Applications are invited for a four-year appointment to the position of Executive Secretary of South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (SEAFO). 

The objective of SEAFO is to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources in the Convention Area through the effective implementation of the Convention (see www.seafo.org).

Summary description of the position and responsibilities

The Executive Secretary is SEAFO’s chief administrative officer and must be impartial and objective in promoting and coordinating the interests of all Contracting Parties.  He/she will be responsible for the effective management of the Secretariat and administration of SEAFO’s appropriations and budget. The Executive Secretary will be appointed by and subject to general supervision of the SEAFO Commission.  He/she is responsible for delivering a professional level of service to the Contracting Parties on behalf of SEAFO

The Executive Secretary appoints and exercises full authority over the staff of the Secretariat and performs such other functions as described in the SEAFO Convention, the Rules of Procedure of the Commission and subsidiary bodies and the SEAFO Staff Regulations. 

Functions of the Executive Secretary will include, among others things, the following

·       Undertaking all necessary arrangements for annual and other meetings of SEAFO and its subsidiary bodies and committee, including the preparation and transmission of draft provisional agendas and for respective bodies and committee in consultations with their respective chairpersons

·       Managing and controlling the Secretariat’s expenses and appropriations according to the financial Regulations and decisions of SEAFO

·       Preparing annual budget estimates and forecasts, annual financial statements and other documents as required by SEAFO

·       Appointing and managing the Secretariat staff

·       Recording the proceedings, resolutions, proposals, decisions and recommendations adopted by all meetings as required

·       Exercising leadership and innovation in the application of computer services and information and communication technology

·       Liaising with governments and international fisheries organisations

·       Representing SEAFO at meetings of other international organisations, as required

·       Working closely with the Chairpersons of the Commission and other bodies

·       Performing such other functions as may be assigned to him / her by the Commission or its Chairperson

Experience and skills required

The Executive Secretary shall be a national of a State or regional economic integration organisation that is a signatory or Contracting Party to SEAFO.  He/she shall have

• Proven work experience in progressively more senior management positions.
• Proven knowledge of regional fisheries management organisations, resources management, fisheries related instruments
• A recognised advance degree, preferably post-graduate qualifications in marine sciences, international marine law, environmental management or related fields
• Excellent written and communication skills in English preferably with good working knowledge of Portuguese

Remuneration

Salary and allowances shall be set at a competitive level and commensurate with the duties of the post, and the qualification and experience of the selected candidate

Application Procedure

Application in writing, accompanied by a curriculum vitae, giving full details of work experience and the names of three referees should be submitted not later than Friday 29 August 2008 to

Mr. Frans Tsheehama

Chairperson of SEAFO Commission

P.O. Box 4296 Walvis Bay, Namibia.

E-mails: info@seafo.org  and oshooya@mfmr.gov.na

Fax:  +264-64-220389

Additional information

For additional information, please address your enquiries to Ms. Annie Snyders, Administrative Officer, SEAFO Secretariat, Tel +264-64-220387, Fax: +264-64-220389; Email: asnyders@seafo.org.