Job Title: Fisheries Economist
Agency: Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority
Location: Majuro, Marshall Islands (MIMRA HQ)
Duration: 100 Days input over 1 year with extension subject to performance

I. Backgroud

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) in the Western and Central Pacific comprises of twenty-nine (29) low lying coral atolls and five (5) low coral islands. These atolls and islands are scattered over the expanse of the Pacific, with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2 million kilometers. 
The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) has been mandated by the RMI government to facilitate the management, sustainability and responsible use of marine resources of the country, while maximizing benefits from the use of fisheries within environmental limits. To fulfill its mandate, MIMRA departments are divided into Coastal, Oceanic, Corporate Services and Finance, Legal, Administration, and Executive Management divisions.
To support the implementation of the World Bank-financed RMI PROPER Project, a Project Management Unit (PMU) consisting of a Project Coordinator, Finance Officer, Environment and Safeguard Officer, and Project Assistant is already established in MIMRA.  The RMI PROPER PMU is responsible for coordinating the administrative management and implementation of the Project with the RMI Ministry of Natural Resources & Commerce (RMI MNRC), within MIMRA. MIMRA will also be responsible for preparing and implementing the Project in accordance with guidelines and regulations as well as the annual work plans and budgets which will detail project activities and eligible expenditures.  
Pursuant to the above, MIMRA is seeking for a qualified Fisheries Economist to provide MIMRA with sound economic analysis and advice to inform fisheries negotiations, investment and management decisions.

II. Main Objectives of the Assignment 

The Fisheries Economist will assist to develop a repository for all the data needed to fulfill reporting obligations, and of importance for RMI for monitoring the economic performance of the sector and inform decision-making at national level. The Fisheries Economist will be responsible for collecting the required economic data to be used in an economic model, a dashboard, and analysis. The Economist will conduct economic analysis, with the model or other economic tools and methodologies, as relevant, and will prepare recommendations for informing MIMRA’s decision-making process.

III. Scope of services
A. Scope of responsibilities and key tasks
The Fisheries Economist will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities: 

• Develop an economic simulation model with key indicators for:

1. 1. Estimating the economy, profitability and efficiency of the tuna fishing fleets operating in the RMI waters and associated sectors (e.g., tuna processing, fleet services) operating as part of the value chains in RMI;
   2. estimating the contributions of the tuna fisheries and associated value chains to the local, regional and foreign economies;
   3.  identifying the present sources of domestic value-added and their specific/relative contribution to growth of RMI’s gross domestic product (GDP);
   4. describing the distribution of the revenues amongst the economic agents (State, investors, labor force);
   5. supporting the identification of possible sources of future domestic growth related to the tuna industry and associated sector operations, improvement of the economic efficiency of the operations for the country (including options for improving the PNA vessel day scheme (VDS) in RMI) and/or through expansion of the value chain, and estimate their specific and relative potential to contribute to RMI’s GDP growth, as a measure of identifying priorities for sector investments;
   6. simulating the potential impacts of socio-economic and resource management measures that could be implemented by the national and regional institutions, or of major “shocks” and upheavals affecting the tuna industry and associated sectors (e.g., climate events, climate change, market crisis)
      The economic simulation model – built as a spreadsheet platform - will consist of modules that permit actual estimation, forecasting under several scenarios, and comparison of values of the key indicators.
      Data requirements, key parameters and indicators, and assumptions needed to drive the model will be defined by the fisheries economist.

• Develop a dashboard of key indicators to monitor the fisheries sector and the impact of sectoral measures put in place. Notably:
  
  1. The set of key indicators for the regular monitoring of the tuna industry sector will be defined along with the data format and their potential sources.  A data flow chart (including possible articulation with the simulation model) and calendar will be proposed for updating the dashboard on a periodic basis.
  2. The fisheries economist will oversee developing, testing and running the model and the dashboard. In case of unavailability of data for the model, the fisheries economist will have to build a set of data for simulation purposes, based on his/her best knowledge of the sector, and he/she will have to indicate use of proxy data and explain the assumptions used to estimate them. Reviewing the pertinence and producing recommendations on investments and reforms, for instance concessionary access fees; public support for domestic and locally based vessels; feasibility, costs and benefits of public and private investment proposals in the fisheries sector, including onshore developments; economic impact of fisheries conservation proposals and declared Marine Protected Areas; and others, as relevant; to MIMRA management for guiding decision.
• Lead reporting on fisheries economics by:
  
  1. Contributing to preparing reports to the MIMRA Board, and other bodies on the economic aspects of the fisheries and returns achieved.
  2. Facilitating dissemination of economic information on the fisheries sector to national, sub-regional, regional and international organizations, as per reporting obligations.
  3. Preparing monthly economic briefs and other required reports to management.
• Liaise closely with economists working for FFA and PNAO for mentoring and support.
• Assist with representing MIMRA at relevant meetings to represent RMI interests in the fisheries sector for securing the country economic well-being
• Perform other duties as assigned.

B. Expected key deliverables

• Functioning bio-economic model and economic dashboard responding to the needs of MIMRA.
• Identify data requirements and coordinate its collection, and acquire other relevant data or proxy information.
• Timely dissemination of economic information as per reporting obligations at national, sub-regional, regional and international levels, and MIMRA needs.
• Appropriate, relevant and timely recommendations, advice, and reports related to fisheries economy provided to MIMRA

C. Reporting

• The Fisheries Economist will report to the Deputy Director for Oceanic and Industrial Affairs.

IV. EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

• University degree in Economics or equivalent, specializing in renewable natural resource economics, with an exposure to the fisheries sector highly desirable
• Specialized training in modelling, ideally bio-economic modelling, and other forms of economic analysis is desirable
• Minimum 8 years of experience as an Economic Analyst.
• Fluent in English (orally and written) with excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent computer literacy
• Experience in the public service and fisheries is desirable
• Excellent attention to detail and process
• Highly motivated, trustworthy and dependable
• Honest and committed to work
• Supportive and accountable to effective delivery of services to client
  • Additional Desirable Requirements: 
    ●    Ability to learn quickly
    ●    Organized and detail-oriented person
    ●    Good communication skills
    ●    Experience in fisheries and/or Pacific Islands is desirable

Downloadable Documents:

• Job Application Form
• Position TOR

Job Title: Director of Sustainability
Industry: Pacific Island Tuna Provisions (PITP)
Location: Majuro, Marshall Islands
Employment Type: Full-Time

Pacific Island Tuna Provisions (PIT) is building a more sustainable, transparent, and equitable industrial tuna supply chain. Structured as a cooperative of Pacific Island nations with seed funding from The Nature Conservancy, our mission is to revolutionize the tuna fishing industry through new, higher environmental and social sustainability and verification  standards to catalyze market and supply chain transformation, while also providing economic returns to the Pacific Island resource owners. We offer high quality tuna products at an affordable price, and a fully transparent, de-risked supply chain to global retailers supported by 100% monitoring aboard all supplier fishing vessels and a strictly enforced no transshipment policy. To learn more about Pacific Island Tuna Provisions please visit our website.

Purpose: 

The Director of Sustainability is responsible for advancing PITPs sustainability objectives and supporting the company and its members in their ambitions to revolutionize the tuna industry through new, higher environmental and social standards which catalyze market and supply chain transformation. The Director of Sustainability will be responsible for refinement, implementation, and monitoring of PITPs sustainability and social policies and procedures and ensures that our supply chain lives up to the Company’s best in-class standards. They will serve as the lead voice on sustainability for the company in customer, supplier, and Pacific Island partner engagements. They will be responsible for creating and
implementing the necessary systems, processes, and actions necessary to meet all Key Performance Indicators that are required by our customer(s) and other stakeholders.

The Director of Sustainability will be responsible for creating communications products, including Impact Reports, which document and highlight PITPs progress towards its sustainability, social, and market transformation outcomes. The Director of Sustainability will work directly with 3 rd party service providers, cross-functional customer contacts, internal and external stakeholders as required for managing the various ongoing commitments.

This is an ideal role for someone who is 1) as passionate as we are about environmental, social, sustainability and providing benefits to Pacific Island resource owners, as this is the back bone of our company, 2) willing to lead and participate in detail oriented discussions with customers/key stakeholders about the specific focus areas of improvement, and 3) is accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and is aligned with a high sense of urgency in executing our sustainability initiatives and awareness across broad channels of communication and 4) familiar and comfortable with working cross functionally within a diverse organization (internally and externally) to achieve sustainability initiatives within the Tuna industry

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

Primary Focus Areas and Activities

• Refinement and implementation of company policies, processes, procedures, systems to ensure that PIT’s sustainability covenants, labor, and socioeconomic policies are upheld and objectives are met.
• Develop, maintain, and manage key relationships with PNA and other Pacific Island partners for broader regional sustainability, market transformation, and development opportunities including the East New Britain Initiative.
• Developing, tracking and reporting on the progress of labor and sustainability KPIs internally and externally.
• Supporting PITP and Members in sourcing, review, and selection of place-based projects from the sustainability distribution.
• Developing communications products and impact reporting on PITPs environmental and social products.
• Participate and present at key customer and stakeholder meetings.
• Manage Electronic Monitoring programs on vessels including review of trip reports and working with fishing partners on corrective actions as necessary.
• Participate in all Seafood Taskforce related activities focusing on addressing human rights, labor and recruitment issues for at-sea and land-based workers in the tuna supply chain.
• Support the onboarding of Pacific Island partners as new members of PITP.
• Represent and promote PIT’s sustainability objectives at RFMO and other Pacific regional meetings.

Administrative Task and Other requirements

• Track and document required tasks and deliverables by customers for SOP development.
• Timely completion of required actions items with best-in-class response times and follow-up.
• Internal oversight of the data management systems for sustainability and placed based initiatives.

Who we're looking for:

• 10+ years’ experience in sustainability and/or tuna fishery management
• Alignment with shared values and PITP mission
• Established relationships with NGOs and Governmental tuna fisheries managers
• Familiarity with international labor standards for at-sea and land-based workers
• Private sector experience in the tuna supply chain preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to foster positive business and Pacific partner relationships
• High sense of urgency with a need to get things done.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Bachelor’s degree required

Application Process:

• Contact Gene Muller (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Downloadable Documents:

• Download TOR

Job Title: Fisheries Development Officer
Agency: Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority
Location: Majuro, Marshall Islands (MIMRA HQ)
Duration: 2 Years Contract.

The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) is looking for a dynamic and experienced individual to join its team. We are looking for one (1) Fisheries Development Officer.

Purpose: 

The Fisheries Development Officer at MIMRA's Coastal Fisheries Division promotes community-based resource management to support conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and aquaculture. The role incudes developing regulations, leading projects aligned with the division's work plan, and educating communities about marine resources. Strong English and Marshallese communication skills are essential, as the officer collaborates with the neighboring island leaders, and reports to the Chief of Coastal Fisheries Division.

Position Responsibilities/Duties:

• Community Management: Promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods (FAD & Aquaculture projects)
• Conservation: Implement strategies to protect marine resources
• Regulations: Develop and enforce sustainable fisheries policies
• Contribute to fisheries policy and strategic planning

Education/Experiences:

• University degree in Environmental Management, Economics, Business Admin or related fields
• Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in fisheries and/or resource management

Application Process:

• Download the Application, or pick up a copy at the MIMRA Building in Delap. The Terms of Reference (TOR) is also available below.
• Submit your application online to byamamura(at)mimra.com or drop it off at the MIMRA Building in Delap or the KAFMC office in Ebeye.

Downloadable Documents:

• Job Application Form
• Position TOR