National 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: 
•    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. 

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist will report to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

The Specialist will provide technical guidance and support to TCP/PHI/4005: Technical support on enhancing productivity and resiliency in BARRM Digital Village Initiative and TCP/PHI/4006: Modernizing and transforming aquaculture in the Philippines through stimulating innovation, investment for smooth implementation of the project and timely delivery of the project results. He/She will primarily be responsible for day-to-day coordination and management of the project implementation. He/she ensures effective utilization of resources, timely delivery of the work plan, adherence to budgets, management of risks, and problem solving for achievement of project results, within delegated authority and in accordance with project/donor agreements and FAO rules and procedures. The tasks will also involve providing strategic recommendations to FAOPH senior management on related key developments and emerging opportunities for resource mobilization related to aquaculture programme in the Philippines.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    In coordination with the respective Project Coordinators, provide technical inputs in the preparation, monitoring and updating of project work plans
•    Travel to the project sites and participate in the project activities as required. 
•    Prepare and submit related reports as required for the FAO’s operational processes in accordance to performing the assignments, e.g. Back to Office Report (BTOR), End of Assignment Report (EOA), etc. 
•    Provide technical inputs on the plans and implementation of aquaculture projects jointly identified by FAO and MAFAR, in consultation with BFAR; Provide technical guidance on sustainable development of aquaculture in the BARMM, including policy and governance, responsible investment, best practices towards improving production, innovation and technology, climate change mitigation, aquatic animal health and biosecurity, value chain and market access; 
•    Analyze relevant technologies, innovations, potential partnerships and opportunities aimed at aquaculture modernization and transformation, and provide recommendations for its integration in existing national plans;
•    Lead the mapping and profiling and assessment of aquaculture farms and fish landing centers in the BARMM region;   
•    Prepare training and dissemination materials (lecture support materials, brochures, flyers and other IEC materials) best practices for sustainable and innovative fisheries and aquaculture; 
•    Lead the preparation for the project terminal report. 
•    Report on progress made on the project implementation and provide regular updates to FAOPH.
•    Carry out any other relevant tasks as may be requested by the FAOR/AFAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    The candidate must have an university degree in fisheries, aquaculture, or related field with complementary knowledge in agricultural development planning
•    The candidate should have at least 5 years practical experience in the implementation of projects on fisheries and/or aquaculture projects at the field level;
•    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English
•    A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•    In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•    Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•    Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)