Blue Ports Specialist (Socio-economic)

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. 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.

Reporting Lines

The Blue Ports Specialist (socio-economic) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer (Fish Value Chain), Value Chain Development Team (NFIMV)

Technical Focus 

Strengthen the socio and economic sustainability of fishing ports by ensuring that blue ports initiatives are financially viable, resilient, and inclusive—supporting investments, economic growth and the creation of blue jobs in line with FAO’s Roadmap to a Blue Port. A cross cutting and holistic approach should be ensured, considering inclusive and climate resilient dimensions. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Develop comprehensive economic analyses and feasibility studies to support BPI project proposals, including cost–benefit analyses, financial models, and market assessments, ensuring robust economic justifications for investment decisions.
•    Provide technical guidance on financing strategies, business models, and investment frameworks to underpin sustainable port development, with a focus on small-scale fisheries and inclusive growth models.
•    Evaluate social conditions in fishing ports, including livelihoods, decent work, and gender balance, to identify community needs and opportunities for social improvement.
•    Develop and integrate social inclusion strategies into BPI project proposals and concept notes, ensuring alignment with international labour standards and FAO’s social mandates.
•    Draft and review project documents and concept notes to ensure the integration of economic and social risk assessments, cost recovery models, and mitigation measures that enhance economic resilience in port communities.
•    Engage with port authorities, government agencies, financial institutions, and private-sector partners to identify funding opportunities and foster public–private partnerships that support sustainable port development.
•    Facilitate dialogue with key stakeholders to ensure economic strategies align with national and regional development plans, strengthening collaboration for long-term value chain sustainability.
•    Support the implementation of technical cooperation projects by providing economic expertise in pilot initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader economic objectives of the BPI and target countries.
•    Design and deliver capacity-building sessions and training modules on economic tools, financial planning, and best practices to support local stakeholders in adopting sustainable economic models.
•    Represent the BPI at events and meetings focused on economic sustainability in fishing ports, sharing key insights and fostering collaboration with international stakeholders.
•    Contribute to the development of publications and communication materials that highlight economic successes, lessons learned, and best practices in sustainable port management.
•    Perform other related duties, as required, to support the successful economic integration of the BPI in target countries and regions.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree in economic development, agribusiness, evaluation, fisheries and aquaculture, or other fields relevant to fishing ports development.
•    At least 10 years (for category A), 5 years (for category B) or 1 year (for category C) of relevant experience in aquatic value chain management, economic assessment, and related fields.
•    Working knowledge of English. Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset 

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work related to social and economic development and fisheries.
•    Work experience engaging social dimensions at fishing value chain development.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in economic analysis, financial modelling, and feasibility studies.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in engaging with financial institutions, development banks, and private-sector stakeholders.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in drafting project documents, concept notes, and investment proposals.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in designing and implementing social and economic indicators for monitoring progress.
•    Familiarity with capacity-building methodologies for economic planning and investment readiness.
•    Familiarity with capacity-building methodologies for social inclusion.
•    Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.