Manager, Fisheries Technology

Conservation International • Arlington, VA

77d

About The Position

The Program Manager, Fisheries Technology, will lead the implementation of innovative technology systems in large-scale fisheries and provide strategic advice on monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) systems to improve ocean conservation and tackle IUU fishing. This role will include responsibilities across several initiatives, including, Electronic Monitoring and Connectivity for Crews at Sea project to improve crew welfare at sea by piloting EM and WiFi technologies onboard fishing vessels, as well as place-based, social, environmental, and economic improvement projects in Pacific Tuna fisheries. By leveraging new and existing technologies and MCS systems, the Program Manager will work closely with the Labor Rights and Fisheries Program Manager to support sustainable and responsible outcomes that protect both ocean ecosystems and human rights. This is a time-bound position through April 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and 4 to 6 years related work experience in fisheries management, ocean technology, MCS, counter IUU fishing, or other related field.
• Strong knowledge of ocean/fisheries technologies and fisheries sustainability and management.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex projects or initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent technical and analytical skills related to large-scale/distant-water fisheries.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Team player and able to work effectively with diverse groups in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, set priorities, and deliver quality results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Experience engaging with the seafood industry and seafood brands.
• Fluency in English is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or higher.
• Experience working onboard fishing vessels and/or within the broader fishing industry and/or with EM.
• Experience working with marine protected areas and developing strategic partnerships with technology providers.
• Experience in achieving environmental and/or social change in the seafood sector through technology solutions.
• Experience in traceability and risk identification services for seafood companies.
• Experience drafting business cases to increase uptake and/or scaling technology solutions.
• Experience designing, developing, or deploying innovative technologies.
• Foreign language abilities, particularly Mandarin Chinese or Bahasa Indonesian.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the Electronic Monitoring and Connectivity for Crews at Sea project activities in collaboration with the Labor Rights and Fisheries Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Outcomes, and in-region partners.
• Support the development of EM video data sharing amongst relevant stakeholders, including buyers/traders/brands, crews, observers, captains, vessel owners, worker organizations, and technical experts.
• Support the installation and piloting of electronic monitoring and Wi-Fi technologies onboard 10 distant water fishing vessels.
• Co-develop a process for EM review that is integrated into grievance mechanisms to better identify and resolve labor risks.
• Develop and socialize a business case for connectivity for crews at sea.
• Draft guidance on EM and Wi-Fi systems, including recommendations on crew Wi-Fi access standards and regulations.
• Explore the applicability of emerging technologies, such as AI, to safeguard crew and observer welfare at sea.
• Support engagements with the seafood buyers and suppliers.
• Manage the implementation of technology solutions across CI's fisheries engagements.
• Manage the delivery of CI's EM and offshore fisheries strategy.
• Support information sharing and cross-collaboration on fisheries, monitoring, control, and surveillance, and technology.
• Provide technical advice and support to CI countries' programs delivering EM and Wi-Fi programs.
• Manage project workplans, budgets, and timelines.
• Facilitate grants and contracts with technical partners.
• Build stakeholder understanding and support by developing fact sheets, statistics, and related communication materials.
• Represent the organization externally and serve as a trusted point of contact for CI.
• Identify opportunities for program growth and development.
• Support CI's engagement in regional and global coalitions and communities of practice related to distant water fisheries and fisheries transparency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees