The Tuvalu Fisheries Department under the Government of Tuvalu is inviting a suitably qualified Tuvaluan citizens to fill in the vacant post of a Fisheries officer-Observer coordination which is currently exist within the Fisheries department. It is a 10 months contract appointment and expected to start next month March 2018.
Background Information on the Project
The Oceanic Fisheries Section (OFS) under the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) oversees the effective monitoring, control and management of industrial tuna fisheries in Tuvalu’s fishery waters. The Oceanic section has about 9 permanent staffs with contract observers who are employed on contractual basis. The Oceanic Fisheries Section (OFS) of the Tuvalu Fisheries Department (TFD) is responsible for managing the Tuvalu National Observer Programme (TVNOP), which was established in 2010 and has been successful in improving the monitoring of foreign fishing activities in Tuvalu and regionally, as well as creating employment opportunities for Tuvaluans. In 2012, the TVNOP was accredited as part of the WCPFC Regional Observer Programme (ROP), having met all the regional standards following a performance audit of the programme undertaken by the WCPFC ROP coordinator. TVNOP has grown and expanded from a handful of observers to a total of approximately eighty-five PIRFO certified observers, of which at least sixty-five to seventy can be classified as active. The TFD was just informed by the Human Resource Management (HRM) division that two of our Oceanic fisheries officers which includes (Observer Coordination and Purse Seine Licensing Officer) were both received a government scholarship for further studies abroad. This information came out late after the government 2018 budget has been approved, therefore, we were not able to get funding for a replacement while the officers were absent for study. The Observer Coordinator is responsible for managing Tuvalu’s Observer Programme, including overall management of observer placements, ensuring all reporting requirements are completed in a timely fashion, communicating with foreign fishing vessels and arranging and/or undertaking debriefing of observers. The TFD now wishes to engage a temporary replacement for this position to enable implementation and overall managing of Tuvalu National Observer Programme (TVNOP). Future engagement of this appointed contractor is explored with HRM until the substantial holder is returned from study.
Objective(s) of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment is to create a temporary position on behalf of the Oceanic Fisheries Officer who’s absent on further study abroad, the said position would manage the Tuvalu National Observer Programme (TVOP).
Scope of Work
Under the supervision of the PFO Oceanic Fisheries and SFO MCS the replacement officer’s responsibilities will include:
· Manage the observer programme and the observers and debriefers involved in the programme
· Develop observer work plans and provide quarterly and annual reports to the Senior Fisheries Officer – MCS
· Liaise with foreign fishing companies and regional observer management agencies such as FFA and PNA regarding observer placements
· Coordinate travel arrangements with foreign fishing companies
· Arrange per diems for observers at sea and any other expenses required
· Monitor observer vessel movements
· Ensure observers meet expected standards and provide observers with all the tools and they need to satisfactorily undertake observer duties
· Ensure all workbooks are sent to the relevant organisations
· Arrange debriefing of all observers according to PIRFO protocols and undertake debriefing duties where necessary
· Provide back up support to the SFO – VMS and the SFO – Police Liaison as necessary
· Undertake other duties as directed
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of this assignment will significantly contribute towards achieving Fisheries corporate plan objective 4 which aimed at Tuvalu being fully compliant with all the reporting requirements of the WCPFC and other international fishery treaties to which it is a party. The replacement officer will extend the capabilities of the TFD to ensure TVNOP will run successfully and without delaying the placement of observers on-board Foreign Fishing Vessels (FFV).
Qualifications and basis for evaluation (Evaluation Criteria)
The contractor must have:
· Diploma or Certificate in Management or Fishery related discipline
· Qualified PIRFO Debriefer and Observer
· Experience as a practising observer in the WCPO tuna fishery
· Experience in Monitoring, Control & Surveillance activities
· Skills and Abilities
· Highly proficient observer and debriefer skills
· Good understanding of the PIRFO programme
· Basic sea safety skills and able to operate marine radios
· Knowledge of and experience in boarding and inspection procedures
· Knowledge of and experience with information management systems such as TUFMAN and FIMS
· Knowledge of fishing gear methodology used in the region
· Able to write succinct, clear reports
· Basic financial management skills to manage observer expenses and provide financial reports
· Basic computer skills
· Good command of written and spoken English
· Excellent communication skills with an ability to interact with all stakeholders, in particular foreign fishing vessel crew
· Excellent organisational and time management skills
· Flexibility attitude and ability to adapt appropriately to changing requirements and situations
Desirable qualifications and skills:
· Basic management training
· Basic foreign language skills in one or more of the languages relevant to crew on FFV in the Western & Central Pacific tuna fishery
Duration of the Assignment and Estimated Time Inputs
The assignment will be for 10 months. Condition and rules of the GAO are applied once contract has been signed. The officer will be based on Funafuti and work closely with the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) team under the Oceanic Fisheries Section. The starting date of the assignment will be no later than 6th March 2018.
Reporting Requirements
The replacement officer is expected to submit a quarterly report and annual report to the SFO Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS). Additional reports may be required under the direction by the Director of Fisheries (DOF).
Terms & Conditions
· Remuneration will be at level 8/7 of the government salary structure.
· Employer’s National Provident Fund (NPF) contribution of 10% of salary will also be paid.
· Equipment needed for this assignment will be provided by TFD.
Recruitment
Applications for this position should addressed to the Director, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Natural Resources, Private Mail Bag, Funafuti, or email to proptuv@gmail.com or proptuv@tuvalufisheries.tv. Applications should include a cover letter, explaining the applicant’s reasons and motivation for applying for the assignment, official transcript as well as curriculum vitae which details the applicant’s education, qualifications and work experiences.
The closing date for applications is the close of business 1st March 2018. Applications after this time will not be considered.