Fishery Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through its Strategic Framework, which emphasizes the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO's work in fisheries is crucial for the sustainable management of aquatic resources, which is integral to its strategic objectives and operations.

Job Overview:
The Fishery Specialist position is integral to the implementation of socioeconomic surveys related to the blue crab fishery in Tunisia, specifically focusing on the blue swimming crab (Portunus segnis) and the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). This role involves working under the technical guidance of FAO and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to support the collection of harmonized socioeconomic information that will enhance fisheries management and value chain analysis. The specialist will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing data collection activities, ensuring that the socioeconomic surveys are conducted effectively and that the data collected is reliable and useful for analysis. This position requires a strong understanding of fisheries management and socioeconomic factors affecting the fishing industry, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including fishers and technical officers from FAO and GFCM.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fishery Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing local language translations of questionnaires for fieldwork; assisting in the development of a sampling strategy and operational plan for field implementation; conducting at least 70 interviews with blue crab fishers in key ports; compiling data in electronic formats according to specified templates; providing raw data to supervisors; supporting the GFCM Secretariat in socio-economic data quality control and analysis; and coordinating with the Seafood Value Chain Analysis Specialist to integrate fishing-sector socioeconomics into a comprehensive value chain flow diagram. The role may also involve collecting information on supporting actors in the fishery, such as gear makers and service providers, to understand their roles and linkages within the industry.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fisheries sciences or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in fisheries management assessments, socioeconomic survey implementation, fisheries research, or related fields. Demonstrated experience in conducting field data collection and data analysis in the fisheries sector is essential. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of both English and French, and must be nationals of Tunisia or residents of the country with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fisheries sciences or a closely related field. This advanced degree is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge required to understand the complexities of fisheries management and socioeconomic analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass fisheries management assessments, the implementation of socioeconomic surveys, and fisheries research. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting field data collection and data analysis specifically within the fisheries sector, demonstrating their ability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and French. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including international organizations and local fishers.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timelines. The role is focused on national candidates, specifically those who are nationals of Tunisia or residents with valid work permits. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the recruitment process, and candidates with experience working with UN agencies may have an advantage. A PhD in a relevant field is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for this specialized role.