VACANCY

The Secretariat of the Helsinki Commission is looking for a part-time Project Researcher for the HELCOM Managing Fisheries in Baltic Marine Protected Areas (BALTFIMPA)-project for up to 12 months, starting preferably in May 2012.

BALTFIMPA Project aims to assist the HELCOM Contracting States to comply with their obligations to fulfil the conservation objectives of marine protected areas in the Baltic Sea by managing fisheries, when applicable, and as requested by the 2007 HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, HELCOM Moscow Ministerial Declaration, the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and the Convention on Biological Diversity COP10 Decisions. The description of the project is available on the HELCOM website.

The project consists of two phases: inception phase and full scale implementation phase. Inception phase of the project aims at further planning and design of the full scale implementation project as well as development of a generic decision making assisting tool on impacts of different fishing modalities and gear on protected habitats and species.

Role: The Project Researcher is required for the inception phase of the project, with possible prolongation. The main tasks of the Project Researcher would be to facilitate implementation of the Inception Phase and contribute to carrying out a desk study on fisheries impacts on Baltic Sea species and biotopes in cooperation with partner institute(s). The Project Researcher will also be responsible for developing an application to the identified funding programme for a full scale project.

The successful candidate should have the following qualifications and skills:

-        Master’s degree or a nearly completed degree in fisheries/nature conservation

-        Experience / knowledge of fisheries impacts on the environment and/or Baltic Sea threatened biotopes/ habitats and species

         (EU  Birds & Habitats directives, HELCOM Red List)

-        Ability to search for and collate information from various sources and excellent writing skills

-        Proficiency in English, including writing in English

-        Ability to work independently as well as part of the team

-        Experience on working with GIS and databases would be an advantage.

Interested applicants should send their CV and Cover Letter by 13 May 2012, to the HELCOM Secretariat (johanna.karhu@helcom.fi).

For more information you can also contact: Johanna Karhu, Tel: +358-468509204.