National Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist

Organizational SettingThe Government of Ghana and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations with funding support of the Kingdom of Norway are implementing “Strengthening Resilience of Vulnerable Communities in Northern Ghana Through Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Integrated Environmental Practice” (GCP/GHA/043/NOR) project (2025-2027) targeting at least 3000 vulnerable rural households, particularly smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and pastoralists, in the Upper East and Savannah regions of Ghana.The project promotes sustainable, climate-resilient, and gender-responsive interventions, including integrated crop-livestock-aquaculture systems, enhanced access to water for productive use, women’s economic empowerment, and the strengthening of early warning and disaster preparedness systems. The project is grounded in an ecosystem-based and community-led approach, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and tailored to local contexts. It supports the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, which promotes transformation through the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life. It also contributes directly to Ghana’s Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), particularly under the pillar on inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.Reporting LinesThe National Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist will be working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Ghana, direct supervision of the Project Manager, and in close collaboration with technical experts of the project.Technical FocusProvide technical leadership on climate-resilient, small-scale aquaculture systems development, community capacity building, and fisheries value chain strengthening to support sustainable livelihoods in Northern Ghana.Tasks and responsibilitiesTechnical leadership for aquaculture development

• Lead implementation of the Fisheries Strategy and Implementation Plan in alignment with project objectives and FAO technical standards.
• Provide technical guidance on small scale aquaculture production systems including pond, tank and cage culture.
• Support identification and selection of beneficiary households to be engaged in aquaculture in project communities.
• Coordinate activities related to rehabilitation of aquaculture production facilities and distribution of aquaculture inputs including fingerlings, feed and basic equipment.
• Provide technical oversight on improved fish production practices including stocking, feeding, water quality management and disease prevention.
• Support establishment and facilitation of Farmer Field Schools and demonstration sites for aquaculture learning and technology adoption.Community engagement and institutional strengthening
• Facilitate engagement with community including fishers, women groups and local authorities.
• Support establishment and strengthening of aquaculture producer groups and community-based organizations.
• Promote active participation of women in aquaculture production, processing and marketing activities.
• Support development of women leadership and management capacities of community fisheries groups.
• Facilitate collaboration between fisheries stakeholders and other agricultural sectors to support integrated production systems.Climate resilient aquaculture and capacity building
• Oversee conduction and delivery of Training of Trainers programmes on climate smart aquaculture for extension officers and model farmers.
• Support development of practical training materials and technical guidelines for aquaculture production.
• Facilitate cascade training to fish farmers through extension services and community level training.Fisheries value chain development and market integration in close coordination with the Agribusiness Specialist
• Support assessment of fisheries value chains and market opportunities in project areas.
• Facilitate training on fisheries enterprise management, business planning and financial literacy.
• Support development of fish processing and value addition activities including improved smoking, drying and packaging.
• Promote market linkages between fish producers, processors and buyers.
• Facilitate engagement with Village Savings and Loans Associations to support access to finance for aquaculture activities.Cooperation with the Fisheries Commission
• Support coordination of activities carried out in cooperation with the Fisheries Commission.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between FAO and the Fisheries Commission at national, regional and district levels.
• Review and validate technical reports and deliverables submitted by the Fisheries Commission.
• Provide technical support to ensure effective delivery of extension services and monitoring activities.Monitoring, reporting and knowledge management
• Conduct regular field missions to monitor implementation of aquaculture activities in project communities.
• Prepare technical reports, progress updates and activity reports for FAO.
• Document lessons learned, good practices and success stories from fisheries interventions.
• Contribute to preparation of annual work plans and project progress reports.Assist in other activities for the day-to-day running of the project.CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in fisheries biology, coastal development and/or social development in the area of fisheries or equivalent
• 8 years of relevant experience in small-scale fisheries and / or aquaculture
• Working knowledge of English
• National of GhanaFAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work within Ghana
• Extent and relevance of experience in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture
• Extent and relevance of experience in fisheries-related and fisheries-relevant policies and legal frameworks
• Good knowledge of institutions and actors relevant to the small-scale fisheries subsector in Ghana Selection Criteria
• Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency
• Prior experience working with the government and other relevant institutions in Ghana ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)Applications received after the closing date will not be acceptedPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.