Fishery and Aquaculture Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Sub-Regional Office for West Africa (SFW) is dedicated to developing, promoting, and implementing strategies that align with the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) goals. Established to address security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, nutrition, agriculture, and rural development priorities in West Africa, the office comprises a multidisciplinary team of technical experts in various fields including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, land and water management, and pastoralism. This team provides essential technical support to the 15 member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The organization recognizes the critical role of agricultural sectors in combating climate change, as highlighted in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by African nations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The SFW's strategy emphasizes sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, aiming to assist countries in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and effective data management regarding environmental and natural resources. The FAO is also an accredited agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), and Adaptation Fund, and is expanding its portfolio to support countries in achieving their climate action goals, particularly in relation to the Paris Agreement.

Job Overview:
The Fishery and Aquaculture Expert will play a pivotal role in enhancing the FAO's support for the design and implementation of climate-related projects in West Africa, particularly focusing on GEF initiatives. This position is integral to the multidisciplinary climate team at the FAO Sub-Regional Office for West Africa. The expert will be responsible for providing technical support to country offices in formulating and developing project proposals that address critical issues in fishery, aquaculture, climate change, and aquatic resource management. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in these sectors and the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes. The expert will also engage in research and analysis to support GEF projects, contributing to the overall mission of promoting sustainable practices in the region's fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fishery and Aquaculture Expert will undertake a variety of tasks, including: conducting thorough research and analysis of technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological information relevant to GEF projects; providing technical support to countries in formulating GEF project proposals, particularly in fishery and aquaculture; offering technical analysis for assessments, studies, and initiatives related to GEF field projects; collaborating on the development of improved tools and systems for project implementation; participating in multidisciplinary teams and promoting best practices; facilitating knowledge sharing and stakeholder consultations; supervising project implementation through field trips; ensuring the technical review of project documents; supporting resource mobilization efforts in line with FAO's corporate strategy; and performing other relevant duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's) in fishery and/or aquaculture sciences, aquatic natural resource management, or a related field. Alternatively, a university degree combined with two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in fishery, aquaculture, climate change, and aquatic resources management, particularly in developing countries. Experience in designing, formulating, or evaluating substantial agricultural and rural development projects with a focus on climate change is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's) in fishery and/or aquaculture sciences, aquatic natural resource management, or a closely related field. In cases where candidates possess a university degree but lack an advanced degree, a combination of the degree and two years of relevant experience may be acceptable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the fields of fishery, aquaculture, climate change, and aquatic resources management, particularly in developing countries. Experience in the design, formulation, or evaluation of significant agricultural and rural development projects and programs with a focus on climate change is essential. Furthermore, experience working in various locations or areas, especially in field positions in West Africa, is desirable.

Languages:
Full proficiency or working knowledge of both English and French is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse teams and stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve international recruitment and could be full-time. Candidates will be assessed against specific criteria, including experience with GCF, GEF, or Investment Financing Institutions (IFI), which is considered an advantage. The role may also entail a contract duration that is not specified in the provided information.