Technical Advisory Board Members

MSC expanding its reach and engagement

The Marine Stewardship Council’s vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations.  Through our internationally recognised certification and ecolabeling program well-managed sustainable fisheries are recognised and rewarded in the marketplace, through the leadership of our partners.  Critically, other fisheries are incentivised to improve their performance to meet the growing demand for certified sustainable and traceable seafood choice.  Over 400 fisheries around the world, representing 19% of the annual global marine catch, are now engaged in the MSC program and over 1200 documented improvements to the way our oceans are being fished have been recorded.  MSC certified and labelled seafood products are now available in over 100 countries.

MSC contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Within the wider ocean landscape, MSC plays an important role in contributing to the delivery of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  Set out in our Integrated Strategic Plan, our strategic priorities are underpinned by ambitious goals aligned to SDG 14 – Life Below Water: we are aiming to engage at least one-third of the world’s fisheries in our program by 2030.

Strong governance for our sustainable fisheries standard

Fundamental to MSC’s success and strategic evolution over the past 25 years has been our multi-stakeholder governance model, led by its Board of Trustees.  The Board sets MSC’s strategic direction, guiding and overseeing delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities.   In doing so, it is supported by advice from the Executive, which in turn is advised by the Technical Advisory Board (TAB), responsible for providing scientific and technical advice, and the Stakeholder Advisory Council (STAC) which, through its multi-stakeholder membership, provides stakeholder advice and perspectives.

The Technical Advisory Board was created in 2002.  It works in close collaboration with the MSC Executive to provide advice to the MSC Board of Trustees on technical and scientific matters relating to the MSC Standards and associated policies, including developing policies and methodologies for certification and accreditation, as well as related scientific and technical research.

The Technical Advisory Board comprises a sub-group for fisheries scientists and marine experts, and a second sub-group for individuals with supply chain and standard setting expertise.  Its membership reflects diverse experiences, geographies and expertise in relation to the work of the MSC.  It holds at least two meetings a year (typically in-person), and its members also participate in issue-specific working groups throughout the year (usually virtual meetings). 

New openings on the MSC Technical Advisory Board

As a result of several retirements, we are now seeking to appoint up to three new Members to the TAB:

• one member for our designated fisheries seats: for this seat, we are seeking an individual with substantial applied fisheries science expertise including, ideally, the application of the MSC’s Fisheries Standard.  Expertise in pelagics or groundfish would also be desirable.
• two members for our supply chain seats: for these vacancies we are seeking candidates who bring expertise relevant to MSC’s program in either (a) supply chain and/or chain of custody standards or policies, or (2) policymaking related to social issues in supply chains.  In both cases, experience in the seafood industry would be highly desirable.

Person specification

Candidates must possess a high level of credibility in their field, demonstrated by a proven track record of expertise and experience that will allow them to contribute meaningfully to the TAB’s work (including, for instance, through their professional career and, where relevant, record of publications).  A strong knowledge and understanding of the practical application and impact of the standards and policies that the TAB helps to develop will be critical.

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate high levels of integrity, objectivity and fairness and an ability to look forward and see the bigger picture.  The ability to work effectively in a team and to engage in a constructive and open manner is essential.  Good spoken and written English skills are also necessary.  

We value and promote diversity within our Technical Advisory Board.  It is vital that we continue to draw our TAB members from the widest possible talent pool, bringing with them different expertise, ideas and perspectives to inform our discussions and decisions.  We therefore strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates, from all demographic groups, communities and geographies, especially those currently under-represented on the TAB.  With that in mind, we particularly welcome applications from candidates from Asia, but candidates from all geographies are welcome to apply.

Technical Advisory Board members serve in a personal capacity, not as representatives of their organisations.  TAB members must be sympathetic to the aims and objectives of the MSC and must engage and participate actively in the work of the TAB throughout their term. 

Appointments to the TAB are normally for terms of three years.  TAB positions are unremunerated, but reasonable and appropriate expenses for travel to meetings will be paid, where required.

How to apply

To apply for these positions, please send a CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience and knowledge would enable you to contribute to the Technical Advisory Board.

Applications should be received by Monday 4th November 2024 at 0900 GMT.  You should send your application to TABrecruitment@msc.org, indicating clearly in the title of the email the seat (fisheries science or supply chain) for which you are applying.  Any queries should be sent to the same email address.

Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held by MS Teams in November 2024.