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; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being 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; management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with modern management standards and best practices; development of fisheries technology, with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishing communities, including the safety of fishers and fishing vessels.

The position is located in the Sustainable Aquaculture branch (NFIA) 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, including food security and nutrition, and help meet Sustainable Develop Goals (SDG) targets. The programme of work and activities should follow the FAO Common Vision for Sustainable Food and Agriculture and the FAO Code of Conduct on Responsible Fisheries and associated technical guidelines and seek 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, services in accordance with FAO's Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Plans, manages or leads highly specialized or multi-disciplinary 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, 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 with 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 corporate strategy.

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 implementation of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture and supports countries in its application.

• 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.

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.