Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Job Description

Head of Fisheries and AquacultureContract: Permanent, full time, 35 hours per week Salary: Up to £40,200 dependent on experience Location: Flexible across the UK (or office based in London, Edinburgh, or Ross-on-Wye) Closing: Sunday 10th January 2021 Interviews: Tuesday 26th January 2021 Now is a time of fundamental change in fisheries and aquaculture across the countries of the UK. The nature and climate emergencies coupled with Brexit and new legislation such as the Fisheries Act create huge challenges, but at the same time also a unique opportunity to truly transform seafood production for a sustainable future. We are looking for an exceptional leader to enable the delivery of the Marine Conservation Society’s goals on fisheries and aquaculture. We want to ensure there are more fish in healthier seas, improve the way wild fisheries and fish farms are managed, and influence consumers and seafood businesses to be more responsible in their seafood buying choices.Our Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture leads a team of policy and technical experts on fisheries and aquaculture, including seafood sourcing and ratings. The postholder also works across the MCS programmes: integrating fisheries and aquaculture with our work on ocean recovery and clean seas; linking with our Scotland and Wales teams on devolved fisheries issues; and with our communications and engagement experts to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to a wide audience. Our Good Fish Guide is currently being transformed, so leadership of this work and our engagement with seafood businesses and supply chains is key. About MCS and the roleMCS is the UK’s leading marine charity and our team work to ensure that our seas are healthy, pollution free and protected. This role leads our work on fisheries and aquaculture; developing and advocating policy, engaging with industry to support best practice and promoting sustainable seafood to a business and public audience.Location is flexible across the UK, or in one of our offices in London, Ross-on-Wye (Head Office) or Edinburgh. There will be some travel across the UK, particularly to London.You will be responsible for:- Leading MCS’ Fisheries and Aquaculture (F&A) work; strategically planning, co-ordinating, overseeing and evaluating to ensure its’ successful delivery- Leading and managing the F&A team- Promoting MCS’ F&A objectives internally and externally to key stakeholders. - Developing and managing the F&A programme- Contributing to the development and implementation of MCS’ strategy, providing organisational leadership as part of the Extended Management TeamKey Skills- Substantial experience (expected to be more than 5 years) working in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and/or relevant NGO sectors- Knowledge of the UK fishing and aquaculture sectors’ policies and standards, with a network of key stakeholder contacts- Understanding of sustainable development and how it can be applied to F&A sectors- Ability to communicate, defend and promote difficult messages to influence policy and effect change at industry and government level- Cross-organisational leadership and team management skills- Excellent project and budget management skills, with the ability to plan strategically, deliver and monitor results within set timescales and budgets- Ability to handle a diverse, fast-moving work area and prioritise and meet deadlinesWe are looking for people who demonstrate our values, but who also contribute their own perspectives and experiences to add to our knowledge and our culture.Further information and how to applySelect the apply button shown to download the Information Pack. This will include the full job description, as well as information about working at MCS and how to apply.You will be asked to submit your CV, answer a few short questions and include a cover letter which tells us why you would like to work with us, and how you meet the role and person specification. We value this element of the application, so make sure you include it. Further InformationEveryone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect and MCS is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all. Good working relationships release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, in an atmosphere where everyone can learn and work without prejudice, discrimination, harassment or violence.We are committed to developing a team which is reflective of our society, and which can offer insight and views that influence our work.We are particularly interested in applications from groups which are under-represented in marine, environmental and charity sectors.Eligibility to work in the UK is required.Registered Charity No: 1004005 (England and Wales) SC037480 (Scotland)To apply for the role of Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Other organisations may call this role Fisheries and Aquaculture Manager, Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Manager, or Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategy.