Current post holder: New post

Job title: Ecolabel Use Advisor - Germany and The Netherlands (EUA)

Employed by: Marine Stewardship CounciI International Ltd (MSCI) (the MSC’s trading company)

Location: MSC Head Office, London

Responsible to: Global Logo Licensing Manager (GLLM)
Responsible for: Processing of, advising on and administrating of applications from organisations in Germany and The Netherlands for use of the MSC’s ecolabel.

Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 gross per annum, depending on experience and qualification.

Languages: Fluent English, German and Dutch

Working hours: Thirty five per week.

The MSC supports flexible working, so the pattern of hours may vary according to operational and personal needs. The MSC works across different time zones and evening and weekend work may be required periodically.

Contract: Permanent contract with a notice period of two months in writing on either side. There is a probationary period of 6 months.

Holiday: 25 days per annum, plus statutory holidays. Carry over entitlement of up to a maximum of five days per annum.

Equal opportunities: The MSC strives to be an equal opportunities employer and commitment to this process is expected.

Date written: September 2009

Full details of Conditions of Employment are set out in the MSC Employment Contract, the main features of which are standard to all staff.

A. JOB SUMMARY:
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is a groundbreaking international non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding the world’s seafood supply by awarding a blue ecolabel to seafood from sustainable fisheries.

The MSC programme is experiencing strong growth in Germany and The Netherlands and the EUA will be responsible for the MSC’s ecolabel licensing activities in these two countries. The post holder will be a member of the MSC’s Standards and Licensing Team and will report to the GLLM. The EUA will also be working closely with the commercial staff in the regional offices in Berlin and The Hague in their role, communicating with them as required to discuss licensing issues as well as commercial issues impacting upon licensing.
They will also, when required, undertake other related work when requested.

B. DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

This is a permanent position within the MSC.
• Sending out licence documentation to organisations wishing to use the ecolabel;
• Advising licensees about using the MSC ecolabel;
• Advising companies and other organisations on issues relating to their licencing agreement;
• Giving feedback on improvements that can be made to the MSC’s rules for using the ecolabel and on its ecolabel licensing programme;
• Processing requests for approval of the display of the ecolabel on product packaging, promotional and other material;
• Recording details of approved packaging and material in internal systems;
• Assisting with system improvements;
• Updating relevant parts of the MSC website with MSC-labelled product data.
• Assist with and attend events occasionally to support the MSC team in communicating messages to the public and commercial groups.
• Other projects that may arise.
• Informing regional staff in detail on progress for each product approval, and communication with each licensee, coordinating approvals and amendments with them.
• Assisting the GLLM with reporting progress to the MSC SMT and regional staff

C. ORGANISATIONAL CHART
See attached MSC organisational chart with the EUA post highlighted.

D. RESPONSIBILITIES (Key Results and Outcomes)
The post holder will perform the following functions either directly or through collaboration with the GLLM.

ACTION OUTCOME / RESULT
Sending out licensing information and approving the display of the MSC ecolabel on seafood products. Partners receive licensing information and have product designs approved in a timely and efficient manner.

Advising companies and other organisations on issues relating to their licencing agreement and on the use of the MSC ecolabel. Partners clearly understand the requirements for using the MSC ecolabel, are well briefed on use of the ecolabel and perceive the MSC as a helpful and knowledgeable organisation.

Advising MSC internally on improvements of its rules for using the ecolabel and on its licensing programme.
MSC’s systems for approving and using the ecolabel are comprehensible, accessible and relevant.
Keeping licensing documentation and records up to date.
The e-cert database and other records are current, enabling staff members to access information they require.
Keeping the MSC website up to date (new MSC-labelled products on sale in Germany and The Netherlands). Website is current, enabling staff members and external stakeholders to access information they require.

Assist with manning of MSC stand at key seafood shows and events, when required.
Making an important contribution to outreach at such events through interaction with visitors to the MSC stand.
Assisting with general MSC outreach where appropriate.
Effective general presentations on the MSC programme are made.

E. PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
• Well-developed computer and IT skills, including the use of standard software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat). Evidence of the use of electronic information systems and databases highly desirable.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Evidence of an ability to successfully manage relationships with colleagues and stakeholders (such as ecolabel licensees), with a people-centred approach to business and work essential.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diversity of values, views and approaches to issues relevant to the MSC programme by stakeholders around the world.
• Demonstrated excellence in written communication in the English, German and Dutch languages.
• Demonstrated excellence in spoken communication skills in English, German and Dutch with a diverse range of people.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to contribute to MSC-wide responsibilities and development, where appropriate, in pursuit of the MSC’s mission and vision.
• Versatility to combine self-management and self-support when working alone with productive team membership.

DESIRABLE SKILLS
• Specific technical skills in website content management software (CMS) and familiarity in e- Cert online database management.
• Some knowledge of third party certification schemes and the role of eco-labelling.

EXPERIENCE
• A minimum of one to three year’s experience in a similar or transferable role desirable.
• Experience of general admin duties such as managing large mail outs and regular distribution of information.
• Experience of database management.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Very well organised and methodical, pays close attention to detail.
• Clear communicator.
• Friendly and willing to help; a good team player but able to work independently as well.
• Strong desire to learn on the job.
• High level of initiative and willingness to innovate to deliver the MSC’s ecolabel licensing programme effectively.
• Commitment to high standards of relationship management in responding to the public and MSC stakeholders.
• Willingness to work flexibly in a reactive work environment and participate in a wide range of tasks.
• A good understanding of sustainable development issues is desirable.
• Commitment to the MSC’s mission and values.
• Commitment to the MSC’s policies on equal opportunities, environmental practices and health and safety policies.

F. COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

CONTACT PURPOSE

GLLM As stated above – assistance in running the ecolabel licensing programme in Germany and The Netherlands.

Ecolabel Licensees To provide high quality customer care and accurate and timely information for commercial contacts about the MSC and how to use the MSC ecolabel.

Suppliers To negotiate the best possible rates and services required by the MSC, e.g. from venues, travel agents and printers.

Other MSC staff To access and distribute ecolabel licensing and associated information, materials and resources as requested.

G. SCOPE FOR IMPACT
This post is important in the contribution it will make to ensuring the credibility of the MSC ecolabel in Germany and The Netherlands and the effective administration of the ecolabel licensing programme in those countries (in particular, record keeping and oversight of MSC ecolabel use). Key result areas include:
• Consistent display of the MSC ecolabel on all materials and effective interaction with ecolabel licensees.
• Accurate and up to date records on e-Cert and effective document control.

H. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Job holder’s signature

Date

GLLM signature Date