Vice-chair of the Advisory Committee (ACOM) We are seeking an exceptional individual to fill the part-time role of Vice-chair of the Advisory Committee (ACOM). This is an exciting opportunity to represent the Advisory Committee and ICES within our community and beyond. Published: 14 May 2024 Page Content
โICES is the world's longest-standing intergovernmental marine science organization. Our mission is to advance and share scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and the services they provide and to use this knowledge to generate state-of-the-art evidence-based advice to meet conservation, management, and sustainability goals. We are a global leader in marine science with 20 Member Countries located around the North Atlantic and a network comprising approximately 6,500 scientists from over 700 marine institutes.
We are committed to better understanding marine ecosystems and securing sustainable benefits for society. Our Strategic Plan defines our direction and priorities in science, data, and advice. To fulfil the plan, we work collaboratively, using our broad international network to generate and share the data, knowledge, and advice that society needs. Our work is accomplished by scientists working together in expert groups, workshops, and committees.
The Advisory Committee (ACOM) is the voice of ICES advice, translating the best available science into advice on the sustainable use, provision of services, and protection of marine ecosystems. ACOM responds to requests for advice from governments and intergovernmental organizations, following ICES principles for ecosystem-based management, providing advice that is understandable, timely, and relevant to society. ACOM is a highly active, collaborative group which produces more than 200 advisory products each year through committee consensus. Membership comprises the Chair, who has general oversight and provides leadership to the development of our advisory approaches; four Vice-chairs overseeing designated areas of advice; and representatives from each of our member countries.
Key activities in this role
As Vice-chair, you will play a pivotal role in fulfilling ICES advisory work, particularly within the ecosystem services and effects portfolio. You will work very closely with the ACOM Chair, the other Vice-chairs, and ICES Secretariat teams to oversee the production of:
- Ecosystem, fisheries and aquaculture overviews
- Bycatch advice
- Conservation and biodiversity advice
- Eel advice
Together with the ACOM Chair and three other Vice-chairs, you will contribute to the leadership of ACOM. You will chair or guide meetings such as Advice Drafting Groups, Review Groups, strategic sub-groups, and ACOM web conferences. You will also be involved in the outward promotion and communication of ICES advice, products, and relevant work to advice requesters as well as observers. The role involves some travel to our Annual Science Conference, ACOM meetings, and advice presentations. Finally, you will be expected to contribute to the development of ICES advisory approaches, including the development of integrated advice products and services.
Your insights and contributions will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of ACOM and ICES. Join us in this leadership role, where you can make a tangible difference translating marine science to advice on the sustainable use of our seas and their living marine resources. You will have broad exposure to our network of experts, develop close collaboration with leading experts in the community, and work on the policyโscience interface: a particularly fulfilling aspect of the role.
Person specificationTo be considered for this appointment, it is expected that you possess the following:
Qualifications, experience, and knowledge
- An education from a recognized university in a relevant scientific discipline, followed by at least 10 years of work experience within a marine science discipline
Experience with the challenges of converting scientific knowledge into policy advice in a clear and understandable mannerExcellent knowledge of advisory needs for ICES recipients of advice and the policy driversGood knowledge of ICES advisory principles and framework and advice production processes. (Previous experience within ICES science and advisory process would be a distinct advantage.)
Experience with building and maintaining strategic relationships with clients, partners, and collaboratorsDemonstrable leadership experience in marine science
Skills and attributes
Outstanding interpersonal skills โ you treat others with sensitivity and dignity and tailor your behaviour to the audience
Strong communicator โ your spoken and written English are excellent, and you know how to interact with people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. You can deliver clear and convincing presentations and are also an effective listener.
High integrity โ you uphold a high standard of ethics, fairness, and professional conduct.Resilient โ you can adapt in the face of unexpected obstacles and handle pressure effectively and optimisticallyCooperative โ you can work flexibly to meet the organization's needs and are willing to travel as neededCommitted to public service โ you are motivated to achieve the mission and objectives of ICES and are empathetic to the public interests of our member states
Terms of appointmentThe appointment will be part-time (0.37 FTE) for a period of three years, with a possibility for a three-year extension. The position will be based remotely but will involve regular travel to ICES Headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, the costs of which are reimbursable by the organization.
ICES will pay a monthly honorarium of 36,733 DKK for this post, either directly or to a nominated employer. In accordance with the terms of this honorarium-based position, please note that it is up to the Vice-chair to make contributions to pension and social security funds.
Recruitment procedure
All applications will be reviewed by a recruitment panel with representatives from ACOM leadership, ACOM, and the Advice Department. The Council will provide a final approval of the recruitment panel's recommendation.
โExpected timeline
Vacancy announcement: May 2024Application deadline: 23:59 (CET) 14 June 2024Applications review and shortlisting: Mid-June 2024Online Interviews: 4 July 2024Start date: January 2025How to apply
Applications should be submitted via Talent Attractโ no later than 14 June 2024. Click the 'apply now' button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter.
Additional information can be obtained from the ACOM Chair, Colm Lordan, or Head of the Advice Department Lotte Worsรธe Clausen. Information about ICES is available at http://www.ices.dk.