Job Description

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 wellbeing, food security and poverty reduction; postharvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the wellbeing of fishing communities; collection, compilation, validation, trend analysis and dissemination of the best available and up to date fishery statistics and for the syndication of the FAO information on all aspects of world fisheries and aquaculture. The Division is also responsible for FAO's activities related to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including the biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance, with particular emphasis on most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats as well as the management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with modern management standards and best practices and the development of fisheries technology, with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the wellbeing of fishing communities, including the safety of fishers and fishing vessels.

The position is located in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Fishery Officer (Fishing Technology) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer, in the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), Fisheries Operations and Compliance team.

Technical Focus

Provision of support to FAO's work related to the implementation of Chapter 8 (Fishing Operations) of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries with a focus on fishing operations and technology. In this regard, the Fishery Officer will be responsible for the production and dissemination of information on responsible fishing methods, gears, equipment, fishing technologies, innovations and fishing operations, in line with the FAO Strategic Objectives 2022-2031, the FAO Programme Priority Areas on Blue Transformation and Small-scale producers' equitable access to resources and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides specialized expertise in technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals, as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.
Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.
Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

Provides advice on policies, strategies and methods for responsible fisheries, including fishing technologies, gears, and equipment, to support responsible practices for sustainable fisheries and the reduction of impacts of fishing operations on ecosystems.
In collaboration with other NFI staff liaises with international and regional organizations active in maritime and fisheries subjects, such as International Maritime Organization (IMO) and relevant sub-committees, Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and Regional Fishery Advisory Bodies (RFABs), to effectively develop and implement international and regional instruments, FAO guidelines, standards and arrangements that contribute to responsible fishing operations, with a focus on technological innovation in fisheries, gear marking, reporting of lost gear, and the reduction of bycatch and discards in fishing operations.
Prepares, organizes and/or participates in technical meetings, studies, capacity building programmes and other activities concerned with the introduction, implementation and dissemination of responsible fishing technologies and operations, including serving as co-chairperson of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES-FAO) Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behavior (WGFTFB).
Analyses and disseminates experiences and lessons learned on responsible fishing technologies and methods, contributing also to transfer of technologies, development of climate change adaptation actions and resilience in the fishing industry.
Provides technical support and backstopping to field projects related to fishing operations, including resources mobilization, project planning, formulation, evaluation, the selecting and briefing of experts, supervising their field work and preparation of reports, in consultation with NFI colleagues, other divisions within FAO and, if appropriate, with other organizations.
In coordination with other NFI staff provides technical support and backstopping to field projects related to access of small-scale and industrial fishers to sustainable fishing gears and technology, development and clearance of fishing gears and equipment specifications for procurement and emergency projects that require fisheries sector assistance.
Liaises with research and development institutions and related international or national bodies in developed and developing countries and builds partnerships for the implementation of FAO's programme of work related to the above subjects.
Supervises the preparation and/or editing of documents and reference works on the above subjects, including textbooks, websites and eLearning courses for training of fisheries technologists, fisheries managers and fishers in responsible fishing methods and operations.
Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Fishing Technology, Fisheries Development or Management or other Fishery-related fields.
Seven years of relevant experience in Fisheries, including extensive experience in Fishing Operations and Fisheries Development field projects.
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
Teamwork
Communication
Building effective relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
Extent and relevance in planning, implementing and coordinating fishing development, technology or innovation related project activities.
Extent and relevance of knowledge of and experience in broad aspects of fisheries operations and/or fisheries management in developing countries and ability to analyze related technical and scientific information.
Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating and liaising with international organizations on technology aspects related to responsible fishing operations.
Ability to write clearly and concisely, edit technical papers for publications and make effective oral presentations preferably in more than one official language of the organization.
Ability to organize and coordinate meetings and training activities.
Ability to mobilize resources.
Strong initiative and high sense of responsibility and ability to work under pressure and in a team context.