Fisheries Economist

Job Title: Fisheries Economist
Agency: Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority
Location: Majuro, Marshall Islands (MIMRA HQ)
Duration: 100 Days input over 1 year with extension subject to performance

I. Backgroud

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) in the Western and Central Pacific comprises of twenty-nine (29) low lying coral atolls and five (5) low coral islands. These atolls and islands are scattered over the expanse of the Pacific, with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2 million kilometers. 
The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) has been mandated by the RMI government to facilitate the management, sustainability and responsible use of marine resources of the country, while maximizing benefits from the use of fisheries within environmental limits. To fulfill its mandate, MIMRA departments are divided into Coastal, Oceanic, Corporate Services and Finance, Legal, Administration, and Executive Management divisions.
To support the implementation of the World Bank-financed RMI PROPER Project, a Project Management Unit (PMU) consisting of a Project Coordinator, Finance Officer, Environment and Safeguard Officer, and Project Assistant is already established in MIMRA.  The RMI PROPER PMU is responsible for coordinating the administrative management and implementation of the Project with the RMI Ministry of Natural Resources & Commerce (RMI MNRC), within MIMRA. MIMRA will also be responsible for preparing and implementing the Project in accordance with guidelines and regulations as well as the annual work plans and budgets which will detail project activities and eligible expenditures.  
Pursuant to the above, MIMRA is seeking for a qualified Fisheries Economist to provide MIMRA with sound economic analysis and advice to inform fisheries negotiations, investment and management decisions.

II. Main Objectives of the Assignment 

The Fisheries Economist will assist to develop a repository for all the data needed to fulfill reporting obligations, and of importance for RMI for monitoring the economic performance of the sector and inform decision-making at national level. The Fisheries Economist will be responsible for collecting the required economic data to be used in an economic model, a dashboard, and analysis. The Economist will conduct economic analysis, with the model or other economic tools and methodologies, as relevant, and will prepare recommendations for informing MIMRA’s decision-making process.

III. Scope of services
A. Scope of responsibilities and key tasks
The Fisheries Economist will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities: 

• Develop an economic simulation model with key indicators for:

1. 1. Estimating the economy, profitability and efficiency of the tuna fishing fleets operating in the RMI waters and associated sectors (e.g., tuna processing, fleet services) operating as part of the value chains in RMI;
   2. estimating the contributions of the tuna fisheries and associated value chains to the local, regional and foreign economies;
   3.  identifying the present sources of domestic value-added and their specific/relative contribution to growth of RMI’s gross domestic product (GDP);
   4. describing the distribution of the revenues amongst the economic agents (State, investors, labor force);
   5. supporting the identification of possible sources of future domestic growth related to the tuna industry and associated sector operations, improvement of the economic efficiency of the operations for the country (including options for improving the PNA vessel day scheme (VDS) in RMI) and/or through expansion of the value chain, and estimate their specific and relative potential to contribute to RMI’s GDP growth, as a measure of identifying priorities for sector investments;
   6. simulating the potential impacts of socio-economic and resource management measures that could be implemented by the national and regional institutions, or of major “shocks” and upheavals affecting the tuna industry and associated sectors (e.g., climate events, climate change, market crisis)
      The economic simulation model – built as a spreadsheet platform - will consist of modules that permit actual estimation, forecasting under several scenarios, and comparison of values of the key indicators.
      Data requirements, key parameters and indicators, and assumptions needed to drive the model will be defined by the fisheries economist.

• Develop a dashboard of key indicators to monitor the fisheries sector and the impact of sectoral measures put in place. Notably:
  
  1. The set of key indicators for the regular monitoring of the tuna industry sector will be defined along with the data format and their potential sources.  A data flow chart (including possible articulation with the simulation model) and calendar will be proposed for updating the dashboard on a periodic basis.
  2. The fisheries economist will oversee developing, testing and running the model and the dashboard. In case of unavailability of data for the model, the fisheries economist will have to build a set of data for simulation purposes, based on his/her best knowledge of the sector, and he/she will have to indicate use of proxy data and explain the assumptions used to estimate them. Reviewing the pertinence and producing recommendations on investments and reforms, for instance concessionary access fees; public support for domestic and locally based vessels; feasibility, costs and benefits of public and private investment proposals in the fisheries sector, including onshore developments; economic impact of fisheries conservation proposals and declared Marine Protected Areas; and others, as relevant; to MIMRA management for guiding decision.
• Lead reporting on fisheries economics by:
  
  1. Contributing to preparing reports to the MIMRA Board, and other bodies on the economic aspects of the fisheries and returns achieved.
  2. Facilitating dissemination of economic information on the fisheries sector to national, sub-regional, regional and international organizations, as per reporting obligations.
  3. Preparing monthly economic briefs and other required reports to management.
• Liaise closely with economists working for FFA and PNAO for mentoring and support.
• Assist with representing MIMRA at relevant meetings to represent RMI interests in the fisheries sector for securing the country economic well-being
• Perform other duties as assigned.

B. Expected key deliverables

• Functioning bio-economic model and economic dashboard responding to the needs of MIMRA.
• Identify data requirements and coordinate its collection, and acquire other relevant data or proxy information.
• Timely dissemination of economic information as per reporting obligations at national, sub-regional, regional and international levels, and MIMRA needs.
• Appropriate, relevant and timely recommendations, advice, and reports related to fisheries economy provided to MIMRA

C. Reporting

• The Fisheries Economist will report to the Deputy Director for Oceanic and Industrial Affairs.

IV. EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

• University degree in Economics or equivalent, specializing in renewable natural resource economics, with an exposure to the fisheries sector highly desirable
• Specialized training in modelling, ideally bio-economic modelling, and other forms of economic analysis is desirable
• Minimum 8 years of experience as an Economic Analyst.
• Fluent in English (orally and written) with excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent computer literacy
• Experience in the public service and fisheries is desirable
• Excellent attention to detail and process
• Highly motivated, trustworthy and dependable
• Honest and committed to work
• Supportive and accountable to effective delivery of services to client
  • Additional Desirable Requirements: 
    ●    Ability to learn quickly
    ●    Organized and detail-oriented person
    ●    Good communication skills
    ●    Experience in fisheries and/or Pacific Islands is desirable

Downloadable Documents:

• Job Application Form
• Position TOR