FISH4ACP/NAVAC Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division is a core technical division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, established to promote responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems. The division operates from FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and collaborates with member countries and partners to enhance the global development of fisheries and aquaculture. The division's mission includes improving production, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life through strategic initiatives such as the Blue Transformation. The division also supports member countries through normative instruments and partnerships with regional fishery bodies, ensuring a collaborative approach to sustainable aquatic food systems.

Job Overview:
The FISH4ACP/NAVAC Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of fisheries and aquaculture projects, particularly focusing on the FISH4ACP project aimed at enhancing the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. This role involves coordinating project activities across multiple countries, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring the effective execution of project objectives. The specialist will work closely with national teams and various specialists to support the development of robust fisheries and aquaculture strategies, improve economic performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance social and environmental sustainability within selected value chains. The position requires a proactive approach to integrating monitoring and evaluation processes, sharing best practices, and contributing to a knowledge base on sustainable value chain development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the FISH4ACP/NAVAC Specialist include coordinating the implementation of development projects in collaboration with national teams, supporting value chain development, facilitating stakeholder partnerships, and overseeing project deliverables. The specialist will also be responsible for integrating monitoring and evaluation processes, contributing to knowledge sharing, and maintaining databases for project-related data management. Additional responsibilities include developing budgets, ensuring effective communication among project stakeholders, and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a strong focus on achieving project objectives and fostering collaboration among diverse teams and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as economic development, agribusiness, fisheries and aquaculture, or international development studies from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. The position requires at least 1 year of experience for COF category C, 5 years for category B, or 10 years for category A in areas such as project development, funding applications, and capacity building. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in French or Spanish, along with limited knowledge of another FAO official language, is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in economic development, agribusiness, evaluation, fisheries and aquaculture, food science/technology, or related fields. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional relevant professional experience to qualify. The educational qualifications should be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in the necessary technical areas relevant to the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the FISH4ACP/NAVAC Specialist position varies based on the category of the role. Candidates must have at least 1 year of relevant experience for COF category C, 5 years for category B, or 10 years for category A. This experience should encompass areas such as funding applications, project development, international management, capacity building, and value chain development. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, to demonstrate their adaptability and understanding of diverse contexts in fisheries and aquaculture.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in French or Spanish is highly desirable, along with limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages, which include Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position may be home-based or located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role involves working on international projects, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel to various project locations. The specific contract duration and seniority level are not mentioned, but the position is likely to be full-time given the responsibilities outlined. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job posting.