Policy Manager

Reporting to: Policy and Programme Management Director

Department: Policy & Programme Management / Technical Operations

Salary and benefits: Commensurate with experience

Contract: Full Time is preferable. However, ASC supports remote and flexible working where possible.

Location: Preferably UK or Netherlands, however candidates from other locations may also be considered if skills and experience match.

About ASC

ASC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2010 to set and operate global standards for responsible aquaculture. Certified farmed products are promoted to consumers through the use of its ASC-logo.

The aquaculture industry is growing strongly and is already supplying more than half of all seafood consumed worldwide, but this growing demand increases the environmental and social footprint associated with this expansion. The ASC certification and labelling programme incentivises improved farming practices by promoting the benefits of responsibly farmed seafood and encourages an industry towards achieving environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

We work across the globe with aquaculture producers, seafood processors, retail and foodservice companies, scientists, conservation groups and the public to make it very easy to recognize and buy farmed seafood that meets the highest environmental standards.

For more information, go to www.asc-aqua.org

Role Summary

This role sits within the Policy and Programme Management Team and works closely with the Standards and Science, Programme Assurance, Market Development and Communications teams. You will directly contribute to the delivery of ASC’s most important strategic projects.

As part of ensuring the ASC remains relevant and effective it is crucial we work with a wide range of stakeholders to continue the development and growth of the ASC programme. ASC’s commitment to best-practice and continued improvement is demonstrated by ASC being a code compliant member of the ISEAL Alliance. This means standards and assurance programme development must engage stakeholders effectively, carefully research technical aspects of new tools and deliver consistently high-quality standards. This will allow ASC to maximise its impact and help deliver on its mission.

Main Responsibilities

There are three main objectives for this role:

1. Deliver effective stakeholder engagement in compliance with ISEAL Standard Setting Code of Best Practice
2. Contribute to improved programme management for ASC’s Standards and Assurance programmes
3. Improve effectiveness of the standards development process and governance structures

Working across ASC the Policy Manager will lead coordination of stakeholder consultations, and other crucial steps in the development process, ensuring credible, relevant outcomes. You would focus on;

• Managing ASC’s stakeholder consultations including participation planning, method selection, delivery, monitoring and evaluation (+50% of role). You will need to build effective relationships across ASC working in a busy, collaborative atmosphere to deliver quality consultations to tight timelines.
• Developing and maintaining project management and CRM tools to improve collaboration and risk monitoring for programme development. ASC is a fast growing organisation and is developing systems to manage the growing scale of its operations. You will be expected to ensure tools are fit for purpose and working well to deliver our goals.
• Support strong governance processes. ASC’s standards and certification programme are overseen by independent experts. You will work with project managers to deliver quality inputs and effective governance processes to maintain the momentum and credibility of ASC.
• You may also contribute to creation and revisions of relevant policy development across the business as needed.

Desired Skills and Experience

To be successful in the role you would ideally have a Degree in a relevant subject and/or experience in policy development, including stakeholder engagement. Quality or project management qualifications will be an advantage and knowledge of social research methods in practice.

For this role, you will need to;

• bring a passion for delivering solutions to environmental and social issues through professional action
• use your strong interpersonal and influencing skills to cultivate and manage pro-active relationships at all levels (internally and externally), especially with stakeholders
• have strong attention to detail and care in handling data essential
• bring digital tools skills including survey, work management and communications packages
• have experience of implementing quality control and assurance processes
• posses a diplomatic approach and appearance in linking policies, process and governance needs with the vision and mission of the ASC Programme
• have strong focus on the delivery
• use great communication skills with a natural ability to interact with a diverse range of people
• have natural Organization and Priorities Management skills to support executing events and complex meetings, Decision making and problem-solving and collaborative teamworking within a remote setting.
• bring new ideas with a creative approach in thinking ‘outside the box’ and enjoy new survey design and evaluation

It is considered highly advantageous if you bring any additional language skill in addition to English.

Benefits / Work Perks

Join a fun and dynamic global team focused on setting and supporting global standards for responsible and sustainable aquaculture for future generations to come!

You will also get;

• To be part of an organisation who are really making a difference!
• ASC supports remote & flexible working opportunities
• Minimum of 25 days holiday
• Competitive benefits locally
• Workstation grant
• Flexible fitness / wellbeing grant
• Paid time to volunteer, up to 6 days per year
• All staff team retreats
• Employee recognition awards
• 1 free coffee a week, on us!

The ASC works across different time zones so the pattern of hours may vary according to operational needs. International travel and overnight stays may be required occasionally.

Sign me up! How do I apply? 

Please e-mail your cover letter and CV, in English, to: recruitment@asc-aqua.org or apply direct via this advert.

Your CV and cover letter will be considered, and we will make a shortlist of candidates to invite to interview. Sometimes you may be asked to prepare additional written materials, past work examples and / or a presentation. Interviews will generally be held via Teams.

 

ASC take data protection very seriously. We will only use any personal information you may choose to give us in connection with your application for this position. If your application is unsuccessful, we will keep your personal information for 6 months, in case any other vacancies arise for which we think you may be suitable. For more information, please read our privacy policy which can be found here: https://asc-aqua.org/privacy/ 

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of choice, reflecting the global community and therefore particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.