Seaweed Nursery Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement programs and initiatives that support sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

Job Overview:
The Seaweed Nursery Expert will play a crucial role in revitalizing the Indonesian seaweed sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. This position involves assessing, designing, and implementing pilot seaweed nursery units aimed at enhancing seedling production capacity in Lombok. The expert will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Indonesia and will collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities. The role requires a deep understanding of aquaculture and fisheries, particularly in the context of seaweed production. The expert will be responsible for evaluating existing nursery units, identifying operational bottlenecks, and leading the establishment of new nurseries that are environmentally and socio-economically suitable. Additionally, the expert will conduct training sessions for farmers and extension workers, contribute to the development of educational materials, and prepare reports on project activities. This position is vital for addressing the critical gaps in the seaweed production value chain and ensuring sustainable practices in the industry.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Seaweed Nursery Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing and evaluating existing government nursery units (UPTs) to assess their seedling production capacity and identify operational bottlenecks.
• Leading the technical design and establishment of two pilot seaweed nurseries, ensuring they meet environmental and socio-economic criteria.
• Providing on-site technical guidance for the proper setup and operation of the nurseries.
• Conducting capacity-building training for farmers and extension workers on innovative seaweed nursery techniques.
• Contributing to the development of an illustrated guide booklet on nursery best practices.
• Participating in the final workshop of the project to share findings and insights.
• Preparing related reports, including training reports, Back-to-Office Reports, and End-of-Assignment Reports.
• Undertaking any other tasks as required by FAO-Indonesia to support the project's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in aquaculture or fisheries-related subjects, with specialized knowledge in seaweed seedling production and nursery development. A minimum of 5 years of practical and long-term experience in seaweed aquaculture, from seedlings to growing, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate fluency in both written and spoken English and Bahasa Indonesia, and must be nationals of Indonesia. Additionally, candidates should exhibit strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to achieving outcomes.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in aquaculture or fisheries-related fields. This educational background should include specialized knowledge in seaweed seedling production and nursery development, which is critical for the successful execution of the responsibilities associated with this role.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of 5 years of practical experience in seaweed aquaculture, covering all aspects from seedling production to growing. This experience should include familiarity with evaluating and improving the performance of seaweed nurseries, as well as knowledge of vegetative propagation techniques and seed quality management. Field-based experience in coordinating with government technical units and coastal communities is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to effectively implement the project.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, as well as proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders, including local farmers, government officials, and project partners. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on delivering results within the project's timeline. Candidates should be prepared to engage in participatory and bottom-up approaches, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive practices in the development of the seaweed sector. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process, and the organization is open to recruiting nationally.