Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee

The Organization

ICES is the world’s longest-standing intergovernmental marine science organisation. Its mission is to advance and share scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and the services they provide and to use this knowledge to generate state-of-the-art evidence-based advice for meeting conservation, management, and sustainability goals. ICES has 20 member countries located around the North Atlantic and is a global leader in marine science, with a network comprised of approximately 6500 scientists from over 700 marine institutes.

ICES is committed to better understanding marine ecosystems and securing sustainable benefits for society. The ICES Strategic Plan defines its direction and priorities related to science, data, and advice. To fulfil the plan, ICES works collaboratively, using its broad international network to generate and share the data, knowledge, and advice that society needs. Our work is accomplished by scientists working together in expert groups, workshops, and committees. 

The Advisory Committee (ACOM) is the voice of ICES advice and translates ICES science into advice on the sustainable use, provision of services and protection of marine ecosystems. ACOM responds to requests for advice from governments and intergovernmental organisations, following ICES principles for ecosystem-based management, providing advice that is understandable and relevant to society. ACOM is a highly active, collaborative group producing more than 200 advisory products per year through committee consensus. It is comprised of the Chair who has general oversight and provides leadership to the development of ICES advisory approaches, four Vice-chairs overseeing designated areas of advice, and representatives from each of the member countries.

Key Activities in the Role

• Overseeing the advice production process for fishing opportunities advice and related special request in the North Atlantic and adjacent seas.
• Chairing Advice Drafting Groups, Review Groups & ACOM Web-conferences;
• When required, presenting advice to advice recipients & stakeholders
• Contributing to development of ICES advisory approaches including the development of integrated advice products and services
• Participating in ACOM leadership meetings, ACOM meetings and meetings with recipients of ICES Advice and observers.

Person Specification

To be considered for this appointment, it is expected that you possess the following:

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

• An education from a recognized university in a relevant scientific discipline, followed by at least ten years of work experience within a marine-science discipline
• Professional experience that includes assessments of marine ecosystems
• Experience with the challenges of converting scientific knowledge into policy advice in a clear and understandable manner
• Excellent knowledge of advisory needs for ICES recipients of advice and the policy drivers
• Good knowledge of the ICES advisory principles and framework and advice production processes
• Experience with building and maintaining strategic relationships with clients, partners, and collaborators

Skills and attributes

• Demonstrated leadership experience in marine science
• Outstanding interpersonal skills – you treat others with sensitivity and dignity and tailor your behaviour to the audience
• Strong communicator – your spoken and written English are excellent, and you know how to interact with people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. You can deliver clear and convincing presentations and are also an effective listener
• High integrity – upholding a high standard of ethics, fairness, professional conduct.
• Resilient – you can adapt in the face of unexpected obstacles and handle pressure effectively and optimistically
• Cooperative – you can work flexibly to meet the organization’s needs and are willing to travel as needed
• Committed to public service – you are motivated to achieve the mission and objectives of ICES and are empathetic to the public interests of our member states 

Terms of appointment

The appointment will be part-time (0.37 FTE) for a period of three years, starting 1 January 2026, with a possibility for a three-year extension. The position will be based remotely but will involve regular travel to the ICES Headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.

ICES will pay an honorarium of DKK 37,023.42 for this post either directly or to a nominated employer.

Recruitment procedure

All applications will be reviewed by a recruitment panel with representatives from ACOM leadership, ACOM and the Advice Department. The Council will provide a final approval of the recruitment panel’s recommendation.

Expected timeline

• Vacancy announcement: 16 May 2025, application submission by 23:59 on 15 June 2025
• Applications review and shortlisting: late June 2025
• Online Interviews: 30 June 2025
• Start date: January 2026

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via Talent Attract no later than 23:59 (CET) on Sunday 15 June 2025. Click the ‘apply now’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter.

Additional information can be obtained from the ACOM Chair, Colm Lordan, or Head of Advisory Support Lotte Worsøe Clausen. Information about ICES is available at http://www.ices.dk.