Project Manager for Small-Scale Fisheries

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency 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 mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and projects that transform food, agriculture, and rural development in the Pacific region, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager for Small-Scale Fisheries will oversee the implementation of the project 'Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries in the Pacific Islands (Phase II)', which aims to enhance food security and climate-resilient coastal livelihoods in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Samoa. The role involves providing overall project management and specialist technical services, ensuring effective project planning, reporting, and coordination with stakeholders. The incumbent will facilitate project start-up, recruitment, and procurement of services, while also providing gender advice and ensuring adherence to project timelines. The position requires a strong focus on improving the participation of women and girls in fisheries governance and ensuring equitable access to resources and benefits in the fisheries sector. The Project Manager will also be responsible for monitoring project outcomes and ensuring alignment with national policies and FAO standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be responsible for planning project activities, procurement, and staffing over a four-year timeframe. Key duties include facilitating all aspects of project implementation, preparing and monitoring workplans, collecting relevant data for effective monitoring, developing Terms of Reference for project personnel, and maintaining positive working relations with stakeholders. The incumbent will also develop a Project Task Force, identify and manage potential risks, and monitor the quality of deliverables from contracted experts. Reporting responsibilities include preparing progress and final reports for resource partners, reviewing financial progress reports, and contributing to the development of national project communication plans. The Project Manager will ensure the mainstreaming of gender in project activities and compliance with FAO standards and guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fisheries, social science, gender, or a related field recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in small-scale fisheries, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder management is required. Candidates should also demonstrate a working knowledge of English and possess core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships. Technical skills in negotiation, communication, and interpersonal abilities are essential, along with experience in managing complex projects and applying gender equality concepts.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in fisheries, social science, gender, or a closely related field is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional relevant professional experience to qualify. The educational background should be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in the necessary fields relevant to the project.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in small-scale fisheries, monitoring and evaluation, and managing multiple stakeholders. Experience in gender-related fields or closely related areas is also essential. Proven ability to manage and implement complex projects, along with practical experience in the Pacific context, is highly desirable. Candidates should have established relationships with relevant institutions in one or more of the project countries or region, and experience managing a global team of researchers or consultants is a plus.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Apia, Samoa, and is part of a four-year project aimed at strengthening small-scale fisheries in the Pacific Islands. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and international partners. The Project Manager will be expected to work closely with the FAO Subregional Coordinator and other team members to ensure the successful implementation of project activities and adherence to timelines. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, and candidates may be assessed against additional selection criteria based on their experience and qualifications.