Blue Food Specialist

We seeks a Blue Food Specialist with experience in the seafood sector. The Blue Food Specialist, will be responsible for leading and coordinating efforts to promote the sustainability of "blue foods" within our organization, and within the tourism industry. Blue foods refer to aquatic food sources, including fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, that play a crucial role in global food systems and nutrition. The role will be managing partners and a network of projects/initiatives that aim to improve sustainability of artisanal fisheries /national fisheries that may not have the right market conditions to pursue certification. The Blue Food Specialist will help build resilient coastal communities, while meeting the needs of Iberostar’s restaurant and purchasing departments through collaboration with stakeholders.

Role and Responsibilities

Sustainable Sourcing and Fisheries Management:

• Develop and oversee sustainable sourcing strategies for blue food products,building on Iberostar’s Lifting up Local strategy in coordination with the purchases department and kitchens.
• Collaborate with appropriate local partners to promote responsible fishing practices, minimize bycatch, and reduce the environmental impact of fishing activities.
• Collaboratively support implementation and monitoring of programs.

Stock health, management plans and market demand:

• Evaluate and accept new pipeline projects in aquaculture, fishing, and other blue foods based nationally in Iberostar locations to work towards sector-aligned improvement in sustainability with a focus on stock health, environmental and social impact, and resilient management plans
• Identify potential risks to marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and coordinate actions to address risks

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility:

• Engage with local communities and distributors to incentivize sustainable fisheries at community level and prepare to enter the value chain.
• Work in collaboration with the Destination Stewards to identify priorities of the destination and engage relevant stakeholders in support of building and enhancing local small scale local blue food activities.

Research and Innovation:

• Stay updated on the latest advancements and research in blue food sustainability, aquaculture practices, and fisheries management.
• Explore innovative technologies and practices that can enhance the sustainability and efficiency of blue food production.

Supply Chain Traceability:

• Ensure transparency and accountability in the sourcing and distribution of blue food items.

Communication and Advocacy to enhance market demand of small scale blue food offerings:

• Represent the organization in industry forums, conferences, and sustainability initiatives related to blue foods.
• Communicate the organization's commitment to blue food sustainability to customers, partners, and the public.

Job Requirements

• Master's degree or greater in environmental science, marine biology, fisheries management, sustainability, or a related field.
• Proven experience in small scale sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture, or marine conservation.
• Familiarity with seafood certification schemes and sustainability standards (e.g., MSC, ASC, GlobalG.A.P.).
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and build partnerships.
• Passion for marine conservation and a commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the blue food industry.
• Knowledge of supply chain management and traceability systems..
• Experience in social impact initiatives or community development is strongly desired.

Skills

• A team player, with strengths in maintaining positive relationships with team members.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, creating and promoting positive and productive working environment with internal and external partners
• Ability to transfer knowledge and provide guidance.
• Independent worker with initiative and ability to problem solve.
• Diving experience desired.
• Public speaking experience.
• Spanish and English language fluency.
• High skill-level in Microsoft office, Google and modeling programs.