Fishery and Aquaculture Officer

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 commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, particularly through its Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), which focuses on transforming food, agriculture, and rural development in the Pacific region.

Job Overview:
The Fishery and Aquaculture Officer plays a crucial role in the FAO's Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands, located in Apia, Samoa. This position is responsible for implementing the FAO Strategic Framework and the Blue Transformation Roadmap, which aims to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. The officer will work closely with the FAO Subregional Coordinator and the multidisciplinary team to ensure that the technical priorities align with the country demands in the Pacific. The role involves providing technical guidance, developing policies, and supporting the planning and implementation of regional programs that contribute to nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security and economic development in the Pacific region. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders, including national public and private institutions, to design and evaluate fisheries and aquaculture policies and programs that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fishery and Aquaculture Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: leading components of multidisciplinary teams, participating in internal committees and project teams, and providing specialized expertise on technical networks and international policy bodies. The officer will develop technical, analytical, monitoring, and reporting frameworks to support program planning and implementation. They will conduct research and data collection to support the development of technical standards and innovative approaches. The officer will respond to country requests for technical assistance, provide backstopping to field projects, and ensure the quality of capacity development activities. They will also promote international cooperation, advocate for best practices, and participate in resource mobilization activities. Specific functions include leading the fisheries and aquaculture portfolio, contributing to strategic planning, mobilizing partnerships, participating in capacity building, and representing FAO in various forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fisheries economics, marine affairs with a specialization in fisheries management, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture production, fish trade, and data management is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and have intermediate knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in a field related to fisheries management, marine affairs, or aquaculture development. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of fisheries and aquaculture systems and for developing effective policies and programs.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture production. This experience should include work in diverse fishery types and ecosystems, as well as familiarity with global sustainable fisheries and aquaculture production and resource management. Experience in developing countries and countries in transition is also highly valued, as is the ability to mobilize resources and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Apia, Samoa, and is part of the FAO's Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands. The role may involve travel within the region to engage with stakeholders and support capacity-building initiatives. The position is full-time and may require participation in international meetings and forums. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the achievement of strategic objectives.