Data and Information Specialist

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Mozambique is supporting the Government of Mozambique to develop and implement policies, legislation and management plans to address the current challenges regarding the sustainability of the fisheries resources and to improve socio-economic benefits for the people of Mozambique. With technical support from FAO the National Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Policy and Strategy was adopted by the Cabinet in 2023 with the objective to prevent, deter and combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU). In a view to support the implementation of this policy a project was design entitled “Improving Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) Capacity for Industrial and Small-Scale Fisheries in Mozambique’s Coastal Areas and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” – (GCP/MOZ/144/NOR), commonly named “MZ MCS Project”.
The objective of the project is to strengthen national MCS capacity in Mozambique’s EEZ and coastal fisheries, reinforcing regional and global initiatives to reduce IUU Fishing through the implementation of advanced MCS systems. As a result, it is expected that the project will enhance interagency coordination and engagement of local communities in law enforcement efforts. The project impact consists of a reduction in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the management of fisheries, which it will improve food and nutrition security for coastal communities and the conservation of marine ecosystems, fostering a balanced and resilient environment for future generations.

The project will be implemented by relevant entities within the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries and law enforcement entities such as National Institute of Sea (INAMAR, IP), the National Fisheries Administration (ADNAP, IP), the General Attorney, migration authorities, Coastal and Maritime Policy, including respective decentralized organs in partnerships with FAO and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Local fishing communities will be actively engaged through community-based monitoring programs, ensuring their participation in surveillance activities. 
To facilitate the execution of these activities, formal Letters of Agreement have been established between INAMAR HQ and relevant maritime administrations, primarily aimed at strengthening maritime inspection capabilities. Furthermore, local fishing communities will be actively engaged through community-based monitoring programs, ensuring their participation in surveillance activities.
The project aligns with Mozambique’s commitments under international agreements such as the FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSA) and regional efforts to combat IUU fishing in the Western Indian Ocean, Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTC) for Foreign Fisheries Access in the Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
Within this project, one of the activity concerns SWIOFC’s support to Member States in implementing the Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTC) Guidelines for access to fisheries by foreign fishing vessels. To strengthen this work, the MZ MCS Project seeks a consultant to design, develop, pilot, and support the deployment of a user-friendly digital assessment tool that enables Member States to conduct regular assessments, generate standardized reports, and monitor implementation progress over time. The tool will support structured and consistent assessments, promoting transparency, consistency, and responsible fisheries management across the South West Indian Ocean region.

In a view to ensure adequate and timely monitoring of the implementation of activities, at ground level, of the MZ MCS Project and undertake the Regular Assessment of the implementation of the MTC Guidelines a data and information specialist is required to develop a dashboards and the MTC Regular Assessment Tool.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Mozambique, the Data and Information Specialist reports to the SWIOFC Secretary, and work in collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, M&E officer, Fisheries expert, Communication team and other relevant colleagues.

Technical Focus

The Data and Information Specialist will support the design and development of customized dashboards and related data source document, including visually appealing and interactive visualizations covering the project indicators and key information to be presented to the Donor and to follow the project progresses among the countries. The data dashboard is an interactive document linked with a data file which will be updated regularly by the team, that consolidates project data, tracks indicators, and supports evidence‑based decision‑making across countries and thematic areas. The Digital MTC Assessment and Reporting Tool is a mechanism that enables regular assessments, automated report generation, and performance dashboards, with low maintenance requirements suited to the SWIOFC and FAO institutional environment.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Data and Information Specialist will carry out the following tasks:

•     Support the design, development, and operationalization of a data dashboard (using Power BI or other FAO-approved software) to visualize MCS data, in consultation with the project team and M&E officer;
•     Contribute technical expertise to data integration, cleaning, and modelling process to ensure the dashboard’s accuracy, functionality, and alignment with project visibility guidelines;
•     Publish and maintain the dashboard, including developing user guides, delivering training sessions, and troubleshooting technical issues post-launch;
•     Review existing frameworks, guidelines, and recommendations to inform the design of a digital assessment and reporting tool for the MTC regular assessment process;
•     Provide technical support for the development of a digital tool supporting structured data collection, automated scoring, results dashboards, and progress tracking, ensuring sustainability and compatibility with FAO systems;
•     Produce key deliverables, including the inception report, system design documentation, prototype tool, pilot testing report, final operational tool, and user training materials;
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Management, Fisheries Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field;
•     5 years of relevant experience in the design and development of digital monitoring, assessment, or reporting systems, in dashboard development, data visualization, and user-centered design
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese
•     National of Mozambique]

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection criteria

•     Experience in stakeholder consultation and facilitation processes;
•     Knowledge of fisheries governance, natural resource management, or regional institutional frameworks will be considered an advantage;
•     Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.