Liaison Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. The GFCM's mission is to promote the development, conservation, rational management, and best utilization of marine living resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The organization formulates and recommends measures for the conservation and rational management of living marine resources, ensuring the implementation of these recommendations. It also reviews the economic and social aspects of the fishing industry, promotes training, research, and development activities, and disseminates information on marine resources and fisheries. The GFCM operates in multiple countries across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, with its headquarters located in Rome, Italy.

Job Overview:
The Liaison Specialist position is crucial for supporting the GFCM's internal liaison mechanisms and enhancing collaboration with various stakeholders. The role involves managing external relations with GFCM's membership, non-contracting parties, and partners, including international organizations and civil society. The Liaison Specialist will contribute to the GFCM 2030 Strategy and assist in the implementation of the GFCM workplan by providing technical inputs and participating in relevant meetings. Additionally, the position requires participation in resource mobilization efforts and strengthening cooperation with headquarters and other UN agencies. The Liaison Specialist will also be responsible for planning and organizing GFCM meetings, managing logistical aspects, and ensuring effective communication and documentation throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Liaison Specialist include:

• Managing GFCM's external relations with its membership and relevant stakeholders to facilitate their involvement in GFCM activities.
• Supporting efficient liaison between the GFCM Secretariat and various focal points and experts to enhance collaboration on technical issues.
• Contributing to the implementation of the GFCM 2030 Strategy by coordinating strategic activities.
• Providing technical inputs for the GFCM workplan and preparing briefs and concept notes for diverse audiences.
• Participating in resource mobilization efforts and following up on partnership opportunities.
• Strengthening cooperation with headquarters and other UN agencies.
• Planning and organizing GFCM meetings, managing logistics, and ensuring smooth execution of events.
• Updating repositories and databases with relevant documents and producing analyses or summaries as needed.
• Supporting the migration of meeting-related information to the new GFCM website. 1
• Performing any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the international Association of Universities (IAU) or technical specialization in fields relevant to the organization, such as international relations, business administration, law, project management, economics, or natural resources management. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience for the Liaison Specialist role and one year for the Liaison Specialist (meetings) role. A working knowledge of English at level C is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field recognized by the international Association of Universities (IAU) or technical specialization in areas such as international relations, business administration, law, project management, economics, or natural resources management. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of fisheries management and international relations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience for the Liaison Specialist role, with at least one year of experience specifically for the Liaison Specialist (meetings) role. Candidates should have experience working with international and intergovernmental organizations or projects, preferably in the Mediterranean and/or Black Sea regions. Experience in sensitive and fast-moving contexts at an international level is highly valued.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position may be home-based or located at the GFCM headquarters in Rome, Italy. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements and selection criteria, which include experience in international organizations, ability to work on multiple projects, and strong communication skills. The role emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, thoroughness, and reliability in managing GFCM's external relations and supporting its strategic objectives.