Our vision is for the world’s oceans teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations.

Through our internationally recognised certification and ecolabelling program, well-managed sustainable fisheries are recognised and rewarded in the marketplace, through the leadership of our partners. Over 600 fisheries around the world, representing 19% of the annual global marine catch, are now engaged in the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) program and MSC-certified and labelled seafood products are now available in over 100 countries.

Underpinning and integral to the MSC’s work and its ecolabel program are the standards which it sets and maintains: the Fishery Standards and the Chain of Custody Standards. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Chief Standards Officer plays a key strategic and leadership role within the MSC. As part of the Executive Committee, the post holder contributes to the global delivery of the vision and mission of the MSC and to the collective management and strategic development of the organisation.

Leading the Science & Standards department and working collaboratively with colleagues across the global organisation, the Chief Standards Officer has direct accountability and responsibility for the development, maintenance and management of the MSC’s Standards (fisheries and supply chain).  They are accountable for ensuring the credibility and operational effectiveness of all MSC Standards.  Alongside their executive colleagues, the Chief Standards Officer provides advice to the MSC’s governance bodies, including the Board, Stakeholder Advisory Council and Technical Advisory Board.

Externally, the Chief Standards Officer plays an important role in representing the MSC, promoting and representing the MSC in an international context, and working with key stakeholders to foster and enable their collaboration and engagement with the MSC Standards and their development. 

The Chief Standards Officer will combine technical expertise, credibility, vision, and innovation with exceptional leadership skills, gravitas, energy and a strong spirit of collaboration. This person will bring significant expertise and experience in international standard setting, standard design and policy development. It is desirable, but not essential, to bring specialist subject knowledge and experience at a senior level in applied fisheries science with experience in an active fishery management role either as a practitioner or adviser is desirable. Knowledge and experience of supply chain issues (including traceability) as they relate to chain of custody certification would be desirable, as would experience of supply chains in emerging economies.

A track record of extensive and effective leadership and management at a senior level is critical; the ability to build and maintain relationships and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders both internally and externally, as well as excellent communication skills is also essential. 

This role is key to ensuring the international credibility, rigour, quality, consistency and accessibility of the MSC program: it provides a tremendous opportunity for the right individual to make a significant contribution to towards the delivery of MSC’s mission and vision.

How to apply

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you currently have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom or if you would require sponsorship to do so.

The deadline for applications is Monday 7th October.  

Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver during the week of the 21st October. These will be one-hour virtual conversations, with the option to meet in person if preferred. 

Formal interviews with MSC will take place virtually during the week of the 18th November. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements. 

The salary is competitive with the seniority of the appointment.

The location for the role is London, United Kingdom with hybrid working including the expectation to work in the MSC’s offices in Central London at least 50% of the month.

To get in touch confidentially about this role, or for advice on your application please email, George Hourmouzios george.hourmouzios@perrettlaver.com.

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please email Mandy Wedgwood mandy.wedgwood@perrettlaver.com.

If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via accessibility@perrettlaver.com. 

The MSC is committed to the principles of equality and fairness, and we welcome applications from all communities. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, ethnicity, race, colour, religion or belief, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. If you consider yourself to have a disability and need reasonable adjustments made during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know how we can help you.

GDPR

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