Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy 486,000 acres in Belize have been preserved for people and nature.  From the mountains to the sea, TNC Belize is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Belize unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Fisheries Specialist develops, coordinates and supports priority fisheries projects in Belize and serves as a technical resource on fisheries sustainability in the wider Central America region and beyond. They will apply a diversified knowledge of fisheries-related scientific principles and practices to a broad variety of assignments, from research, analysis and writing, to strategy development, project coordination and management, and engagement with key stakeholders including fishing communities, government, NGO conservation partners, scientific community, and private sector.

Uses TNC’s code of conduct and competencies as a baseline to conduct their actions and be an example for others.

Specific functions include:

• Supports strategy development of TNC’s Belize Fisheries Program.
• Coordinates and implements project activities related to the Belize Spiny Lobster Fishery Improvement Project, seafood electronic traceability, and other digital transformations to Belize’s seafood export industry.
• Provides team support, technical information, and advises on fisheries work in Belize and Central America.
• Builds strategic partnerships with internal and external scientists, government and quasi-government agencies (Belize Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, Belize Fisheries Department, Belize Department of Cooperatives, BAHA, Beltraide etc.), fishing cooperatives, private seafood processors, fisher associations, fishing communities, seaweed industry stakeholders, and NGO conservation partners to enhance implementation of TNC’s fisheries work in Belize.
• Supports the Belize Oceans Manager in building partnerships to advance fisheries policies with regional fisheries bodies (e.g. OSPESCA, CRFM).
• Coordinates with TNC colleagues across the organisation and helps draw on relevant expertise and support.
• Supports fundraising efforts, including writing and editing proposals, reports, and fundraising materials, as well as with fundraising trips and events.
• Financial responsibility will include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with partners, consultants, vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgement.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally to fisheries-oriented conferences, workshops, symposia and other meetings, including during evening and weekend hours, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, at sea or on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.