Policy Officer (Bycatch Mitigation and Fisheries Management)

Policy Officer (bycatch mitigation and fisheries management)

Competitive Salary: total package of £45,342 - £55,705
Includes a 25% (taxable) gratuity, paid upon successful completion of contract. Salary on appointment dependent on skills and experience.

Salary package also includes:

• Flights package for you and any accompanying dependents
• 41 days paid leave (includes Public and Government Holidays)
• Relocation allowance to help with moving costs
• Government housing for rent and a starter pack to help you settle in
• Favourable income tax rates
• A stimulating and supportive setting to work in and a unique and beautiful setting to live in.

The post is for a fixed term of up to four years in the first instance with the possibility of extension. Secondment and Interchange opportunities will be considered.

Please note, successful applicants with Falkland Islands Status/PRP will be employed on local terms and conditions.

The Opportunity:

The Falkland Islands Fishery is recognised globally for its management of sustainable fish stocks. As the single largest contributor to the Falkland Islands' GDP, the continued success of the Fishery is vital to the future economic development of the country.

The Role:

The position takes a leading role in interaction assessment, mitigation and policy development for unwanted bycatch of higher-level marine animals during commercial fisheries including coordination and implementation of the National Plan of Action for seabirds and other bycatch (e.g. seals). The post holder will provide policy support for the development of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) and associated work such as consultations and policy drafting. It involves working closely with Falkland Island Fisheries Department (FIFD) observers, managers, stakeholders and external experts. The post will provide the science-policy interface in relation to fisheries bycatch mitigation work and fisheries management and publicise the work both locally and internationally.

The successful candidate will have:

• A Degree in a related subject (e.g. marine biology, ecology or policy)
• Post-graduate degree (MSc or equivalent) in Marine Biology/Ecology or related subject
• At least 3 years of work experience in bycatch mitigation relating to the fishing activity and/or fisheries management
• A good understanding of commercial fisheries and fisheries management processes and solutions
• Experience working across government departments and engaging with stakeholders, ideally conducting policy consultation exercises
• Good understanding of the ecology of seabirds and marine mammals, and associated conservation issues
• Substantial level of computer literacy, including experience of working with databases (in MS Access)
• Skills in statistical analysis and statistical programmes (e.g. R), with an ability to analyse and manage large datasets
• Excellent communication skills in English with strong interpersonal and networking skills. Proven ability to work with a range of stakeholders and convey technical and scientific concepts and facts to a variety of audiences, including industry, government leaders, international scientists, and the general public
• Ability to write detailed comprehensive reports and policy submissions for cross government and external consultation and for Government officials.
• Ability to organise and lead meetings and workshops

For further information regarding the position please contact Rachel Hanbury, Head of Fisheries Management Manager, by email at [email protected]

Timetable for Recruitment and Selection Process

Closing Date for Applications: 16th September 2026
Shortlisting commencing from: 21st September 2026
Interviews week commencing from: 28th September 2026

Falkland Islands Government (FIG)

The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory, with full internal self-government.

As the largest employer in the Falkland Islands, we offer many unique and fulfilling job opportunities, across the full spectrum of public services. Our responsibilities include those typically managed by central government – taxation, legislation and policy, as well as those usually managed on a local level such as town planning, health and social services, and education. FIG also provides services specific to the needs of the Falkland Islands, such as fisheries research, power generation and the Government Air Service, FIGAS.

For more information about working for Falkland Islands Government, take a look at our recruitment microsite: www.jobs.gov.fk

The Falkland Islands

Set in the South Atlantic Ocean, around 400 miles east of South America and 8000 miles south-west of the UK, the Falkland Islands are a small, thriving community with a British way of life, benefiting from good local services, a varied social calendar and an absence of traffic jams!

The Falkland Islands’ stunning natural environment provides an unspoiled landscape and amazing wildlife to observe and explore, including penguins, whales and dolphins, all seen from the shore.

For those with a sense of adventure, it provides opportunities which are hard to match anywhere else in the world.