Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist

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.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

FAO is implementing a UN Joint Programme on Farmers-Fisherfolks’ Advancement and Integration to Resilient Value Chains in BARMM (FAIR-VALUE). The project, funded by European Union, is implemented jointly with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The Project aims to improve the local agricultural/sea-aqua product production in quality, diversity, consolidation and its response to the needs of the market, with a primary focus on agri-fishery communities and smallholder clusters in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa). Potential commodities to be supported by the project are rubber, coffee and seaweed.

The position is located in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist will report to the FAO Representative in the Philippines and work in coordination with the Project Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist will lead the conduct of assessment and diagnosis of the farming systems of producers targeted by the project, implementation of capacity-building activities, including the establishment of Fisherfolks’ Field School for the target agri-fishery communities in Tawi-Tawi.  
Tasks and responsibilities

•     Coordinate the finalization of the Seaweeds Fisherfolks Field School (FSS) data collection, analysis, technical report write-up and development of presentation materials for purposes of popularization among value chain stakeholders.
•     Coordinate the implementation of the activities for the second Seaweeds Fisherfolks Field School (FSS) data collection, analysis, technical report write-up and development of presentation materials for purposes of popularization among value chain stakeholders
•     Liaise with private, public and community stakeholders to ensure follow-through of actions points identified during the Seaweeds value Chain Dialogue with focus on shifting the production to application of Good Aquaculture Practices.
•     Provide technical assistance and mentoring to seaweed farming communities and clusters in Languyan and Sapa-Sapa with a focus on improving seaweed quality, yield and value.
•     Refine specialized training modules on good seaweed farming practices, post-harvest handling, and processing tailored to the local context of Languyan and Sapa-Sapa.
•     Collaborate with Japan project (083) in the conduct of research and development related to the fish stock management protocols for Languyan and Sapa-sapa.
•     Support Food safety Specialist and/or consultant in the development of seaweed-based products and farmers’ compliance with Good Aquaculture Practices for raw materials.
•     Support community groups in working towards compliance of their fishery and seaweed-based product processing to Halal certification requirements.
•     Support the strengthening of growers’ clusters focused on seaweed products in Languyan and Sapa-Sapa, providing guidance on fair sharing of returns and community benefits.
•     Participate in the assessment of processing and logistic facilities needs for the seaweed sector in Languyan and Sapa-Sapa, with a focus on clean and green solutions for drying, storage, and initial processing.
•     Support in the improvement for processing (drying) of rabbit fish or “danggit” to increase shelf-life and value, and in branding, packaging and labelling of fisheries’ products.
•     Perform other related duties as assigned, particularly those that contribute to the development of the seaweed industry in Tawi-Tawi.
•     Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as requested by FAO

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University degree (master’s or equivalent) in aquaculture, fisheries, environmental sciences, or a related field.
•     At least 5 years of professional experience in the field of systems assessment and diagnosis, good aquaculture practices, climate-smart approaches, and rural development, with experience working in conflict-affected or fragile contexts.
•     Working knowledge of English (C) is required.
•     National of the Philippines.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     General knowledge and skills in the use of KoboCollect, Tableau, Power BI and other office software’s, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).
•     Familiarity with FAO operational procedures is an advantage.
•     Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog

Selection Criteria

•     Based on requirements, competencies and skills
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION