National Fisheries Livelihood Recovery and Value Chain Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that was established in 194

• Its mission is to defeat hunger and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and technical assistance, develop capacities, and deliver core services while adhering to international standards of accountability. They advocate for and support policies and investments in food and agriculture, ensuring effective operations with adequate resources.

Job Overview:
The National Fisheries Livelihood Recovery and Value Chain Specialist position is located in the FAO Country Office in Iran and is part of the project TCP/IRA/4101, which focuses on providing emergency assistance for the early rehabilitation of fisheries and aquaculture livelihoods in Hormozgan Province. The role involves assessing livelihood and value-chain needs, defining suitable assistance and procurement requirements, and supporting beneficiaries, particularly women fishers and vulnerable coastal households, in effectively utilizing the assistance provided. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Iran Fisheries Organization, local councils, cooperatives, and community representatives, under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Iran and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer. The position requires translating verified needs into feasible assistance packages and shared-service arrangements to help affected fishers and workers resume income-generating activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Fisheries Livelihood Recovery and Value Chain Specialist include supporting the review of project documents and assessments, preparing work plans and assessment methodologies, and conducting rapid field assessments in selected locations in Hormozgan to identify livelihood needs and constraints. The specialist will assist in beneficiary verification and prioritization for specific activities, contribute to identifying appropriate livelihood support packages, and assess feasible fisheries-related livelihood options for households unable to resume fishing immediately. Additionally, the role involves preparing technical specifications for fishing gear and equipment, assessing requirements for shared fisheries services, identifying linkages with input suppliers and buyers, delivering training and technical advice related to livelihood packages, and monitoring the use and results of assistance while documenting constraints and corrective actions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fisheries, fisheries economics, agribusiness, rural development, value chain management, natural resource management, or a closely related field relevant to fisheries livelihoods and value chains. They should have at least five years of relevant experience in small-scale agribusiness or livelihoods, value-chain development, fisheries-related enterprise support, or livelihood recovery, including field needs assessment and work with coastal communities. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English and fluency in Persian, and they should be nationals of Iran or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as fisheries, fisheries economics, agribusiness, rural development, value chain management, or natural resource management. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of fisheries livelihoods and value chains, as well as for effectively contributing to the project's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in areas such as small-scale agribusiness, livelihoods, value-chain development, fisheries-related enterprise support, or livelihood recovery. This experience should include conducting field needs assessments and working directly with coastal communities, which is crucial for understanding the local context and effectively addressing the needs of affected populations.

Languages:
Fluency in Persian is mandatory, and candidates must also have a working knowledge of English. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and for understanding project documentation and reporting requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Tehran, Iran, and follows the UN-Iran workweek from Sunday to Thursday. The role is part of a consultancy project aimed at supporting conflict-affected fishing communities in Hormozgan Province. Candidates will be assessed against specific selection criteria, including demonstrated experience in designing needs-based assistance packages and delivering practical training or coaching. Emergency recovery experience is strongly desirable.