Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Technology)

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is responsible for the economic, social, institutional, governance and policy aspects of FAO's activities related to fisheries and aquaculture and their development, with particular emphasis on human well-being, food security and poverty reduction. The Division is also responsible for FAO's activities to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance.

The position is located in the Aquaculture Technology, Production and Health Team of NFI at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Technology) reports to the Deputy Director, NFI.

Technical Focus

Lead and implement policies and programmes of work that seek to maximize the impacts of aquaculture on countries' economic, social and environmental objectives. The programme of work and activities should follow the FAO Code of Conduct on Responsible Fisheries to mitigate the impacts on aquaculture of climate change, while at the same time reducing vulnerability of the sector to climate change and other external stressors.

Key Results

Leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development and implementation of Divisional programmes of work, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

Plans, manages or leads highly specialized or multidisciplinary teams; leads, coordinates and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides technical leadership/secretariat services on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.

Analyses global and country specific requirements and relevant technical issues to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Framework, Programme of Work and Budget, work plans and the supporting budgets and/or resourcing strategies.

Implements and monitors programmes of work involving the development of the approach, evidence-based strategies and related tools, methodologies and the supporting system/database, monitoring and reporting frameworks.

Conducts, designs and oversees research and analysis activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovation, technical reports, publications and/or on-going programme development as well as the provision of technical and/or policy advisory services.

Provides technical and policy advice to Members and technical support to Decentralized Offices in the development and implementation of their programmes.

Leads and/or collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning and on-line tools.

Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.

Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

Develops and leads a programme of work on marine, brackish and freshwater aquaculture designed to improve resource use efficiency and minimize environmental impacts, especially greenhouse gas emissions, per unit production, while at the same time reducing vulnerability to climate extremes and other external stressors.

Leads the implementation of the Blue Transformation Roadmap at regional/national level and supports aquaculture development globally but specifically in Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other priority areas, as required.

Leads aquaculture technology innovations, digitalization, and smart technologies in the integration of these into existing aquaculture practices or newly established applications.

Leads the development of the multidisciplinary programme on aquaculture and associated knowledge products on aquaculture technology and innovations.

Contributes to NFI's cross-cutting initiatives on SDGs, climate change, biodiversity, food security and nutrition, as required.

Secures extra-budgetary funds to support NFI's growing programme of work, especially in relation to the Global Environment Fund and the Green Climate Fund.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biology, aquaculture, aquatic sciences, environmental sciences, fisheries/ aquaculture economics or related discipline.

Ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture research, aquaculture extension and development, aquatic environmental research and/or management, aquaculture economics or related field.

Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

Results Focus

Leading, Engaging and Empowering

Communication

Partnering and Advocating

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.

Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of and in provision of scientific support and advice to national, regional and international aquaculture network in both developed and developing countries.

Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementation of research and/or development programmes in aquaculture or aquatic ecosystem management.

Demonstrated results-based management capabilities with an ability to manage programmes, budgets and human resources efficiently under shifting priorities.

Depth of knowledge of current global issues, trends, constraints, and research needs related to sustainable aquaculture governance, policy, science and innovation.

Extent and relevance of experience in different countries and regions, especially in developing countries and countries in transition.

Ability to mobilize resources.

Extent and relevance of experience in organizing international meetings, seminars and training courses.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed]. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed]. 
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

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