Seaweed Farming Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency 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 also focuses on ensuring that the livelihoods of rural populations are improved and that the natural resources are managed sustainably.

Job Overview:
The Seaweed Farming Expert will play a crucial role in revitalizing the Indonesian seaweed sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. The expert will be responsible for leading the technical implementation of pilot seaweed farming initiatives, particularly focusing on the cultivation of alternative seaweed species in Lombok. This position requires a deep understanding of aquaculture and fisheries, specifically in the context of tropical seaweed species. The expert will work closely with local farmers, providing them with the necessary training and support to enhance their farming practices. The role also involves collecting data throughout the production cycle and facilitating the transfer of innovative farming technologies. The expert will contribute to capacity building among farmers and support the scaling-up of best practices in seaweed farming, ultimately aiming to improve the livelihoods of those involved in the sector.

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

• Providing technical support to identify suitable alternative seaweed species for pilot farming in Lombok.
• Collecting relevant information and data throughout the production cycle of demonstration plots.
• Facilitating technology and knowledge transfer for innovative seaweed farming practices.
• Conducting training sessions for stakeholders, including farmers, on the farming techniques of the identified alternative seaweed species.
• Supporting the scaling-up of best practices in seaweed farming.
• Contributing to the documentation of seaweed farming activities, including creating brochures and videos.
• Participating in the final workshop of the project to share findings and outcomes.
• Preparing various reports, including training reports and end-of-assignment reports.
• Undertaking any other tasks as required by FAO-Indonesia to ensure the success of the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree in aquaculture or fisheries-related subjects.
• A minimum of 5 years of working experience in seaweed aquaculture, particularly in the cultivation of tropical species such as Ulva, in addition to the traditionally farmed Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma denticulatum.
• Proficiency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• Candidates must be nationals of Indonesia or residents of the country with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in aquaculture or fisheries-related fields. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the seaweed farming initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant working experience in seaweed aquaculture. This experience should specifically include the cultivation of tropical seaweed species, which is critical for the success of the pilot farming initiatives in Lombok. The candidate should also have substantial hands-on experience in designing and managing seaweed farming systems, preferably in coastal areas of Eastern Indonesia.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local farmers, stakeholders, and project partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in various project activities that may require travel to Lombok. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.