Fisheries Officer, Lead GREAT Ocean Suriname

Company Description

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Fisheries Officer Lead GREAT Ocean Suriname, for our Suriname office.

WWF has been active in marine turtle conservation in the Guianas since the 1960s. As pressures on marine ecosystems continue to increase, such as overfishing, bycatch from Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fisheries, and expanding oil and gas exploration, WWF‑Guianas is strengthening its work in sustainable fisheries and ocean conservation. And is there for seeking a Fisheries Officer, based in Suriname, to support the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Management strategy that is part of the Better Production Programme. The Fisheries Officer will play a key role in advancing sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation across the country. 

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

The Fisheries Officer is responsible for supporting, strengthening, implementing and evaluating WWF’s Sustainable Fisheries Management strategy in close coordination with national partners and strategic linkages with international players. He/she will lead and implement the GREAT Ocean (Guianas Regional Action for a Thriving Ocean) project and other Sustainable Fisheries Management initiatives and provide support to the Better Production Programme. 

Activities include:

• Lead and implement the GREAT Ocean project and other fisheries related projects
• Strengthen and implement delivery of the WWF-Guianas Sustainable Fisheries Management strategy and associated integrated workplans.
• Promote harmonization of the programme, in particular of sustainable fisheries, reduction of bycatch of Endangered, Threatened and Protected Species with the focus on sea turtles and oil and gas related activities between Suriname and Guyana, ensuring linkages with French- Guiana.
• Assist the advancement of the national policy debate on marine and fisheries governance.
• Provide direct technical support to partners on marine conservation with the focus on sustainable fisheries and IUU fisheries.
• Demonstrate relevance of marine conservation to national development goals.

Major Duties

• Responsible for the implementation of the WWF Guianas strategy - Sustainable Fisheries Management.
• Support capacity building of key partners to enable them to effectively engage in marine conservation by strategic and technical guidance. 
• Manage the relations with local partners, stakeholders and coordinate with consultants.
• Support the development of new proposals and institutional funding to further support implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Management strategy under the Better Production Programme and other relevant strategies. 
• Promote collaboration by sharing methodologies, indicators, results, technical support, and reporting. Including coordination with relevant regional networks and WWF countries. 
• Develop and negotiate grant agreements and consultancies.
• Support the development of advocacy, informational and educational material on marine conservation and management in the Guianas in close collaboration with the communications department & stakeholders. 
• Responsible for the timely preparation of monitoring plans/reports, annual marine work plans and budgets, as well as technical reports to donors regarding fisheries. 

Qualifications

• BSc. degree or higher in Conservation, Project Management, Natural Resource Management or other relevant fields,
• At least 3 years of professional experience in Conservation or related fields, including project and programme management.
• Knowledge of fisheries, marine, and coastal management would be a strong asset.
• Working experience in Suriname is required.
• Experience in engaging with and building confident relationships with various stakeholders, including senior contacts in government, business, civil society, and the donor community.

Other Required Skills and Competencies

• Good technical and organizational skills are essential.
• Proven track record in successfully developing and managing projects.
• Ability to promote teamwork and support others.
• Willingness, ability and availability to travel to field projects regularly.
• Ability to work effectively with local communities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and/or Dutch is required and French is a pre.
• Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

Additional Information

Working Relationships

Internal

The Fisheries Officer will work under the supervision of the Manager Better Production in Natural Resources.

Will interact daily with the internal team and other colleagues in Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana, as well as with WWF network staff, including practice leaders, practice members, and donor offices, as appropriate.

External

Interacts as required with relevant national and regional stakeholders.

**This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively by staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.