, this position will focus on improving monitoring via effective analysis of these datasets for fisheries and marine managed areas throughout the region. Working under the supervision of the Program Manager, Pacific and in collaboration with the Global Practice Unit, directly with the applied research and analysis and capacity building teams, the individual will be responsible and have the opportunity to contribute to the breadth of Program deliverables in the region. The position will also support our work to develop a forced labor risk model by analyzing data and information provided by industry and country partners.

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 is a two -year project period 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), R, and GIS.
• Research and understand national and regional fishery and marine resource management frameworks and policies as they relate to analytic findings.
• Create reports and presentations based on analyses, produce summary graphics and maps, and present findings and recommendations as required.

Support the 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
• 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.

Candidate description

Skills you should have

• 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 fulfil all of the essential requirements but feel you can contribute to the team, we encourage you to apply and make your case in the cover letter.

Recruiting process: Select candidates will be invited for a short screening call, to confirm adequacy between their skills and the needs of the role. Candidates advancing beyond this round will be asked to take a technical assessment followed by a 30 minute administrative call, when compensation information will be provided. A short list of candidates will then be invited to a longer interview, with 2-3 team members. Finally, the preferred candidate will be invited to an informal group discussion, to present Global Fishing Watch’s culture and answer any remaining question. 

Working Hours: 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, in accordance with local laws and regulations. The position may be a GFW employee or consultant, depending on the country of residence. While we are unable to provide a compensation range here, we will be happy to discuss a range when we know the desired location of our active candidates. GFW offers pension/retirement, health and other benefits commensurate with similar level GFW employees in the country of employment. The position may be a GFW employee or consultant, depending on the country of residence.  

Equal opportunities: Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that our mission is best advanced when welcoming the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures and are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees of Global Fishing Watch and our partners, vendors, suppliers, and contractors. We welcome the application of all qualified professionals and especially encourage those that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please apply by Monday, 19 June 2023. Learn more and apply here