Organizational Setting
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 security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishery 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 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 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.
The position is located in the Technology and Production Team (NFIAT) in the Sustainable Aquaculture area of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI), and based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Fishery Officer (Aquafeed) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer/Team Leader of the Technology and Production Team (NFIAT) in the Sustainable Aquaculture area under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director, NFI.
Technical Focus
Support the work in the Sustainable Aquaculture area in implementing policies and programmes that seek to maximize the impacts of aquaculture on Members' economic, social and environmental objectives, including food security and nutrition, and help meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets within the FAO Strategic Framework and priority programmes, such as the Blue Transformation. The programme of work and activities should follow the FAO Common Vision for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, and the FAO Code of Conduct on Responsible Fisheries and associated technical guidelines and seek to mitigate the impacts of aquaculture on climate change, while at the same time reducing vulnerability to climate change and other external stressors.
Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and FAO's Strategic Framework.
Key Functions
- Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
- Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
- Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/ policy/ specialist/ advice and expertise.
- Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
- Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.
- Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue, and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
- Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Specific Functions
- Plans and leads components of a programme of work on marine, brackish and freshwater aquaculture designed to improve resource use efficiency and minimize environmental impacts, especially aquafeed and feeding management, while also reducing vulnerability to climate extremes and other external stressors.
- Supports the design and implementation of Blue Transformation and Aquaculture Plans and provides technical support for solutions and programmes in less developed and other priority areas, as required.
- Provides advice for the development of aquafeed and feeding management, associated good aquaculture practices, governance and standards.
- Supports the development of the divisional programme on aquaculture development at national, regional and global levels.
- Contributes to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division's cross-cutting initiatives on Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, biodiversity, biosecurity, food security and nutrition, as required.
- Collaborates to secure extra-budgetary funds to support the Sustainable Aquaculture area's growing programme of work, especially in relation to the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in biology, marine biology, aquaculture, aquatic sciences, fisheries/aquaculture economics or related discipline.
- Seven years of relevant experience in aquaculture planning and development, aquaculture technological innovations, aquafeed industry, biosecurity, aquatic environmental research and/or management, aquaculture extension or related fields.
- Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
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, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
- Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of aquaculture and in the provision of scientific support and advice to national, regional and international fisheries management and conservation bodies in both developed and developing countries.
- Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementing research and/or development programmes in aquaculture, extension or capacity building.
- Demonstrated results-based management capabilities with an ability to manage programmes, budgets and human resources efficiently under shifting priorities.
- Depth of knowledge of current global issues, trends, constraints, and research needs related to aquaculture management and development.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate and implement aquaculture programmes in the field, at the community level.
- Ability to raise awareness, communicate effectively and mobilize resources for aquaculture programmes.
- Extent and relevance of experience in different countries and regions, especially in developing countries and countries in transition.
- Extent and relevance of experience in organizing international meetings, seminars and training courses.