Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reinforced its presence in Ukraine by signing an agreement with the Government to set up a Project Office that will facilitate and expand the provision of technical and humanitarian assistance to the countryโs most vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas.
Ukraine joined FAO in 2003 and since 2015 the Organization has been operating in two strategic directions: emergency humanitarian response in conflict-affected oblasts and agricultural development across the whole country. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, FAO has scaled up its activities in the country to support agricultural production and food systems with the aim of protecting the food security of vulnerable households and communities across Ukraine.
This is a home-based role, with the incumbent working from Ukraine.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the Head of Programme, the technical guidance and supervision of the Legal Officer in FAO Headquarters and day-to-day supervision and guidance from the Project Manager, and in collaboration with the National Fisheries Specialist in Ukraine.
Technical Focus
The technical focus is on legal and regulatory support for digital fisheries management systems, including E-Fish, within the ongoing reform of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This includes assessing and addressing legal and institutional gaps, ensuring alignment with EU legislation and FAO guidelines, and providing clear legal guidance to national authorities to support effective implementation of digital tools and European integration objectives.
Tasks and responsibilities
In this context, it is envisaged that the National Expert on Fisheries Legislation will develop or support the development of) and/or support appropriate approval procedures for the following activities:
โข ย ย ย ย Provide expert and legal support in the implementation of the EU acquis in the field of fisheries and aquaculture.
โข ย ย ย ย Participate in discussions of draft Acts and prepare reports and technical recommendations based on results.
โข ย ย ย ย Contribute to work on comments and proposals from competent public authorities and irrelevant stakeholders to ensure the maximum level of incorporation of these proposals in the final draft Law of Ukraine โOn Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Union Legislation in the Field of Fisheriesโ.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Contribute, due regard to a prioritization made by national public authorities, to drafting regulatory frameworks to set up a legal base necessary for the proper implementation of the Law of Ukraine โOn Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Union Legislation in the Field of Fisheriesโ.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Support the drafting of legislation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture aimed at implementing the EU acquis, in particular Regulations 1380/2013, 1224/2009, 404/2011, 1005/2008, 1010/2009, 2017/2403, 1379/2013, 1004/2017 and 1143/2014 (upon request).ย
โข ย ย ย ย Support the development of by-laws to the Law of Ukraine ยซOn ensuring the traceability of aquatic biological resources and/or products produced from aquatic biological resourcesยป, according to the government's priorities.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย ย ย Bachelorโs degree (or higher) in law, public administration, fisheries management, environmental policy, or related fields.
โข ย ย ย ย At least 5 years of professional experience in legal advisory, regulatory review, or policy development, preferably in fisheries, natural resources, or public administration.
โข ย ย ย ย Working knowledge (Level C) of Russian and Ukrainian. Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of English
โข ย ย ย ย National of Ukraine or resident of the country with valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย ย ย Communication
โข ย ย ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge of national and EU legal frameworks regulating fisheries and aquaculture, including relevant EU regulations.
โข ย ย ย ย Experience in legal analysis, policy assessment, and identifying regulatory gaps.
โข ย ย ย ย Ability to draft comprehensive legal documents, including laws, regulations, and guidance for implementation.
โข ย ย ย ย Strong analytical and research skills, with capacity to review complex legislative and policy materials.
โข ย ย ย ย Excellent communication skills for advising authorities, stakeholders, and technical teams.
โข ย ย ย ย Understanding of institutional frameworks and coordination with multiple government agencies.
Selection Criteria
โข ย ย ย ย Proven experience in drafting legislation, regulations, or legal frameworks, ideally with alignment to EU norms or international standards.