Organizational Setting

The FISH4ACP project (“Sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries”) is a five-year project led by the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. FISH4ACP aims at improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains through five main components/specific objectives: i) Robust fisheries and aquaculture improvement strategies are developed and agreed with stakeholders; ii) Economic performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in selected value chains is improved; iii) Inclusiveness and the social sustainability of selected value chains are improved; iv) The environmental sustainability of selected value chains is enhanced; and v) MSMEs in selected value chains have access to additional sources of finance and investment.

Reporting Lines

National fisheries specialist reports to the FISH4ACP National Professional Officer in Sao Tome and Principe.

Technical Focus

Sustainable value chain development for coastal pelagic fisheries.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Contribute economic, social and/or environmental-specific expertise to the overall value chain upgrading strategy in the Sao Tome and Principe coastal pelagic value chain complementing the inputs of various specialists, and other team members.
•    Contribute to the strengthening of fisheries statistics, including the use of ODK software to collect fisheries information.
•    Contribute to the development of fisheries management measures and their monitoring, control, and surveillance.
•    Strengthen local fishery community associations, improving their governance, management, and cohesion, with a focus on improving their financial literacy and business management and development.
•    Support local communities to improve good hygiene practices when handling, processing, transporting, and selling fishery products. 
•    Conduct market study and develop market strategies for new value-added products.
•    Support the development of new value-added fishery products and their commercialization.
•    Provide technical advice and support local organizations to improve the transport of fishery products in appropriate hygienic conditions.
•    Support and monitor the value chain development activities of the project, facilitating linkages between stakeholders, including the formation of Multi-stakeholder Partnerships, and the organization of M&E workshops/
•    Collaborate closely with consultants (national and international) responsible for value chain activities and ensures the implementation of a sustainable systems-based value chain approach.
•    Contribute to the development of a knowledge base on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture value chain development.
•    Perform other related duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in agribusiness, fisheries and aquaculture, food science/technology, food industries, international development studies, geography or a related field.  
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in international value chain, economic, programme development, social and/or fisheries/aquaculture development.
•    Working knowledge of English (level C) and of Portuguese..
•    National of Sao Tome and Principe or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one area of work
•    Work experience in Sao Tome and Principe is essential 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in value chain development 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in capture fisheries and/or aquaculture value chains
•    Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines
•    Ability to write clear and concise technical documents in Portuguese and English. French would be an asset. 
•    Ability to effectively lead and/or work with multi-disciplinary teams
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills