Fishery Resources Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. The GFCM's primary mission is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The organization formulates and recommends appropriate measures to ensure these recommendations are implemented, coordinates efforts by countries to effectively manage fisheries and aquaculture, and monitors the status of fishery resources while carrying out scientific work to support advice and decision-making. The GFCM collaborates with a wide network of institutions and partners to gather and share information, enhancing scientific cooperation and capacity building among its membership. As the GFCM embarks on new projects and fields of work, effective communication about its activities and impact is essential for securing support and cooperation from all stakeholders involved.

Job Overview:
The Fishery Resources Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing the GFCM 2030 Strategy aimed at ensuring the sustainability of fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. This position requires providing technical expertise and advice to monitor, analyze, and address various ecological, biological, economic, market, governance, and social issues related to fisheries management. The specialist will coordinate projects and initiatives that support fisheries management, particularly in the context of capacity development under the MedSea4Fish and BlackSea4Fish projects. Additionally, the role involves substantial support for planning and organizing events and activities related to the GFCM work programme, ensuring that the organization’s objectives are met effectively. The specialist will also assess and address environmental, economic, social, governance, and planning aspects of aquaculture, promoting resilient and responsible aquaculture systems in line with the GFCM 2030 strategy. This position requires a proactive approach to support existing and new research programmes, trials at sea, and the development of data collection systems and technical standards, ensuring alignment with GFCM and FAO standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fishery Resources Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Providing technical inputs towards the implementation of the GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• Offering technical expertise to monitor and analyze ecological, biological, economic, market, governance, or social issues related to fisheries management.
• Coordinating projects and initiatives that support fisheries management, particularly in the context of capacity development.
• Supporting the planning and organization of relevant events and activities in relation to the GFCM work programme.
• Assessing and addressing environmental, economic, social, governance, and planning aspects of aquaculture.
• Supporting the GFCM CoC and its intersessional activities, including drafting and editing documents on GFCM recommendations and data submission.
• Contributing to research programmes, trials at sea, and strategic initiatives in support of data collection systems and technical standards.
• Designing and improving fisheries and aquaculture information management practices.
• Supporting the implementation of work plans of scientific advisory bodies and contributing to the formulation of scientific advice. 1
• Editing and revising technical and scientific documents and publications. 1
• Supporting information management activities related to project outputs. 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) UNESCO, or technical specialization in fields related to natural, marine biology, social and economic sciences, fisheries management, aquaculture, or related areas. For consultants with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. Additionally, candidates must have at least one year of relevant experience in fisheries research, sustainable aquaculture, natural resource management, project development, data analysis, or compliance issues. For consultants, a working knowledge (Level C) of English, French, or Spanish is required, while PSAs must have a working knowledge (Level C) of English or French.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in natural or marine biology, social and economic sciences, fisheries management, aquaculture, or related fields. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. The degree must be from an institution recognized by the international Association of Universities (IAU) UNESCO, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet international standards.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in fisheries research, sustainable aquaculture, natural resource management, project development and implementation, data analysis, or compliance issues. Candidates should have experience working in more than one location or area of work, preferably with a focus on the Mediterranean and/or Black Sea region. Experience in working with international and intergovernmental organizations is also preferred, particularly in connection with fisheries management and sustainable development.

Languages:
For consultants, a working knowledge (Level C) of English, French, or Spanish is mandatory. For PSAs, a working knowledge (Level C) of English or French is required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the fisheries sector.

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, including educational qualifications, relevant experience, and language proficiency. The role may involve working under time pressure and meeting deadlines, requiring thoroughness, reliability, and autonomy. The GFCM emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills, both oral and written, as well as drafting skills in relevant languages. The position is full-time and may involve international collaboration, with a focus on achieving the GFCM's strategic objectives.