Senior Specialist, Fisheries Innovations and Policy

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

We kindly ask for individuals interested in this job to please submit a cover letter and consider uploading supplementary writing and/or work samples with their applications by a deadline of Monday, Sep. 5th.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Healthy oceans are the lifeblood of our planet. But they’re in peril – from climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction and other threats. That’s why EDF’s Climate Resilient Fisheries & Oceans team is working to safeguard the oceans and protect nature while feeding the planet, creating more secure livelihoods, and bolstering more equitable societies for human well-being. One of the greatest threats to the oceans is overfishing, which is why our dedicated team of scientists, economists, and fishery management experts are collaborating with partners around the globe to make sustainable fishing the norm. Through our work in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia Pacific, we draw on strong science and economic principles to advance sustainable fishing practices, forward-looking policies and innovative tools that support the health of our oceans and the people who depend on them for food and their livelihoods.

OVERALL FUNCTION

The Senior Specialist, Fisheries Innovations and Policy will play a key role in advancing solutions for climate-resilient fisheries through application of cutting-edge tools and technologies and advancement of policies that create the necessary conditions for innovation. They will be a member of EDF’s Fishery Solutions Center (FSC), supporting EDF’s Oceans Technology Solutions (OTS) work and reporting to the Director, Oceans Technology Solutions. Working in collaboration with external partners and EDF staff, they will support the development and successful implementation of on-the-water projects to apply technology solutions to key fisheries challenges, resulting in benefits to fisheries, fishing communities and ocean ecosystems.

The Senior Specialist will also help to develop and execute a strategy for informing the development of policies that encourage innovation and uptake of technologies across EDF’s core geographies. They will do this by: helping to build technological capacity among EDF’s regional teams; coordinating regularly with teams to ensure that opportunities to influence policies are identified and capitalized on; and developing and disseminating policy best practices, lessons learned and other broadly applicable work products. In addition, the Senior Specialist will execute a strategy for communicating technology-based project outcomes and contribute to work products that shape the narrative around technology use within the broader oceans technology community.

LOCATION

This position can be performed on a hybrid arrangement out of any EDF office within the U.S. or Mexico, or 100% remotely for candidates based in the U.S. or Mexico. Candidates from certain countries within South America may be considered with exception.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with EDF regional teams and partners to identify and design technology solutions to address pressing needs for climate resilient fisheries and oceans (e.g., fisheries monitoring, rebuilding fish stocks, habitat assessments, increasing value for fishing communities)

• Coordinate with global EDF staff and partners, including governments, community organizations, fishers and technology service providers, to ensure the successful implementation of oceans technology pilot projects and develop and apply appropriate means for measuring the success of these projects

• Help develop and implement a policy engagement and outreach strategy with global EDF staff to advance policies across EDF’s core geographies that encourage innovation and help to catalyze the uptake of new technologies that can improve the climate resilience of fisheries and fishery-dependent communities

• Research existing, new and emerging technologies (in fisheries and other sectors) and document research findings in reports, case studies, and other communications and training materials

• Develop reports, guidance documents, blogs, and other communications materials to communicate practical information to diverse audiences on a variety of topics related to fisheries science and management

• Foster and build effective outreach strategies for sharing EDF products with internal teams, targeted external partners and the broader fisheries community

• Assist in the development of strategies, work plans and proposals as needed

• Build and maintain relationships with technology service providers, industry partners and other players to help connect technology businesses’ interests with fishery conservation and livelihoods objectives

• Serve as EDF’s representative in external settings such as conferences, workshops and other venues

• Participate in advancing EDF’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values

• Apply excellent organizational, communication, and planning skills by responding to requests for information, helping to coordinate training activities and projects for the team and contributing to reports as needed

• Conduct additional relevant responsibilities as needed as part of a dynamic team

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Natural Resources Economics, International Policy, Technology, Business or another related field

• At least 4 years of relevant experience in fisheries and oceans science, technology and management OR an advanced degree with two or more years of experience

• Expertise in fisheries science, policy and management

• Interest in technological applications to environmental and social challenges

• Experience in project management and exceptional personal organization and attention to detail

• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of small teams in a dynamic and creative environment; meeting deadlines and responding quickly to changing opportunities

• Strong analytical skills and experience performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences

• Fluency in English required

• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred

• Proficiency in the use of PCs and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)

• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed up to 5 weeks annually (approx. 10% per year)

• Commitment to the mission of Environmental Defense Fund

• Experience in relevant fields such as business or international development is desirable but not required

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $68,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $75,000.00/Yr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.