The Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) is seeking an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) to support work on Area-Based Management under the BBNJ Agreement. This is a fully remote position open to qualified candidates globally.
Deadline: May 31, 2026 Location: Remote Salary: USD $40,000 Contract: Negotiable (50–100% time) | Duration negotiable up to May 2027 Start Date: ASAP
About DOSI
The Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) works to integrate scientific and humanistic knowledge to inform deep-ocean governance, policy development, and stewardship. The initiative engages policymakers, builds global capacity, promotes diplomacy, and fosters collaboration to support sustainable ocean management.
Position Overview
The successful candidate will contribute to developing a Reading and Interpretation Guide designed to ensure consistent, scientifically rigorous application of the 22 ecological indicative criteria used to identify areas requiring protection on the high seas. The role reports to Anna Metaxas at Dalhousie University, with close collaboration with Guillermo Ortuño Crespo and the project advisory board.
Key Responsibilities
- Support completion of an initial feasibility assessment of ecological criteria
- Participate in the design and implementation of expert and stakeholder workshops
- Co-author an IUCN technical report based on workshop outcomes
- Contribute to scientific publications emerging from the project
- Develop policy briefs and presentations for governments and stakeholders involved in BBNJ implementation
- Assist in communicating findings across policy, academic, and practitioner communities
- Translate scientific knowledge into usable decision-making tools
Required Qualifications
- PhD in natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or equivalent professional experience
- Background in deep-sea science or related ocean disciplines
- Minimum three years’ experience in one or more of the following: spatial data analysis, environmental or marine science, or marine policy
- Experience with High Seas conservation or the BBNJ process is an advantage
Preferred Experience & Skills
- Experience in spatial planning, conservation planning, or marine protected areas
- Familiarity with international environmental agreements
- Experience collaborating with governments, NGOs, academia, Indigenous communities, or civil society partners
- Proven publication record (peer-reviewed or technical reports)
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Proficiency with virtual collaboration platforms (G Suite, Microsoft Office, Zoom)
- Ability to collaborate across global time zones
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is designed for an Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) — defined as an individual with 10 years or less of professional experience in ocean-related fields, including volunteer roles.
How to Apply
Submit the following to metaxas@dal.ca by May 31, 2026:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page statement describing alignment of expertise and interests with the role
- Names and contact details of three professional references
