National Fisheries Specialist

Organizational Setting

Recruiting by the hiring unit of FAO Madagascar, under the direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative in Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, and Seychelles and the technical supervision of the Programme Coordinator in collaboration with the Project Team Leader, the Consultant is to be stationed at the FAO Country Office, within the Agricultural Department, Seychelles.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct managerial and administrative leadership of the Deputy FAO Representative in Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, Seychelles as the Budget Holder, under the technical supervision of the FAO Programme Coordinator for Seychelles and in coordination with the Project Team Leader.

Technical Focus

The National Fisheries Specialist under the technical guidance of the Programme Coordinator and the Project Team Leader, shall provide their technical expertise towards the implementation of the project’s activities to achieve the project’s outcomes as per outlined within the Project Document within a timely manner until the reporting and closing of the assignment.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Fisheries Specialist will be responsible to:
•     Assess and document the technical, socio-economic, and operational characteristics of the fisheries sector, including existing fish grading practices, tools, and market dynamics, with a focus on key tuna species and gender-responsive considerations.
•     Lead and support data collection, analysis, and documentation to inform the design and implementation of the fish grading system and seafood branding strategy.
•     Review, compile, and provide technical inputs to national legislation and regulatory frameworks related to fisheries, food safety, quality control, grading, certification, and exports, in collaboration with relevant experts.
•     Design and facilitate inclusive consultations, workshops, and validation meetings with fisheries officers, fishers, processors, exporters, public and private institutions, and the hospitality sector (HORECA), ensuring effective participation, particularly of women.
•     Lead the development, adaptation, and pilot implementation of a fish grading system for selected species, including coordination with national counterparts, field testing, and integration of best practices from regional experiences.
•     Facilitate and guide exposure visits or knowledge-sharing initiatives to countries with established tuna grading systems and support the adaptation of relevant best practices to the Seychelles context.
•     Develop and implement awareness-raising and capacity-building activities for fisheries officers and stakeholders on grading standards, fish handling practices, and quality improvement.
•     Provide technical assistance to national authorities for the initial certification of graded fish and support the establishment and operationalization of a credible Seychelles Seafood Brand.
•     Provide technical inputs to the development and implementation of the Seychelles Seafood Brand marketing strategy, including stakeholder consultations and alignment with market requirements.
•     Assist in the implementation of national awareness, promotion, and capacity-building activities related to the use, visibility, and commercialization of the Seychelles Seafood Brand.
Coordinate with all stakeholders and prepare technical reports, documentation, and deliverables in line with FAO standards and project requirements.
•     Prepare an end of mission report with conclusions and recommendations following the FAO format

•     Performs any other duties that may be assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree on fisheries sciences or sustainable fisheries management, in a field relevant to fisheries development;
•     At least 5 years of professional experience and knowledge in fish grading and post-harvest techniques, fisheries management and fisheries development;
•     Working knowledge of English
•     Seychellois Nationality

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong administrative and organisational skills
•     Strong verbal and communications skills
•     Computer literacy 
•     Ability to provide team leadership and motivation
•     Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision

Selection Criteria

•     Ability to work under minimum guidance
•     Ability to meet deadlines
•     Adaptability, flexibility, and availability to respond to emerging opportunities
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION