National Aquaculture Specialists (Tuvalu and Kiribati)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) advances the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation toward more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. This effort promotes better production, improved nutrition, a healthier environment, and enhanced livelihoods, ensuring no one is left behind.

The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies and projects that drive the transformation of food, agriculture, and rural development. It also fosters and maintains relationships with subregional institutions. The SAP Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP).

Through SAP, FAO is providing technical support to the Government of Tuvalu through the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade, and the Government of Kiribati through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources for a two-year FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project- Enhancing the contribution of aquaculture to economic development and food security: bridging key knowledge and technology with local comparative advantages (TCP/SAP/4006). The TCP aims to assess the production potential and marketability of milkfish and bivalves as priority aquaculture species, with a focus on improving food security, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and providing sustainable alternatives to declining fisheries.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific and the direct supervision of the SAP International Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist, the National Aquaculture Specialists in Tuvalu and Kiribati will work closely with the responsible government agencies and the FAO International Aquaculture Specialist for the project.

Technical Focus

The National Aquaculture Specialists will support activities related to
•     The strengthening of sustainable milkfish farming operations through the establishment and/or improvement of collection sites and hatcheries and, through stakeholder capacity building and provision of essential inputs.
•     The establishment and supporting of sustainable bivalve farming operations, promoting market access through hatchery development, stakeholder training, and input provision.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialists will be responsible for:

•     Provision of technical and logistical assistance in conducting a national assessment of production data for milkfish and bivalves to establish/ refine current baseline data. This task will include collecting and validating data and developing an Action Plan based on the results of the national assessment.
•     Support procurement of aquaculture materials through FAO-SAP.
•     Provision of technical and logistical support to training. This task includes conducting a gap analysis, provide support in developing and implementing a training programme for Ministry staff and communities.
•     Provision of technical and logistical assistance to national and regional workshops and exchange visits.  This task includes identifying participants and supporting all travel arrangements and approvals through FAO-SAP

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     A relevant bachelor’s degree in aquaculture, mariculture or equivalent required.
•     At least three years' experience working in a field related to aquaculture, mariculture or coastal fisheries.
•     Working knowledge of English
•     National of Tuvalu

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Efficiency, competence and integrity as well as negotiating skills, tact and diplomacy are essential.
•     Able to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project partners at regional and international level
•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable 
•     Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience liaising between diverse project stakeholders

Selection Criteria

•     Demonstrated practical experience in aquaculture or mariculture development, preferably in Pacific Island contexts
•     Experience of managing logistical arrangements
•     Experience of writing quality reports
•     Experience in conducting training for community members
•     Proven experience in supporting government-led aquaculture or fisheries programmes
•     Demonstrated ability to coordinate training, workshops, or capacity-building activities for community stakeholders
•     Strong analytical and reporting skills, with experience preparing technical reports for international projects
•     Knowledge of FAO procedures or other international donor-funded project implementation would be an advantage