Science Professional Officer

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is an intergovernmental organization that advances and shares scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and the services they provide and employs the resulting knowledge to generate state-of-the-art advice on meeting conservation, management and sustainability goals. ICES international network comprises ca. 6,000 scientists from over 800 marine institutes in 20-member countries and beyond.

Your work as ICES Science Professional Officer will be instrumental in supporting ICES Strategic Plan. Your role will span our departments (advice, data and science) and will help strengthen technical and scientific input to ICES scientific advice, including the development of new products. Your competence in research administration and management, understanding of inter-disciplinary approaches to marine research and underlying data needs will play a critical role in helping deliver ICES science priorities, supporting management advice, and working with every level of the ICES community. This includes a diverse international network of scientists, industry and non-governmental representatives, and decision makers.

Main Responsibilities

• Collaborate with ICES leadership and help coordinate the work of the Science department to support the implementation of ICES Science Plan, delivering marine ecosystem science for the future.
• Coordinate with the chairs of the non-fisheries Steering Groups, the three Strategic Initiatives (SIIECS, SICCME, SIGE), and ICES Science Committee, to provide strategic direction for ICES expert groups.
• Guide ICES expert groups in their evaluations, the focus and content of group reports, and identification of science highlights for promotion.
• Advance the incorporation of new science in ICES advice, including in advice for ecosystem-based management (EBM).
• Increase the inclusion of Human Dimensions in ICES work and ICES Ecosystem Overviews.
• Expand the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in ICES activities where relevant.
• Advance ICES Stakeholder Engagement Strategy.
• Represent ICES in organising, participating, and presenting in scientific symposia; participate in scientific steering committees, administer symposium and other event budgets, engage in panel discussions, convene sessions, and present ICES work.

Qualifications and Experience

We seek a Professional Officer who is motivated, organised, collaborative and flexible.  Further requirements for this position are:

• A higher university degree, preferably a PhD, or equivalent experience, in marine science, environmental sustainability, economics, social science, mathematics/statistics or similar qualifications.
• At least six years’ professional experience, in relevant marine science and/or international organizations.
• Knowledge and experience of the ICES community.
• Experience in marine stakeholder engagement, for example with policy makers, managers, advisory councils, and experts.
• Background in interdisciplinary science, working effectively with multidisciplinary teams comprised of people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the main international maritime, environmental, fisheries and ecosystem related policies.
• Strong teamwork skills, a good communicator and active listener.
• Experience in coordinating teams without direct line management responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and take leadership roles in decision making within teams.
• Experience of working with or mentoring early career scientists is an advantage.

Terms of Appointment

The appointment will be full-time (38 hours per week, including lunch breaks), for a four-year contract period starting in April 2025, or as soon as possible.  The salary will be at the “P2” grade, which is based on the United Nations common salary system. 

ICES Secretariat staff enjoy privileges and immunities pursuant to the Host Agreement between the Government of Denmark and ICES. The salaries of ICES staff are exempt from Danish income tax and are based on, but not identical to, UN salary grade scales.  Benefits similar to those paid by the UN organization are also available for eligible staff members (e.g. installation/repatriation, dependents’ education, and home leave allowances). Furthermore, you will be enrolled in a tax-free pension scheme to which both the employee and ICES contribute. The ICES Staff Rules set out the conditions of employment and the responsibilities of Secretariat staff.

ICES encourages a positive workplace culture by striving for inclusivity and diversity appointment of its staff. This includes family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and standards of conduct. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people from ICES Member States which are underrepresented in ICES Secretariat, and people with disabilities.  

Applications

If you feel you have the personal and professional qualities we are looking for, please submit your application (CV and motivation letter) by clicking APPLY NOW!

Deadline for application submission is 23:59 (CET) 12 January 2025. Online interviews are expected to take place in the third week of January.

Questions about the Professional Officer position can be directed to Jo Foden, Head of the Science Department.

For more information about us, please visit our ICES website.