Science Specialist

Oceana is an international organization dedicated to protecting the oceans. The way it accomplishes this mission is through science, which is the basis for building campaigns to achieve political, legislative and public policy changes in partnership with policymakers, regulators and the communities we work with. Oceana's main areas of work are restoring fish abundance and moving toward sustainable fisheries; protecting marine habitats; and reducing pollution in the oceans.

The Science Specialist will be part of a multidisciplinary team that will provide scientific support to our campaign strategies, conduct research and produce documents on cutting-edge issues related to Oceana campaigns, and build the scientific capacity of our team in Mexico. This position will report to the Science Coordinator.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
- Carry out literature reviews and keep updated and develop materials on innovation and best practices in the protection of marine resources.
- Carry out technical reviews of public policies on marine conservation and fisheries in Mexico.
- Keep the Oceana leadership team informed on scientific issues and campaign recommendations.
- Create policy and scientific reports, briefings, or any other documents to support Oceana’s work with decision makers and other stakeholders.
- Strengthen campaigns through staff training and skill development in scientific issues.
- Work closely with the team to develop materials and positions related to Oceana campaigns.
- Stay current on innovation and best practices in marine fisheries conservation sector.
- Research emerging issues, innovations, and technologies related to our campaigns that may be relevant to public and political agendas.
- Establish and maintain relationships with potential allies, academics, universities and other scientific actors.
- Track time, expenses, activities, and progress towards goals regularly, meeting all deadlines established by the Marine Scientist and senior leadership.
- Serve as spokesperson for the campaigns and related issues to the press.
- Perform additional duties for Oceana’s campaigns, as directed.

**Job Requirements**

**Education and experience**:

- Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as marine biology, oceanography, ecology, fisheries, or an equivalent of education and experience.
- At least five years of relevant work experience in marine conservation and marine research in Mexico.
- At least five years of relevant experience working with scientists, universities, and other researchers and building alliances.
- Fisheries population modelling & stock assessment is required.
- Experience conducting research, creating documents and analyzing, interpreting and presenting databases and statistics.
- Experience completing projects under tight deadlines and effectively managing a demanding workload, multiple tasks and projects.
- Experience working in or with NGOs.

**Skills and knowledge**:

- Ability to synthesize large volumes of information quickly and effectively.
- Ability to perform quantitative analysis.
- GIS and database proficiency.
- R and RStudio proficiency.
- Data visualization in Tableau or other software is preferred.
- Must be a team-player.
- Strong personal commitment to conservation, marine and environmental issues.
- Extreme attention to detail and accuracy.
- Skills in interviewing and research.
- Ability to represent Oceana in a professional and responsive manner.
- Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
- Fluency in Spanish and English is required.
- Some long hours and travel time might be required.

**Required Competencies**:

- **Instills Trust **-Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
- **Action Oriented**:Makes things happen. Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm.
- **Manages Complexity**:Is able to gather data, analyze situations, and uncover the root causes to problems. Can distinguish between what’s relevant and what’s not and evaluate the pros and cons of potential situations.
- **Nimble Learning**:Takes on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks. Can quickly adapt to new situations and to draw on past successes and failures to solve current problems.
- **Effective Communication**:Understands the value of effective communication. Can deliver messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Actively listens, checks for understanding, and adjusts content and style to meet the needs of different stakeholders.
- **Collaborates**:Brings people together to leverage their skills, talents, and knowledge to achieve a common purpose. Creates synergy resulting in a combined effort with greater results than can be achieved by individuals.

Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. We achieve measurable change by conducting specific, science-based campaigns