OFFSHORE CONSENTS ASSESSMENTS MANAGER
FURTHER PARTICULARS FOR APPLICANTS
1. THE POST
Background
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), an umbrella organisation of eight associations from around the Scottish mainland coasts and Northern Isles, is the national trade body for the catching sector of the fishing industry. SFF plays an active role in advancing the interests of Scottish fishermen at national and international levels through lobbying activity and other initiatives.
The aims and purpose of SFF are:

• Promoting and protecting the collective interests of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation Constituent Associations.

• Supporting production of healthy and sustainable wild-caught seafood, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry and our marine environment.

• Advancing the reputation of fishing by championing responsible practice in meeting a growing demand for healthy, climate-smart food.

• Improving fishing safety through supporting and promoting professional standards of training and compliance with safety standards.

• Showing fishing as a positive career choice – one with a viable and positive future.

A policy team, guided by the SFF Executive Committee and led by the Chief Executive Officer, works to achieve these aims. We have a vacancy within this team and are recruiting an Offshore Consents Assessments Manager.
Purpose
To develop and take forward SFF’s interests on scoping, analysing, assessing and responding to environmental impact assessments submitted for offshore consents, especially with regard to offshore renewables developments and subsea cable projects. The post-holder will also support the offshore energy policy manager with other pre-consent stages, representing SFF at external meetings as appropriate.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the post holder will also work closely with other members of the policy team and the SFF’s membership to further the industry’s aims. SFF is Aberdeen-based and we can offer hybrid working arrangements in line with our internal policies. The job is likely to involve travel within the UK and may also occasionally require travel overseas, for which all reasonable expenses will be met.
This is a full-time, 3-year fixed-term post with the possibility of extension.
2. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Offshore Consents Assessments Manager’s principal duties and responsibilities will include:
· Taking the lead on scrutinising the scoping reports and environmental impact assessments submitted for offshore renewable developments and subsea cable projects to assess if impacts on fishing have been correctly analysed and presented, working with other SFF staff and SFF’s constituent Associations to calibrate, challenge and submit agreed views meeting agreed deadlines.
· Working with SFF staff and constituent Associations on the collation, analysis and presentation of fishing and economic data to assess and challenge developers’ assessments.
· Liaising with developers and consultants during the process of assessments being developed, presenting SFF’s agreed position.
· Drafting, reaching agreement and submitting SFF’s responses to formal and informal consultations on assessments submitted for offshore developments within agreed deadlines.
· Building and maintaining relationships with government departments (both U.K. and Scottish) and other stakeholders, and with external consultancies engaged in carrying out relevant assessments.
· Representing SFF in a range of relevant fora, including with governments, stakeholders and other interested parties.
· Contributing to SFF’s input to policy proposals from both UK and Scottish Governments with regard to offshore renewable development and linkages with wider marine planning.
· QHSE responsibilities as laid down in the QHSE Manual.
· Any other duties allocated by line management.
3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Organisational, problem solving, decision making and team working skills are essential, as are excellent analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of colleagues and stakeholders.
The ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels including Government Officials, Offshore Energy Representatives and Members is essential as is familiarity with MS Office applications. The ability to assess and analyse information and data is essential, and experience of assessing scoping reports, environmental impact assessments and socio-economic impact assessments would be an advantage. Relevant fishing knowledge and a background in marine biology would also be an advantage. The successful candidate will be expected to have a full UK driving license.
A copy of the job description is available as a separate download.
4. REMUNERATION AND DURATION
A salary in the range of £44,000 to £48,000 is on offer commensurate with the successful candidate’s skillset, qualifications and experience, plus a benefits package. Further details are available on enquiry.
This is a full-time, 3-year fixed-term post with the possibility of extension.
5. APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Elspeth Macdonald, e.macdonald@sff.co.uk Tel: 01224 646944
To apply for the position, please submit your CV and a covering letter, outlining your suitability for the position. The letter should be addressed to:
Derek Duthie
Director of Administration and Finance
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
24 Rubislaw Terrace
Aberdeen
AB10 1XE
Applications may be submitted by post, e-mail or via the Indeed site. The following e-mail address should be used for direct electronic submissions: d.duthie@sff.co.uk
Timeline
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 27 December 2024.
Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 13 January 2025.
Job Description
Purpose of post: To develop and take forward SFF’s interests on scoping, analysing, assessing and responding to environmental impact assessments submitted for offshore consents, especially with regard to offshore renewables developments and subsea cable projects. The post-holder will also support the offshore energy policy manager with other pre-consent stages, representing SFF at external meetings as appropriate.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the post holder will also work closely with other members of the policy team and the SFF’s membership to further the industry’s aims. The job is likely to involve travel within the UK and may also occasionally require travel overseas.
Responsible to Chief Executive Officer
Key Competencies:
· Familiar with technical matters such as: MS Office applications, assessment of scoping reports, analysis of data and information submitted for assessments for environmental impact assessments and socio-economic impact assessments, relevant fishing knowledge and a background in marine biology would be an advantage.
· Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels including Government Officials, Offshore Energy Representatives and Members.
· Personal skills such as: written communication and accuracy, adaptability, diplomacy, flexibility, discretion, organise and present and organisational and team awareness.
Principal Duties:
· Take the lead on scrutinising the scoping reports and environmental impact assessments submitted for offshore renewable developments and subsea cable projects to assess if impacts on fishing have been correctly analysed and presented, working with other SFF staff and SFF’s constituent Associations to calibrate, challenge and submit agreed views meeting agreed deadlines.
· Working with SFF staff and constituent Associations on the collation, analysis and presentation of fishing and economic data to assess and challenge developers’ assessments.
· Liaise with developers and consultants during the process of assessments being developed, presenting SFF’s agreed position.
· Drafting, reaching agreement and submitting SFF’s responses to formal and informal consultations on assessments submitted for offshore developments within agreed deadlines.
· Building and maintaining relationships with government departments (both U.K. and Scottish) and other stakeholders, and with external consultancies engaged in carrying out relevant assessments.
· Represent SFF in a range of relevant fora, including with governments, stakeholders and other interested parties.
· Contribute to SFF’s input to policy proposals from both UK and Scottish Governments with regard to offshore renewable development and linkages with wider marine planning.
· QHSE responsibilities as laid down in the QHSE Manual.
· Any other duties allocated by line management.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 36 months
Pay: £44,000.00-£48,000.00 per year
Benefits:

• Company pension
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 27/12/2024
Expected start date: 03/03/2025