National Mariculture and Marine Parks 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;
·    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 Cotabato City, Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The National Mariculture and Marine Parks Specialist will report to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

The Mariculture and Marine Parks/MPA Specialist will provide technical expertise in the planning, development, and sustainable management of mariculture zones and marine protected areas (MPAs), and support the implementation of related project activities under Output 2: Assessed capture harvest potential and consolidated capacity to reduce post-harvest losses of fishery products.

Tasks and responsibilities

·    Conduct site assessments and spatial planning for potential mariculture zones and marine parks/MPAs in BARMM.
·    Provide technical guidance in designing mariculture development plans that align with ecological sustainability and community use.
·    Support mapping and assessment of marine ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses) for resource management and mariculture siting.
·    Assist in the preparation of environmental safeguards and zoning plans for identified mariculture areas and MPAs.
·    Facilitate consultations with local communities, LGUs, and MAFAR regarding use, access, and conservation of marine areas.
·    Develop technical recommendations on policy and institutional support for marine spatial planning, MPA governance, and co-management systems.
·    Conduct or support training for MAFAR staff and local stakeholders on marine ecosystem-based management, MPA design, and sustainable mariculture practices.
·    Prepare technical inputs for reports, knowledge products, and IEC materials related to mariculture and MPAs.
·    Collaborate with other project specialists (fisheries, hatchery, food safety, etc.) to ensure integration and alignment of marine spatial planning with value chain interventions.
·    Prepare and submit end-of-assignment report including best practices and recommendations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

·    University degree in marine biology, coastal resources management, environmental science, or related field.
·    At least 5 years of experience in marine spatial planning, mariculture, or MPA design and management.
·    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

·    Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
·    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Tagalog
·    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)