Download Marine Institute Job Description

Marine Institute Job Description
Service Group
Director,
Atlantic
Ocean
Research
Alliance
Coordination - BG14 (AORAC-SA Project)
Five Year, Temporary Specified Purpose Contract at
Director Level
Office of the CEO
Location
Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway
Position
Contract
Brief description of the Marine Institute:
The Marine Institute is a non commercial semi-state body, which was formally established by statute
(Marine Institute Act, 1991) in October 1992.
Under the Act, the Marine Institute was given the responsibility:
“to undertake, to co-ordinate, to promote and to assist in marine research and development and to
provide such services related to marine research and development, that in the opinion of the Institute
will promote economic development and create employment and protect the marine environment ”.
The Marine Institute is the national agency responsible for marine research, technology,
development and innovation (RTDI). The Marine Institute seeks to assess and realise the economic
potential of Ireland’s 220 million acre marine resource; promote the sustainable development of
marine industry through strategic funding programmes and scientific services; and safeguard the
marine environment through research and environmental monitoring.
The Institute works in
conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and a network of other
Government Departments, semi-state agencies, national and international marine partners.
The vision of the Marine Institute is
“ a thriving maritime economy in harmony with the ecosystem and supported by the delivery of
excellence in our services “
In order to achieve this vision, the Marine Institute has six Service Areas; (1) Ocean Science &
Information Services, (2) Marine Environment & Food Safety Services, (3) Fisheries Ecosystems
Advisory Services, (4) Irish Maritime Development Office, (5) Office of the CEO, (6) Corporate Services
Harnessing our Ocean Wealth (HOOW) is an Integrated Maritime Plan (IMP) for Ireland. HOOW sets
out a roadmap for the Irish Government’s vision, high level goals and integrated actions across policy,
governance and business to enable our marine potential to be realised. Goal 2 of HOOW focuses on
healthy marine ecosystems and specifically; to protect and conserve our rich marine biodiversity and
ecosystems; manage our living and non-living resources in harmony with the ecosystem; implement
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and comply with environmental legislation (see www.ouroceanwealth.ie).
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Service Group:
The Office of the CEO is a service area of the Marine Institute which provides overall direction and
coordination of foresight, strategic, and research planning activities at national and international
level. It works in association with national and international organisations and the Institute’s other
service areas.
Summary of the Role:
The successful candidate will bring natural skills in leadership and strategic thinking to a flagship
project that will shape the future of marine related international research cooperation between the
European Union, the United States of America and Canada.
The Director will have the opportunity to help realise the objectives of the Galway Statement on
Atlantic
Ocean
Cooperation
(see
http://www.marine.ie/Home/site-area/newsevents/events/atlantic-shared-resource) . This will entail identifying opportunities to influence the
direction of research and policy development to “achieve shared objectives and advance our
knowledge of the Atlantic Ocean”.
The Director will lead a secretariat on behalf of the Atlantic Alliance (AORAC-SA) Project
Management Team to ensure delivery of the a Blue Growth Project with a number of international
partners. This will require an ability to act in a strategic and innovative capacity to identify suitable
research and development opportunities that can harness the potential of the Atlantic. As Director,
you will have oversight responsibility for the delivery of all work packages, with direct responsibility
for three focusing on Coordination, Management, and Governance & Communications.
The secretariat, working with and on behalf of the management team, will assist and provide the
European Commission will logistical, scientific and technical support in facilitating its dialogue with US
and Canadian Atlantic Research Alliance Partners.
The position will include significant travel by an individual whose personal network reflects an ease at
building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.
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Background to Requirement:
Blue Growth is the long term strategy of the European Union to support sustainable growth in the
marine and maritime sectors as a whole. It recognises that seas and oceans are drivers for the
European economy with great potential for innovation and growth. The EU has recognised that the
Atlantic Ocean is a critical component of this strategy, and has published the Atlantic Strategy Action
Plan, which calls for steps to utilise the Atlantic as a shared resource and unified system linking the
continent of Europe with Africa and America.
In support of this the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance Coordination and Support Action (AORAC-SA)
consortium has convened to provide scientific, technical and logistical support to the European
Commission in developing and implementing trans-Atlantic Marine Research Cooperation between
the European Union, the United States of America and Canada.
The members of the consortium are:
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The Marine Institute - MI (Ireland)
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The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas - ICES (Denmark)
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Institut Fraçais de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer – Ifremer (France)
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Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands – PLOCAN (Spain)
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Institute of Marine Research – IMR (Norway)
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The Icelandic Centre for Research – RANNIS – (Iceland)
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Ciȇncia Viva – CV (Portugal)
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Department of Fisheries and Oceans – DFO (Canada)
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World Ocean Council – WCO (UK)
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Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission –IOC UNESCO (France)
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Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – MCTI (Brazil)
The consortium aims among other things to improve international cooperation of marine research
programmes; establishing a long term knowledge sharing platform for easy access to available
information and data holding significant commercial potential relevant to the EU Blue Growth
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Agenda. The Project Manager will work in concert with identified Work Package Leaders (8) to form
the AORAC-SA Management Team.
The Director will join the Senior Management Team in the Marine Institute and with the CEO deliver
as Work Package Leader of Three Work Packages; focussing on Coordination, Management,
Governance and Communications. In addition, the Director, together with a Full Time Administrative
Assistant, will act as a secretariat to provide support to all Work Packages and deal with all legal,
contractual, ethical, financial and administrative matters. The Secretariat will be responsible for dayto-day operations and, in collaboration with the Work Package Leaders, the preparation and delivery
of identified tasks and deliverables by agreed milestones.
The Director, together with the other Work Package Leaders will form the AORAC-SA Management
team. The Project Management Team will convene at least every six months.
The Director will attend, and report progress to, a high-level Operational Board which provides an
overview and advisory role. The Operational Board will include high-level representatives of:
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Marine Institute (Ireland) - (Chair);
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International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES);
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Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas (JPI OCEANS);
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Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC);
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World Ocean Council (WOC);
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA;
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Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Canada;
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Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), Brazil
Principal Tasks:
The Director will be responsible with the CEO of the Marine Institute for the Strategic Direction and
Delivery of the AORAC-SA Project,
The Director will:
 Development and implementation of Strategic work plans in support of BG-14, the Marine
Institute strategy and stakeholder requirements.
 Set Up and Lead the AORAC-SA Programme Secretariat Support Team.
 Lead delivery of the AORAC-SA Project including Three Work Packages awarded to the Marine
Institute:
o Work Package One – Coordination and Governance of the AORAC-SA Project
 AORAC-SA Project coordination.
 Scientific and financial management.
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Establishment, participation of and support for and progress reporting to the
Operational Board for AORAC-SA (Governance body).
Establishment of the AORAC-SA dedicated project Secretariat team.
Liaison with the European Commission to develop and implement transAtlantic Marine Research Cooperation between the European Union, the
United States of America and Canada.
Implementation of governance structures to include establishment of and
support for the Operational Board and Project Reporting (including Annual
Reports).
Coordination of AORAC-SA activities and those of other transatlantic projects
funded under Horizon 2020 and other EU funding programmes.
o
Work Package Two – Delivery of International Networking and Conferences
 Create and lead a Communications and Marketing Programme that will
support and facilitate inclusiveness and “unscheduled” effective networking
and expert workshops.
 Lead the organisation of three Support Action Conferences to
promote inclusiveness and provide a platform to engage the widest European
and North American input in terms of research policy makers and funders,
research performers, major regional and pan-European research networks,
and including industry and NGOs representatives.
 Deliver Two AORAC-SA Conferences (Launch and Conclusion) in Europe, as
well as a planned mid-term Review Conference at a suitable venue on the
North American Continent.
o
Work Package Three – Developing a Brand and Communications Strategy for
AORAC-SA
 Lead the Design, Development and implementation of a Communications
Strategy, including establishment of a project website, project literature and
brand for the AORAC-SA Project;
 Representation of AORCA-SA at major European and North American Marine
Scientific Fora.
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Acting as Secretariat, be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project and, in
collaboration with the Work Package Leaders, the preparation and delivery of identified tasks
and deliverables by agreed milestones.
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Represent AORAC-SA at the Research Alliance high-level Operational Board which is
responsible for guiding and advising the Research Alliance Management Team.
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Lead meetings of the Research Alliance Management Team, twice annually, or as necessary
and may invite observers to its meetings.

Direct, motivate, manage and develop the activities and performance of the AORAC-SA
Project Administrator to achieve excellence.
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Develop and manage relationships with key project partners and stakeholders.
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Ensure effective budgeting and management of the AORAC-SA financial resources.
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Proactive planning and allocation of project resources.
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Provide leadership and coordination in the development of AORAC-SA related initiatives as
may be required.
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Communicate effectively in line with Marine Institute ethos.
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Liaise and work effectively with the Senior Management Team of the Marine Institute and
participate in joint activities where appropriate in concert with the CEO.
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Develop and manage external relationships with stakeholders.
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Ensure effective budgeting and management of the AORAC-SA Programme financial
resources.
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Participate in regular HR reviews, promote training and staff development, to ensure that the
AORAC-SA Team is a rewarding place in which to work.
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Proactive planning and allocation of project resources in line with changing business
priorities.
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Provide leadership and coordination in the development of opportunities and initiatives as
required.
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Any other duties appropriate to the position and grade as assigned from time to time by the
CEO.
Reporting
The successful candidate will report to the named AORAC-SA Project Coordinator. This is the Chief
Executive Officer of the Marine Institute or their nominee.
Contacts:
This role will require the ability to successfully build and maintain relationships, interacting with a
wide range of senior scientific and administrative contacts in the European Commission, the Work
Package host institutes, NOAA (United States), DFO (Canada) and MCTI (Brazil). In addition the role
requires an ability to engage with researchers and industry stakeholders.
These interactions include, but are not limited to:
- The AORAC-SA Project Management team, which includes senior personnel from:
- The Institutes and organisations participating in the project.
- Researchers and industry representatives from Atlantic and other EU countries.
- Government officials from Atlantic and other EU countries.
- The European Commission, specifically staff from DG-Science, Research and Innovation and
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DG Environment, Maritime Affairs & Fisheries.
Within the Marine Institute, the Project Manager will interact with the senior management
team of the Institute and other staff as required.
Education, Professional or Technical Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Aptitudes,
Experience, and Training
Essential:
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A minimum of five years relevant experience of Project Management in an international,
scientific or technical environment.
A Primary Degree in a relevant discipline (science, business, economics or a related subject)
complemented by at least 7 years post qualification relevant work experience.
A clear understanding of the role and vision of the Marine Institute in delivering the AORACSA Project.
Clear strategic vision to formulate and evolve a strategic plan, and an ability to translate that
plan into meaningful objectives.
Strong demonstrated leadership qualities.
Credibility to lead the AORAC-SA Project in communicating effectively with a diverse range of
stakeholders, reflected in experience to date.
Proven ability to manage critical relationships and relate effectively to a diverse range of
people both internal and external to the wider Marine Institute.
An ability to quickly assimilate information, objectively analyse and evaluate complex
information to identify the key issues.
Experience of chairing meetings and achieving consensus with diverse groups.
Experience of the management of research projects and the Research funding Sector.
The ability to identify and resolve conflict situations in early course.
Familiarity with the Blue Growth Agenda and the Horizon 2020 Programme.
A demonstrated ability to deal credibly and professionally on behalf of the Institute and
AORAC-SA Partners.
Demonstrated experience of complex budgeting and financial management.
Highly effective and articulate communications skills, both verbal and written, demonstrating
influence and impact at all levels.
Demonstrates sound judgement in coming to conclusions and in communicating with others.
Track record in initiating and taking personal responsibility for delivering results on key work
activities.
Experience in Strategic Planning & Development.
A demonstrated ability to use sound judgement in coming to conclusions and communicating
with others.
The ability to and experience of maintaining awareness of both national and international
competitive landscape including opportunities for research and innovation.
The ability to present persuasive arguments and maintain focus under pressure.
Effectively plans projects, maximising available resources and setting achievable timeframes
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An ability to easily move between different topic areas and to operate on multiple levels of
detail.
An ability to manage, develop and motivate people at a range of levels and experiences.
Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Good contract management and financial planning skills.
Performance orientated and able to work to the delivery of agreed targets.
Demonstrated experience of complex budgeting and financial management.
Highly effective and articulate communications skills, both verbal and written, demonstrating
influence and impact at all levels.
Demonstrates sound judgement in coming to conclusions and in communicating with others.
Initiates and takes personal responsibility for delivering results on key work activities.
Fluency in English.
The ability to obtain a visa to travel to all the countries in which participating partners are
located.
Competent in the use of MS Office Software.
Desirable:
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A PhD or a post graduate degree in a relevant discipline (science, business, economics or a
related subject) or administration.
A command of one or more European languages.
Full driver’s license.
Special personal attributes required for the position:
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Delegates wisely, shows leadership and challenges others to perform to their potential.
Initiates and drives change.
Can build and develop relationships with stakeholders and key contacts.
Develops new insights into situations and provides innovative solutions to make organisational
improvements.
Can deal effectively under pressure; maintaining focus and composure even in adverse or
challenging situations.
Demonstrates energy, dynamism and a positive mental attitude.
Possesses sound, balanced judgement and strong analytical abilities.
Experience in supervising and collaborating with members of a diverse team.
The ability to manage time effectively and work to deadlines delivering on time and on budget.
Salary:
Remuneration is in accordance with the contributory salary scale of Director as approved by the
Department of Finance. Appointment will be to the first point on the scale which is €79,401 per
annum per annum pro-rated with time worked. You will become a member of the Single Public
Service Pension Scheme.
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Annual Leave:
Annual Leave entitlement will be 30 working days per annum prorated in line with time worked,
exclusive of Public Holidays. All annual leave should be agreed in advance with the CEO or their
nominee.
Duration of Contract:
This temporary specified purpose contract of employment will run for a duration of up to five years.
The successful candidate will be on probation for the first six months of this contract.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in this opportunity we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a
detailed letter of application and an up to date C.V. to Catherine Johnston, Human Resources
Manager, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co Galway or email to [email protected]
All correspondence for this post should quote reference DIR-BG14-2015.
Please note email applications will only be accepted at this address and applications are not valid
until you have received confirmation of your application.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5p.m. Friday 13th February 2015. Late applications will
not be accepted
The Marine Institute is an equal opportunities employer
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