National Expert on Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Technical Focus

Within the context of project TCP/GEO/4002 entitled “Strengthening food safety in the context of aquaculture under ENPARD IV”, provide in-country technical support for aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity through capacity building, disease surveillance, and early-warning systems.

Reporting Lines

The National Expert on Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Georgia, the supervision of the ENPARD Programme Manager, the technical guidance of the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and alternate LTO, and in close coordination with the ENPARD IV Extension Specialists.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Develop training modules on aquatic animal health and biosecurity to fish farmers, laboratory staff and relevant competent authorities.
•     Support the International Fishery Products Food Safety Expert in delivering training modules on aquatic animal health and biosecurity to fish farmers, laboratory staff and relevant competent authorities
•     Develop manuals, brochures and pamphlets and other written training materials for distribution to fish farmers, laboratory staff and personnel of relevant competent authorities.
•     Support the International Fishery Products Food Safety Expert in the delivery of practical trainings for fish farmers on the use of aquaculture testing equipment (water testing kits, bacteria test kits, incubators, etc.) related to the matching grant support packages under ENPARD IV.   
•     Support surveillance activities, risk assessments, and sampling for aquatic disease monitoring.
•     Contribute to the design and pilot implementation of a national-level Early Warning System (EWS).
•     Draft guidelines on farm-level biosecurity policies aligned with EU, OIE/WOAH, and international best practices.
•     Contribute to the planning and implementation of field activities related to the dissemination of information on biosecurity and food safety to fish farmers.
•     Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) staff to plan and organize monitoring activities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
 
•     Advanced university degree in Aquaculture, Veterinary Science, Food Safety, Biosecurity or related disciplines
•     Minimum five years of relevant experience in working with fish farmers and/or competent authorities on aquaculture, aquatic animal health and biosecurity
•     Working knowledge of English and Georgian
•     National of Georgia or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Practical experience on training fish farmers is considered an asset
•     Understanding of Georgian regulations about aquatic animal health and biosecurity
•     Demonstrated understanding of aquaculture, biosecurity, food safety and related veterinary topics
•     Proven capacity to establish working relationships with fish farmers, competent authorities and laboratory staff and build their technical capacities
•     Proven experience in the preparation of technical documents for training purposes
•     Excellent communication skills, proven ability to convey complex ideas through clear and effective oral presentations
•     Good skills in community mobilization as well as inter-personal relations
•     Computer literacy