Fisheries Biologist

The successful candidate shall be the focal person tasked with leading the implementation of some of PSP components, particularly enhancing fisheries regulations against illegal gears that affect seahorses, fisheries management, and coastal resource management. The job holder shall report to the Program Leader and will work closely with the Conservation Biologist, Administrative and Finance Officer, other team members, and as well as collaborate with other ZSL Philippines project teams in contributing to ZSL’s mission and vision.

Research and fieldwork

1. Collects, records and analyses data (e.g., seahorse dependent fisheries research and monitoring surveys, trade, etc.) and information from previous related research, and relevant data from other partners in the program.
2. Assist research pilot sites in developing seahorse-specific fisheries management measures.
3. Evaluate, analyse, and develop management plans to deter illegal/destructive fishing gears affecting seahorse population and habitats in the Philippines.
4. Assist local government units, management councils in implementing community-based Coastal Resource Management Plans, including marine protected area management plans.
5. Planning of fieldwork, following a scientifically-sound experimental design (including methods, timeline, budget, and suitable study sites) agreed with the line manager.
6. Where necessary, execution of field surveys, through either direct participation or oversight and regular checks of trained field team, ensuring all surveys are completed to budget and on time and data are entered and stored in electronic database.
7. Establishment of system for control of data quality.

Capacity building

1. Training of relevant project and partner staff in data collection, entry management and analysis, to ensure qualified field personnel during field surveys and to continue data collection, analysis, and quality control after project termination.
2. Selection (where appropriate), guidance and supervision of local and international students, interns, volunteers carrying out agreed research projects in conjunction with the project, including training in research, survey, and analysis techniques as appropriate.

Dissemination

1. Conduct advocacy and networking with national (e.g., Fisheries Management Areas (FMA)) and local government units on the impact illegal/destructive fishing gears on seahorse population and its habitats.
2. Publication of research findings in scientific journals, policy papers and technical reports (e.g., ZSL Conservation Report).
3. Contribution to regular updates for partners/donors/stakeholders, regular blogs, and updates for the ZSL and PS website.
4. Organization and facilitation of logistical arrangements for in-country meetings, training sessions and workshops and preparation of relevant materials, with the support of the program team.
5. Input to any project reports required by government and other in-country stakeholders.
6. Dissemination of the program findings in conferences and for, to facilitate lesson-learning and information exchange.

Stakeholder relationships

1. Liaison with government, academic, private and NGO project partners and development of working relationships, where applicable and relevant to the work assigned.
2. Develop working relationships with FMA Management Boards in the country.

• A university degree in Fisheries, Fisheries Education, other Fisheries Allied Courses, Conservation or Natural Resource management.
• At least three (3) years experience in the formulation and implementation of fisheries research, plans, programs/projects, or other related work.
• Work experience in capture fisheries; fisheries laws, policies, and orders; fisheries regulations law; marine fisheries management; and fish stock assessment is required.
•  Preferably:
  • Experience in statistical analysis.
  • Work experience in community-based marine protected area establishment/management.
  • Preferably, but not necessary, with previous experience in non-government organizations (NGO) settings and natural resource conservation and management programs.

•  Advanced skills in using MS office packages, specifically Excel and PowerPoint or equivalent software packages will be acceptable.
• Strong analytical research skills, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches with proven ability to write up methods and results in good scientific style.
• Familiarity with managing competing priorities and delegate effectively
• Good communication and writing skills in English.
• Must have a positive attitude and be a team player.