An exciting position for a Project Officer focusing on the collabprative project – Beqa Lagoon Initiative – with the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA) and Pacific Blue Foundation!
Position: Project Officer
Organization: Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA)
Term: Two (2) year contract (1-year term initially, extension for a 1-year appointment based on performance and funding).
Background:
The Fiji Locally Managed Marine Areas Network (FLMMA) was established in 2001 and later registered as a charitable association working to promote and encourage the preservation, protection and sustainable use of coastal and ocean resources in Fiji. FLMMA is one of the seven countries in the region under the International Locally Managed Marine Area Network that promotes yaubula management as the foundation of a vibrant, empowered and resilient communities through community based adaptive management approach. The FLMMA network is a unique partnership between government departments, NGOs, academic institutions, community conservation practitioners, qoliqoli owners and communities.
Pacific Blue Foundation (PBF) is a stand-alone public-benefit Charitable Trust registered in Fiji since 2006, and a Non-Profit 501(c)3 registered in CA, USA since 2004. PBF provides research, education, encouragement and dissemination of sustainable practices in coastal regions in Fiji with the ultimate goal of preserving and promoting the biological and cultural diversity.
The Opportunity:
The FLMMA Project Officer will be responsible for implementing project activities of the Beqa Lagoon Initiative (BLI) – a collaborative project with Pacific Blue Foundation (PBF) – and following FLMMA’s Policy on Integrated Yaubula and Ocean Management otherwise referred to as the 100% Solution. The initial term of this position is for one year, renewable based on performance evaluations by FLMMA and PBF and continued funding. The Project Officer Position is accountable to the FLMMA Coordinator and to PBF Director and BLI Project Manager.
All FLMMA core staff and members are expected to be familiar with FLMMA core values of team work, respect, quality, community at heart and uphold them at all times. The Project Officer is the key position that will also be tasked to monitor and enforce these core values at work place and at all times.
The principle responsibilities if the position:
- Work with the Project Team, FLMMA Technical Advisor and FLMMA Coordinator to:
- Lead the implementation of the FLMMA’s Policy on Yaubula Management Support Teams (YMST) in collaboration with Pacific Blue Foundation and line ministries, mainly the Ministry of I Taukei Affairs, the ITaukei Affairs Board and Provincial Offices.
- Lead in the establishment of new YMSTs and development and implementation of the Yaubula management and action plans.
- Assist in developing and implementing project work plans and budgets and assist in the fundraising efforts of the project.
- Assist in the provision of technical advice to communities and advocate on agreed FLMMA’s stand on fisheries, ocean and land management issues.
- To help guide communities in the implementation of the CBAM Approach including conducting required monitoring for FLMMA communities.
- Any other activities as directed by the FLMMA Coordinator and/or the PBF director and BLI Project Manager.
With guidance and support of the Project Team you will deliver the following:
- Logistical, administrative and communications work;
- Preparing and presenting relevant documents and reports to local communities, government and other stakeholders;
- Guiding and teaching in communities, schools and resorts under the BLI strategic plan;
- Implement field-based activities: marine, coastal and socio-economic surveys, data entry and analysis;
- Helping to write proposals for future work following the BLI strategic plan.
Essential skills and experience of the position holder:
- Relevant BSc.
- Minimum 5 years proven applied experience in relevant fields and specifically in Natural Resource (Yaubula) Management working with communities.
- Strong network of contacts throughout all Provincial Councils and confident with iTaukei Traditional Protocols.
- Extensive experience in using the Community Based Adaptive Management Approach (CBAM) at establishing LMMAs, MPAs and YMSTs and advocacy on fisheries, ocean and land management issues.
- Competent leading environmental and socio-economic research, surveys, and data analysis including statistical and graphical analysis.
- Ability to confidently run trainings for communities, NGO and Government Extension Officers.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and strong report writing, document preparation and presentation skills.
- Fluent in both written and oral iTaukei and English language.
- Fijian citizen
- Strong swimmer and competent free diver.
- Have a good understanding of current international biodiversity conservation and development issues, excellent knowledge of Fijian tradition, law, and government agencies.
Desirable skills and experience of the position holder:
- Relevant MSc.
- Demonstrated expertise in environmental, social and economic data analysis using both statistical and graphical analysis methods.
- Competent and certified SCUBA diver, minimum certification of ‘Rescue Diver’ with at least 50 dives.
- Motor boat license with reef boating experience.
Essential attributes of the position holder:
- Experienced communicator and facilitator.
- Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to achieve goals.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and multitask.
- Creative, open minded discerning individual, with excellent attention to detail.
- A passion for the natural environment and helping people, and willing to live in a remote island.
Renumeration:
Salary: $35,000 FJ per annum (inclusive of superannuation and other benefits).
Further information on the organisations and on the Beqa Lagoon Initiative can be obtained on the FLMMA and PBF websites: www.lmmanetwork.org/who-we-are/country-networks/fiji/ and www.pacificbluefoundation.org.
Applications should be sent to info@fijilmma.org.fj with the Subject Heading: “FLMMA Project Officer Position”. Please enclose a CV, three reference contact details and a cover letter describing how you meet the selection criteria.
Applications Close: By Sunday 30th June, 2019 at 4.00 pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Enquiries: Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure on mvakalalabure@fijilmma.org.fj or on Phone: 3370512.
Download the position advert pdf here.
