Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.ย
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is responsible for the economic, social, institutional, governance and policy aspects of FAO's activities related to fisheries and aquaculture and their development, with particular emphasis on human well-being, food well-being of fishing communities; collection, compilation, validation, trend analysis and dissemination of the best available and up-to-date fishery statistics and for the syndication of the FAO information on all aspects of world fisheries and aquaculture. The security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the Division is also responsible for FAO's activities related to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including the biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance, with particular emphasis on most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats; management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with modern management standards and best practices; development of fisheries technology, with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishing communities, including the safety of fishers and fishing vessels.
About the Project
The Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) intends to assist the GoI to strengthen fishing ports technical capacities to address main environmental, social and economic challenges that affect to the aquatic value chain. Two pilot fishing ports, specifically Vanakbara (Union Territory of DNH & Daman & Diu without legislation) and Jakhau in Gujarat, will benefit from this TCP that will provide them with specific strategic and operational tools to identify and formulate investments projects, whose implementation would address main challenges. Also, a capacity building program will be provided aimed to public and private stakeholders to better comprehend main challenges and oriented solutions
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in India, Assistant FAO Representatives (Programme and Administration) and guidance of the Project Managers and BPI FAO HQ, Blue Ports Specialist (Infrastructure and Environment) will undertake the following tasks:
Technical Focusย
Support the establishment of the foundations for reinforcing and transforming two pilot fishing port projects into more sustainable sites through the collaborative design of a Blue Transformation plan in India. Specifically, the specialist will support the development of a roadmap and the identification of potential investments and projects under a climate-resilience approach, focusing on infrastructure and environmental components. The specialist will support the process in Vanakbara (Union Territory of DNH & Daman & Diu) and Jakhau in Gujarat.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Conduct comprehensive infrastructure assessments in fishing ports, evaluating terminals, landing sites, access routes, energy systems, digital connectivity, and environmental management systems to identify gaps and vulnerabilities, ensuring environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and accessibility for fishing operators.
โข ย ย Analyse the capacity of port infrastructure to support renewable energy integration, digitalization, and circular economy principles while enhancing resilience to climate change and environmental impacts. Also to assess the fishing port capacity to handle number/ size, craft gear combination and fishery commodities, different fishing port users, hygiene and sanitation and the infrastructure for this.ย
โข ย ย Develop strategic infrastructure improvement plans tailored to the socio-economic and environmental context of each port or landing site, ensuring alignment with sustainability and resilience objectives.
โข ย ย Integrate best practices in eco-friendly and sustainable construction, renewable energy, smart port technologies, and environmentally responsible design, considering marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate adaptation measures.
โข ย ย Facilitate integrated infrastructure systems that enhance connectivity between maritime, coastal, and urban networks, optimizing intermodal logistics and supporting efficient fishing and processing operations.
โข ย ย Provide technical guidance for project proposals, feasibility studies, and concept notes focused on infrastructure upgrades under the Blue Ports Initiative.
โข ย ย Ensure compliance with international standards such as ISO 50001 (energy management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), MARPOL regulations, and other sustainable maritime and port management guidelines.
โข ย ย Organize and facilitate multisectoral dialogues, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations to align environmentally friendly infrastructure development with the Blue Ports Initiativeโs strategic objectives.
โข ย ย Serve as a liaison between technical teams, port authorities, government agencies, and private sector partners to foster collaboration and resource mobilization.
โข ย ย Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring frameworks to evaluate the impact of infrastructure improvements in terms of energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
โข ย ย Prepare technical reports, progress updates, and lessons learned to support continuous improvement in infrastructure planning and implementation.
โข ย ย Monitor emerging trends and innovations in sustainable port infrastructure, adapting solutions to the specific environmental and socioeconomic conditions of fishing ports.
โข ย ย Identify and recommend smart port technologies, eco-friendly construction methods, and innovative equipment that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
โข ย ย Contribute to the Blue Ports Initiative knowledge base by preparing case studies, technical briefs, and participating in relevant publications, conferences, and knowledge-sharing activities.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Technology (Civil) with a minimum 15 years' experience of relevant experience in marine infrastructures under environmentally friendly schemes.ย
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English and the relevant local Indian language.ย
โข ย ย National of India or resident with work permit.ย
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย Proven experience in port infrastructure assessment specifically for fishing ports, development, and management, emphasizing sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
โข ย ย Demonstrated ability to integrate renewable energy solutions, smart technologies, and eco-friendly materials into port infrastructure projects.
โข ย ย Experience in stakeholder engagement and participatory planning, particularly with port authorities, government agencies, and fishing communities.
โข ย ย Familiarity with relevant international standards (ISO 50001, ISO 14001, MARPOL) and Green Port frameworks.
โข ย ย Ability to conduct comprehensive infrastructure assessments, identifying gaps, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for improvement in fishing ports and landing sites.
โข ย ย Proficiency in developing feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and technical proposals for infrastructure investment and upgrade projects.
โข ย ย Track record of designing and implementing monitoring frameworks and KPIs to assess the impact of infrastructure improvements on energy efficiency, environmental performance, and operational effectiveness.
โข ย ย Strong oral and written communication skills, with the capacity to present findings and advocate for sustainable infrastructure solutions at conferences and policy forums.