National Fisheries Specialist

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 works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. 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.

Job Overview:
The National Fisheries Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of fisheries-related projects in Seychelles, focusing on enhancing the fisheries sector's sustainability and productivity. This position requires a deep understanding of the fisheries landscape, including socio-economic factors, operational characteristics, and market dynamics, particularly concerning key tuna species. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including fisheries officers, fishers, processors, and the hospitality sector, to develop and implement a fish grading system and a Seychelles Seafood Brand. The role demands a proactive approach to data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the project outcomes align with national legislation and market requirements. The specialist will also be responsible for capacity-building initiatives and awareness-raising activities to promote best practices in fish handling and quality improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Fisheries Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: assessing and documenting the fisheries sector's technical, socio-economic, and operational characteristics; leading data collection and analysis to inform the design of a fish grading system; reviewing and providing technical inputs to national legislation related to fisheries; facilitating consultations and workshops with stakeholders; developing and piloting a fish grading system; guiding exposure visits to countries with established grading systems; implementing capacity-building activities for fisheries officers; providing technical assistance for the certification of graded fish; developing a marketing strategy for the Seychelles Seafood Brand; coordinating with stakeholders and preparing technical reports; and preparing an end-of-mission report with conclusions and recommendations. The specialist may also be assigned additional duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in fisheries sciences or sustainable fisheries management, or a related field relevant to fisheries development. A minimum of five years of professional experience in fish grading, post-harvest techniques, fisheries management, and development is required. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English and must be Seychellois nationals. The role demands strong administrative and organizational skills, excellent verbal and communication abilities, computer literacy, and the capacity to provide leadership and work independently with minimal supervision.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fisheries sciences, sustainable fisheries management, or a related field that is relevant to fisheries development. Candidates must ensure that their qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in the fisheries sector, specifically in areas related to fish grading, post-harvest techniques, and fisheries management. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of fisheries development and possess the ability to work under minimal guidance while meeting deadlines.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances. For further employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.