Fishery Resources Specialist
Organizational Context
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization dedicated to promoting the conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. It formulates and recommends management measures, coordinates national efforts, monitors resource status, and supports scientific cooperation. The GFCM collaborates with a wide network of institutions and partners to effectively communicate its work and impact to key audiences, fostering support and cooperation among stakeholders.
Job Purpose
This role focuses on the sustainable development and management of fisheries and aquaculture within the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. Key areas include policy support, implementing action plans, promoting Blue Transformation, monitoring SDGs, managing fisheries data, conducting assessments of marine living resources, and evaluating management strategies. The position also involves addressing interactions between fisheries and the marine environment, managing bycatch, and contributing to efforts related to climate change adaptation, non-indigenous species, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Engagement with stakeholders and gender considerations are also integral to the role.
Responsibilities
Provide technical expertise for implementing the GFCM 2030 Strategy, focusing on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Monitor, analyze, and address ecological, biological, economic, market, governance, or social issues related to fisheries management. Support scientific working groups and national experts by preparing data, analytical outputs, and technical documentation, including stock assessments. Develop and improve analytical tools for fisheries science and management, such as stock assessment and management strategy evaluation. Act as a liaison between scientific experts and the data management team. Offer technical assistance and capacity development to experts on assessment methods and analytical tools. Coordinate projects and initiatives supporting fisheries management and capacity development programs. Support the planning and organization of GFCM events and activities. Assess and monitor environmental, economic, social, governance, and planning aspects of aquaculture to promote resilient systems. Assist the GFCM Committee on Compliance and its intersessional activities, including drafting documents on recommendation implementation and fighting IUU fishing. Support research programs, trials, and initiatives for data collection systems and technical standards. Contribute to improving fisheries and aquaculture information management practices and analytics platforms. Support the implementation of work plans for scientific advisory bodies and contribute to scientific advice formulation. Edit and revise technical and scientific documents and publications. Perform other related duties as required.
Work Experience
At least one year of relevant experience in fisheries research, sustainable aquaculture, natural resource management, project development, data analysis, or monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) issues. Experience in working with international organizations, particularly in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, is advantageous.
Skills
Proficiency in Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Demonstrated experience in fisheries assessment, data analysis, climate change impacts, ecosystem-based management, MCS, or related fields. Experience with analytical methods, data management, and relevant technical tools. Ability to support scientific working groups and advisory bodies. Strong drafting and communication skills, with proficiency in Excel and MS Office. Knowledge of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) is beneficial. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and demonstrate thoroughness, reliability, and autonomy.