Fishery Officer (Small-Scale Fisheries)

Job Posting Organization:
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to addressing the environmental, economic, social, institutional, governance, and policy aspects of fisheries and aquaculture. Established to promote sustainable development, the division focuses on enhancing human well-being, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and poverty reduction. It is responsible for collecting and disseminating global, regional, and national statistics on fisheries and aquaculture, leading initiatives for the management and conservation of aquatic resources, and developing fisheries technology. The division operates extensive field programs worldwide, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance, particularly for vulnerable species and habitats.

Job Overview:
The Fishery Officer (Small-Scale Fisheries) plays a crucial role in supporting the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division's efforts to implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries. This position involves providing technical support at various levels—global, regional, and national—to enhance the governance and development of small-scale fisheries. The officer will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 14 b, which aims to ensure access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets. The role requires collaboration with Member Nations and partners to develop field programs and projects that address the challenges faced by small-scale fisheries, ensuring that their contributions to food security and poverty eradication are recognized and supported.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fishery Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: planning and leading multidisciplinary teams, participating in cross-divisional committees, and providing specialized expertise in technical networks. The officer will develop analytical frameworks and methodologies to support program planning and implementation, conduct research and data collection to inform policy proposals, and respond to technical assistance requests from countries. Additionally, the officer will coordinate capacity development activities, promote international cooperation, and advocate for best practices in small-scale fisheries. Specific functions include providing expert guidance on the SSF Guidelines, assisting in policy development, conducting technical analyses, liaising with partners for resource mobilization, coordinating training efforts, and managing partnerships with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fishery science, biology, fisheries management, social sciences with a specialization in small-scale fisheries, or fisheries governance. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in small-scale fisheries, policy, management, research, governance, community development, and project implementation is required. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields related to fishery science, biology, fisheries management, social sciences with a focus on small-scale fisheries, or fisheries governance. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of small-scale fisheries and their governance.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in the field of small-scale fisheries. This experience should encompass various aspects such as policy development, management, research, governance, community development, and project implementation. Experience working in different geographical locations, particularly in developing countries and countries in transition, is highly valued.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various international and national bodies. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel and engagement in resource mobilization activities. The position may also involve participation in international meetings and conferences, contributing to the visibility and advocacy for sustainable small-scale fisheries.