Advice Professional Officer Vacancy Bring your expertise to the science-policy interface and help shape sustainable decisions for our oceans. Join ICES as a Professional Officer. Published: 15 October 2025 Page Content
โโโThe strength of ICES lies not only in the scientific expertise we bring, but also in the people and processes that support it. Our international network brings together more than 5,000 scientists from over 690 marine institutes across our member countries and beyond. Together, we provide evidence-based advice to help manage human activities and their impacts on marine ecosystems responsibly.
We seek a Professional Officer to join the Advice Department at the ICES Secretariat in Copenhagen, Denmark. In this role, you will become part of a dynamic and collaborative international team dedicated to supporting the ICES network, delivering impactful advice, and advancing the connection between science and policy.
About the Role
As a Professional Officer, you will play a central role in ICES fisheries advisory workโhelping turn complex data and analyses into advice that supports sustainable management of North Atlantic fish stocks. You will coordinate stock assessments, benchmarks, and guide the development of integrated fisheries management advice, as well as contribute to mixed fisheries and ICES interactive advice products. Your work will help ensure that ICES advice remains scientifically robust and relevant to the needs of managers, stakeholders, and the wider marine community.
This role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical skills in fisheries science with the ability to connect people and ideas. Youโll work closely with international experts, applying your knowledge of assessment methods, fisheries data analysis and quantitative modelling to support credible, evidence-based advice. Success means delivering high-quality, timely advice that draws on the best available science, while also helping others grow and collaborate effectively. Weโre looking for someone who thrives in international, interdisciplinary environmentsโcurious, detail-oriented, and motivated by the opportunity to shape sustainable marine policy.
Main Responsibilities
- Coordinate advisory processes: Manage the full advisory process for fisheries assessmentsโfrom planning and to delivery of advice, coordination of benchmarks, and production and development of the ICES Fisheries Overviews. Ensure consistency across stock assessments and support their integration with related ecosystem and policy frameworks (e.g., EU directives, CFP, and RFMOs).
- Provide specialist support: Assist experts and colleagues in developing skills in assessment methods, models, and code, and collaborate with the Communications team to ensure coordinated external communications.
- Facilitate collaboration: Liaise with advisory leadership, working group chairs, Secretariat teams, and external requesters to ensure smooth and timely delivery.
- Support network activities: Facilitate expert group meetings and peer review processes.
- Maintain technical standards: Ensure transparent, reproducible workflows (R/Python + GitHub) that align with ICES' Transparent Assessment Framework (TAF).
- Contribute to process improvement: Use feedback and lessons learned to improve workflows and develop improved advice products.
Qualifications and Experience
We seek a Professional Officer who is motivated, organized, collaborative, and adaptable. The following qualifications are expected:
- A higher university degree (preferably a PhD) in marine science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in marine science or an international organization
- Evidence of experience with fisheries assessment methodologies and understanding of how scientific data flows through ICES assessment and advisory processes
- Proficiency in R, GitHub, and GIS tools for handling spatial data analysis. Comfort working with R code is essential, while knowledge of ICES' Transparent Assessment Framework (TAF) would be advantageous
- Evidence of working with policy-relevant science, such as contributing to reports, assessments, or advice that inform international fisheries or marine management decisions
- Experience in interdisciplinary science and working effectively with culturally and professionally diverse teams
What ICES Offers
Youโll join a diverse and collaborative team that values professโionalism, integrity, and continuous learning. We offer a meaningful role in supporting evidence-based marine governance, along with a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that encourages innovation and teamwork.
We are committed to fostering a positive, family-friendly work environment through inclusive practices and clear standards of conduct. Staff benefit from flexible working hours, the option to work partially from home, and regular access to professional development opportunities.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment is full-time (38 hours per week, including lunch breaks), for a four-year term starting preferably in January 2026 or as soon as possible. The position is classified at the P2 grade level.
ICES Secretariat staff are entitled to privileges and immunities under the Host Agreement with the Government of Denmark. Salaries are exempt from Danish income tax and are based on, though are not identical to, UN pay scales. Eligible internationally recruited staff may receive relocation/repatriation support, education grants for dependents, and home leave allowances. Furthermore, you will be enrolled in a tax-free pension scheme to which both you and ICES contribute. The ICES Staff Rules set out the conditions of employment and the responsibilities of Secretariat staff.
Applications
If you believe your personal and professional qualities align with this opportunity, please submit your CV and cover letter via Talent Attract.
Deadline for applications: Midnight (23:59 CET), Sunday 2 November 2025
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those traditionally underrepresented in our Secretariat. This includes women, people with disabilities, and applicants from ICES member countries currently underrepresented on staff.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a virtual interview in early November. This may be followed up by an in-person interview and short assignment in mid-November.
Questions about the position may be directed to Sarah Millar, Head of the Advice Department.
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