Natural resources in marine and coastal areas are of high economic importance for Pacific island countries and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, the need to conserve and use marine resources sustainably is not sufficiently reflected in national planning processes, due in part to a lack of information regarding their economic value. Existing marine protected areas (MPAs) have often been developed opportunistically, lack a clear design and spatial planning process, and are not managed in a way to secure associated biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Improved management of marine and coastal biodiversity on volcanic islands (Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu) and atolls (Tonga) through marine sptial planning will help countries to meet their commitments under the CBD Strategic Plan 2011–2020 and the relevant Aichi targets, including the Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) and the Programme of Work on Island Biodiversity (PoWIB).
Enhanced ecosystem-based management and more effectively managed marine resources will lead to more resilient coastal and marine ecosystems, more effective conservation of marine biodiversity, and will contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as to securing and strengthening local livelihoods.

Scope of Responsibilities:

To provide GIS technical support on all aspects of the IUCN’s Marine Programme projects. This includes spatial data analysis to support the establishment of EEZ-wide marine spatial plans and other aspects of marine resource management.

Specific Duties:
•Provide GIS technical support on the implementation of the project activities undertaken in the five participating countries, including:
- liaison with national governments,
- assistance with delivery of training activities,
- supporting national and regional workshops, and
- the development of awareness materials and activities.
•Assist in the alignment of the Marine Programme’s spatial data management system with international metadata standards.
•Conduct spatial data analysis to prepare data and maps for use in marine spatial planning, conduct post-hoc accounting of candidate networks of ocean zones, national level consultations.
•Create maps from spatial data as required.
•Aid in the identification and resolution of spatial data issues that need urgent attention.
•Liaise with technical experts and contribute to the production of knowledge products.
•Represent the Marine projects at relevant meetings when required.
•Assist the Spatial Analyst in the preparation of work-plans, internal IUCN reports, and donor reports.
•Assist in the monitoring, and regularly reporting on the progress of the projects against the Marine Programme annual plan and agreed milestones for the programme in each country.