Consultant for Closed Fish Farming Systems (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems – RAS)

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 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing nutrition, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's mission is to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the TCP/IRQ/4001 project, which focuses on establishing demonstration sites for closed fish farming systems, specifically Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). This position requires a blend of technical expertise in aquaculture and project management skills to ensure that the systems are designed and implemented according to global standards while being tailored to local conditions in Iraq. The consultant will be responsible for leading the technical design, coordinating with various stakeholders, and building the capacity of local fish farmers and extension officers through workshops and training sessions. The overarching goal is to promote sustainable aquaculture practices that align with environmental and social safeguards, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of food security and agricultural development in Iraq.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Technical Design & Specifications: Developing detailed technical specifications for RAS systems based on global best practices and ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards.
• Coordination & Oversight: Liaising with FAO experts and the Program Management Unit, following up on aquaculture activities, and providing technical support as needed.
• Capacity Building: Leading the design and delivery of workshops and training sessions on RAS and sustainable aquaculture practices, preparing training materials, and ensuring knowledge transfer to local stakeholders.
• Reporting & Documentation: Drafting technical specifications and documentation for demonstration sites, preparing progress reports, meeting minutes, and a final consultancy report with recommendations.
• Implementation & Site Establishment: Overseeing the implementation of RAS systems, coordinating field activities for establishing demonstration sites, providing on-site technical support, and monitoring system performance during initial operation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Aquaculture, Fisheries, or a related field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in RAS design, implementation, and project coordination is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a working knowledge of English and possess FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries, or a related field from a recognized institution. For those with a bachelor's degree, it is essential to have at least two additional years of relevant professional experience in the field to qualify for the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in the design and implementation of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and project coordination. This experience should include working in diverse locations or areas of work, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and deliver results within deadlines. Proven experience in capacity building and stakeholder engagement is also crucial for this role.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context in Iraq or the broader region.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, with the duration of the contract to be determined based on project needs and deliverables. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed against various selection criteria, including their ability to build partnerships and facilitate multi-stakeholder processes.