The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is one of SPC’s oldest Divisions and it has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the Pacific for over 60 years. FAME’s goal is that fisheries resources of the Pacific region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. FAME includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). OFP is the region’s centre for oceanic fisheries science and information, providing essential data collection, data management and modelling and analysis services to the Pacific. CFP provides science and technical support to PICTs to enhance the management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods across the region. The work of OFP and CFP are supported by the FAME Director’s Office, which includes the Information Section, communications, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.
The role – the Senior Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist / Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist will support the enhanced development and processes for data management, analysis, and reporting. This position will continuously evaluate and improve data management systems to support science and management of regional tuna fisheries. This appointment will be made at either the Senior Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist or the Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist level, depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Data management services for WCPFC
Develop and maintain routines for management and reporting of fishery data for Member countries.
Develop efficient and user-friendly approaches for scientists and staff to access and appropriately use data assets.
Collaborate with the Regional Data Manager to improve data management systems.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth data exchange and collaboration.
Monitor and report on the status of data loaded into the regional master database.
Implement data integration processes to ensure comprehensive and coherent datasets.
Design and implement Data Quality (DQ) routines to identify and rectify data discrepancies and errors.
Collaborate with the Regional ER Technical Coordinator to adhere to data and data quality standards.
Process improvement and innovation
Continuously assess existing data management processes, propose and implement improvements.
Stay up to date with the latest advancements in data handling technologies and recommend their implementation as appropriate.
Identify opportunities for innovation in data collection, auditing, storage, and analysis.
Develop comprehensive metadata for regional databases according to good practice standards.
Develop robust and effective database documentation to catalogue data assets for increased usability.
Data analysis and support for scientific work
Provide high level support for data analyses, scientific reports, and research papers relevant to OFP scientific work.
Conduct descriptive and statistical analyses to support stakeholders with data and science-related queries.
Collaborate with Member countries, WCPFC, FFA, and PNA in data-related matters for scientific projects.
Assist in interpreting and presenting scientific findings to stakeholders.
Regularly update the database to include new data and research outcomes.
Leadership and mentorship of section staff in contemporary data management good practices
The Senior level Analyst/Scientist will have the capability to work autonomously and take on a leadership role to elevate the capacity of the DM section staff and improve the work quality.
Identify gaps in knowledge and skills within the team and among stakeholders and seek solutions to build and enhance capacity.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Post-graduate degree in Fisheries Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or related field
additionally, for appointment at the Senior Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist level, a tertiary qualification preferably at a PhD level in Fisheries Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or related field
Technical expertise
Proven experience in data management and developing/maintaining large-scale relational database management systems using SQL Server or similar database development environments. Consideration of appointment at the Senior Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist or Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist levels will be based on, but not limited to, the extent of experience in a relevant field. At least 2 years of (post PhD) or 5 years (post Master’s degree) of experience is desirable for the Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist level and at least 5 years of (post PhD) or 8 years (post Master’s degree) of experience is desirable for the Senior Fisheries Data Analyst – Scientist level.
Knowledge of fisheries and experience with fisheries database systems
Experience with Git and CI/CD
Experience with data integration, data transformations, SQL
Experience with database documentation and development of appropriate metadata
Experience as a data analyst supporting clients in their data and reporting needs
Language skills
Good communication skills
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
Ability to work and travel in a multicultural and multilingual environment