​ICES is the world’s longest-standing intergovernmental marine science organization. Our mission is to advance and share scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and the services they provide and to use this knowledge to generate state-of-the-art evidence-based advice to meet conservation, management, and sustainability goals. We are a global leader in marine science with 20 Member Countries located around the North Atlantic and a network comprising approximately 6,500 scientists from over 700 marine institutes.

We are committed to better understanding marine ecosystems and securing sustainable benefits for society. Our Strategic Plan defines our direction and priorities in science, data, and advice. To fulfil the plan, we work collaboratively, using our broad international network to generate and share the data, knowledge, and advice that society needs. Our work is accomplished by scientists working together in expert groups, workshops, and committees.

The Advisory Committee (ACOM) is the voice of ICES advice, translating the best available science into advice on the sustainable use, provision of services, and protection of marine ecosystems. ACOM responds to requests for advice from governments and intergovernmental organizations, following ICES principles for ecosystem-based management, providing advice that is understandable, timely, and relevant to society. ACOM is a highly active, collaborative group which produces more than 200 advisory products each year through committee consensus. Membership comprises the Chair, who has general oversight and provides leadership to the development of our advisory approaches; four Vice-chairs overseeing designated areas of advice; and representatives from each of our member countries.

Key activities in this role

As Vice-chair, you will play a pivotal role in fulfilling ICES advisory work, particularly within the ecosystem services and effects portfolio. You will work very closely with the ACOM Chair, the other Vice-chairs, and ICES Secretariat teams to oversee the production of:

• Ecosystem, fisheries and aquaculture overviews
• Bycatch advice
• Conservation and biodiversity advice
• Eel advice

Together with the ACOM Chair and three other Vice-chairs, you will contribute to the leadership of ACOM. You will chair or guide meetings such as Advice Drafting Groups, Review Groups, strategic sub-groups, and ACOM web conferences. You will also be involved in the outward promotion and communication of ICES advice, products, and relevant work to advice requesters as well as observers. The role involves some travel to our Annual Science Conference, ACOM meetings, and advice presentations. Finally, you will be expected to contribute to the development of ICES advisory approaches, including the development of integrated advice products and services.

Your insights and contributions will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of ACOM and ICES. Join us in this leadership role, where you can make a tangible difference translating marine science to advice on the sustainable use of our seas and their living marine resources. You will have broad exposure to our network of experts, develop close collaboration with leading experts in the community, and work on the policy–science interface: a particularly fulfilling aspect of the role.

Person specification

To be considered for this appointment, it is expected that you possess the following:

Qualifications, experience, and knowledge

• An education from a recognized university in a relevant scientific discipline, followed by at least 10 years of work experience within a marine science discipline
• Professional experience that includes assessments of marine ecosystems
• Experience with the challenges of converting scientific knowledge into policy advice in a clear and understandable manner
• Excellent knowledge of advisory needs for ICES recipients of advice and the policy drivers
• Good knowledge of ICES advisory principles and framework and advice production processes. (Previous experience within ICES science and advisory process would be a distinct advantage.)
• Experience with building and maintaining strategic relationships with clients, partners, and collaborators
• Demonstrable leadership experience in marine science

Skills and attributes