Field Technical Coordinator (2 positions)

Organizational Setting:

The project “The Project for Strengthening Resilience of Inland Fisheries Affected by the Cyclone” (OSRO/SRL/090/JPN) is implemented by FAO in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and NAQDA. It aims to restore the income and livelihoods of inland fishers affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts.

The project will support reservoir restocking, installation of rearing cages and barrier nets, provision of fish breeding hormones for hatchery operations, and capacity building of fishers and community-based fisheries organizations to strengthen resilient and sustainable inland fisheries systems. The Field Technical Coordinator will be based in Trincomalee and Ampara districts to facilitate the project implementation.

Reporting Lines

The Field Technical Coordinator will report directly to the AFAOR (Programme) and work under the technical supervision of the Project Management Specialist.

Technical Focus

The selected Field Technical Coordinator for the particular duty station will provide technical and field-level support for the implementation of fisheries and aquaculture activities under the project, with a focus on the installation and management of fish cages and barricade nets, fish seed stocking activities, and strengthening community-based fisheries operations.

Further, he/she will work closely with NAQDA, district fisheries officers, Aquaculture Extension Officers (AEOs), Development Assistant Aquaculture Officers (DAEOs), and community organizations to facilitate technical guidance, field monitoring, training programmes, and data collection. The Technical/ Field Coordinator will ensure the quality implementation of field activities, compliance with environmental and social safeguards, and timely reporting of project progress to support the achievement of project targets.

Also, the selected individual should have the ability to achieve planned filed targets, coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders, and ensure timely completion of field activities in compliance with project requirements and deadlines.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the field implementation of project activities and oversee the installation of cages and barricade nets;
• Work closely with DAEO and AEO and facilitate the provision of technical guidance on aquaculture practices;
• Coordinate fish seed stocking activities with NAQDA and communities;
• Organize, facilitate and support training of fishers and CBFO/RFOs;
• Monitor field activities and report the field progress;
• Maintain comprehensive records of all technical field activities, particularly field training reports, photographs, and duly signed photo consent forms in a systematic manner;
• Ensure adherence to environmental and social safeguards;
• Liaise with district fisheries offices and communities;
• Support project related data collection and monitoring;
• Undertakes any other tasks as requested by AFAOR (Programme) and Project Management Specialist.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, or a related field from a recognized university/institution.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in project coordination, including at least 2 years of experience in aquaculture or fisheries-related projects.
• Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil.
• National of Sri Lanka

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevant experience working with rural fisheries organizations, community-based fisheries groups, and fisheries-dependent communities.
• Strong field coordination, organizing and implementing skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results within established deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work closely with the Project Management Specialist (PMS) to achieve project targets through regular field monitoring, quality control, field coordination, and reporting.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites as required.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination at field level, organizing trainings/ workshops, building the capacity of the societies, logistics management, and administrative support.
• Familiarity with the project implementation areas, particularly Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts.
• Knowledge and practical experience in fisheries and aquaculture development activities (stocking of seeds, construction of cages, barrier net, etc), community engagement, and field-level project implementation.

Selection Criteria

• Previous working experience with FAO in a similar capacity will be considered an added advantage.
• Possession of a valid motorcycle riding licence.
• An advanced university degree will be considered an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION