Senior Lecturer in Marine Studies (Fisheries & Aquaculture)

Background

The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) was established by Act No. 34 of 2019. Located in Port Vila, its mission is to promote higher education and lifelong learning through academic and professional excellence, through training, teaching and learning in English and French, research and international cooperation.

The National University of Vanuatu will offer a Bachelor of Marine Studies (Fisheries & Aquaculture) from 2027.

This degree will respond to and focus on priority areas to train qualified professionals in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture and related marine studies. Purposely to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to sustainably manage Vanuatu's marine resources, enhance food security, create economic opportunities, and support the nation's transition to a knowledge-based blue economy.

Purpose of the position

Develop innovative courses, teach and undertake research on fisheries and aquaculture and marine studies topics relevant to tropical island contexts.

Provide high-quality education in integrated marine studies topics such as fisheries and aquaculture science, sustainable governance and policy, and extension and rural development.

Position Summary

The National University of Vanuatu is seeking an experienced and dynamic academic to join our team as a Senior Lecturer in marine studies. The position is a university teaching position with 50% teaching and course development, 30% research, and 20% administrative tasks.

Responsibilities therefore include the development and teaching of a wide range of undergraduate fisheries and aquaculture courses with the potential to teach specialist courses in the areas of sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and marine studies topics.

The appointed Senior Lecturer in Marine Studies will thus contribute to the development of the new Bachelor of Marine Studies (Fisheries & Aquaculture), which aims to achieve a national and international reputation for research and training of graduates in marine studies and other related fields in the future.

Excellence in course development and teaching is a top priority for this position. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in fisheries management, marine sciences or related environmental fields, proven skills in curriculum design, innovative teaching methodologies, and program coordination. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to developing Vanuatu's capacity in marine resource management and sustainable blue economy development.

Key Responsibilities – Detailed Listing

Teaching

• Design and deliver effective and engaging courses in fisheries and aquaculture at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Apply innovative and appropriate teaching techniques that create interest and understanding amongst students.
• To foster a supportive and inquiry-based learning environment that encourages active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration on complex marine resource management and sustainability issues.
• To supervise students’ projects, field trips and, where appropriate work placements
• To conduct lectures in Online/Blended mode and Face-to-face formats (English or French), organize seminars, workshops, and practical labs
• Teaching workload corresponds to 2 or 3 modules per semester.
• Specific teaching assignments depend on the candidate's expertise and the needs of the School of Maritime & Fisheries Studies and may include, but are not limited to, coursework in the following areas:
• Fisheries science and management
• Aquaculture and sustainable fish farming
• Marine biology and ecology
• Coastal zone management
• Marine resource economics
• Blue economy development and innovation
• Climate change impacts on marine systems
• Sustainable seafood production
• Marine biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applied to marine resources
• Research methodologies in marine sciences

Curriculum Development

Contribute to the development and enhancement of marine sciences and blue economy curricula, ensuring alignment with current scientific understanding, industry needs, sustainability goals, and Vanuatu's national development priorities. Integrate case studies, data analysis, and real-world marine resource management challenges to build practical problem-solving skills. A key focus will be embedding project management and entrepreneurship principles into marine studies (fisheries and aquaculture) coursework to ensure students are prepared for professional roles in fisheries and related sectors.

Research

• Lead and conduct research (individual and/or collaborative) relevant to marine science disciplines, including field or laboratory research projects in Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands region.
• To write or contribute to publications or disseminate research fundings.
• Lead or support applications for external research grants from national or international funding bodies.
• To make presentations or exhibitions for school, national and regional levels.

Academic & Research Support:

• Mentor and guide students throughout their scientific learning journey, offering academic advice, monitoring progress, and providing strategies for effective research and study.
• Supervise student research projects, guiding them from proposal to final report. Support the development of critical thinking and data literacy skills through discussions, lab work, and project-based assignments.

Practical Skills & Fieldwork Coordination:

• Develop and oversee practical learning components, including laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and site visits, ensuring compliance with safety standards and procedures.
• Design and deliver training modules that equip students with essential skills in data collection, environmental monitoring, and the use of scientific instrumentation.

Professional Development:

• Engage in continuous professional development by attending relevant scientific workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• Stay updated on major developments in environmental science, climate change research, sustainability practices, and educational technologies to enhance instructional effectiveness and curriculum relevance.

Collaboration:

• Collaborate with colleagues within the science department and across other faculties to foster interdisciplinary learning.
• Contribute to university-wide initiatives related to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Participate in faculty meetings, share best practices, and engage in cross-departmental projects to enrich the academic environment.
• Participate in organizing science-related events, workshops, and outreach activities to enhance students’ engagement with the field.

Critical Competencies

• Work professionally, with professional knowledge, integrity, responsibility, and adaptability.
• Striving for excellence by fostering communication, inclusion and teamwork
• Contribute to the development of the NUV, with innovation, leadership and by being concerned about the quality of its work
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work as a member of a team and coordinate a team.

Qualifications

• PhD in Marine Studies, Fisheries, Marine Science or a closely related discipline.
• Ability to deliver course content and communicate fluently in English and French or possess adequate proficiency in both languages (written and spoken), with a strong commitment to improving language skills. An institutional learning support program is available to all teachers wishing to enhance their communication abilities.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience or knowledge in working in the field of marine studies or related field in the public or private sector in Vanuatu, or a developing country context.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• In-depth theoretical, research and applied knowledge in the main areas covered by the programme
• Cultural and ecological understanding of Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), particularly, Vanuatu, including local environmental challenges and conservation efforts.
• Expertise the use of ICT in education.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to make complex scientific topics accessible and engaging (science popularisation).
• Experience in developing courses and assessment tools for specific objectives Bilingual (English and French) with knowledge of Bislama
• An understanding of AI tools in science

Language

Fluency in English and French is an asset. Knowledge of Bislama is an advantage.

Equal Opportunity

The National University of Vanuatu is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. All employment decisions within the NUV programme must be based on merit and equal opportunity. The NUV programme is committed to ensuring fair, equal, and impartial treatment of all employees in all aspects of employment. The NUV programme is also committed to respecting gender balance in employment and providing employment opportunities for people with special needs. In carrying out its employment decisions, the NUV programme will not discriminate based on sex, religion, nationality, race, language or disability.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Annual salary range: 6.2 - 6.5 MVT depending on qualifications and experience + 25% benefits

Full-time three-year local contract, with the possibility of extension depending on performance.

Need to meet the Republic of Vanuatu immigration requirements and commit to living and working in Port Vila "full time"

Contact Person

Potential applicants with specific questions are welcome to contact the human resources’ service at apply@univ.edu.vu

Application Procedures

The application must include the following:

• a cover letter providing a comprehensive description of the applicant's teaching, research, and academic leadership philosophy, and addresses the required and preferred qualifications, experience, skills, and competencies relevant to marine studies.
• A complete Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing educational qualifications, professional and academic experience, teaching experience, research achievements, publications, conference presentations, consultancy work, and grants or research funding secured…
• Certified copies of academic qualifications and official academic transcripts
• Contact details of three (3) professional referees who can comment on the applicant's academic, research, and professional capabilities
• NUV_ACADEMIC_APPLICATION_FORM

Please send your application documents in PDF format to apply@univ.edu.vu with the following subject line:

Application [YOUR NAME] NUV – Senior Lecturer in Marine Studies (Fisheries & Aquaculture),