International Consultant (COF.REG) / Subscriber to Personal Services Agreements (PSA.SBS)

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 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 organization employs thousands of staff members, including experts in various fields related to agriculture, fisheries, and food security, and operates globally to support sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant (COF.REG) / Subscriber to Personal Services Agreements (PSA.SBS) is crucial for the FAO's Fisheries Division (NFI), which focuses on promoting sustainable and responsible development of fisheries and aquaculture. The role involves contributing to the technical and operational capacities of the fishing industry, enhancing access to better fishing technologies, and implementing innovative practices that minimize pollution from fishing operations. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Senior Fishery Officer and will be involved in various projects aimed at improving fishing operations, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting the socio-economic development of the fishing industry. The position may require working at FAO headquarters in Rome, remotely, or on field missions, depending on the assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected consultants will have a range of responsibilities that may include supporting project formulation in line with FAO’s Strategic Framework, coordinating and implementing assigned activities, providing technical inputs to projects, managing and analyzing data, and performing outreach and communication activities. Specific tasks may involve organizing and participating in external events, collaborating with other FAO divisions and external partners, contributing to resource mobilization, and assisting countries in policy and legislative revisions related to fishing gear marking and responsible fisheries. The consultants will also be expected to represent NFIFO at meetings, prepare consultations and workshops, and ensure compliance with FAO standards and guidelines in all communications and materials produced.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in relevant fields such as Fisheries, Biology, Environmental Studies, Marine Engineering, Architecture, Economics, or related areas. For certain positions, a technical diploma combined with at least five years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree. Relevant experience in fishing operations, vessel design, environmental impacts, pollution reduction, and fisheries infrastructure development is essential. The level of experience required varies by position, with COF.REG positions requiring two to ten years of relevant experience depending on the level, while PSAs require one to five years. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and knowledge of additional languages is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields pertinent to fisheries and environmental studies. For COF.REG positions, a degree in Fisheries, Biology, Environmental Studies, Marine Engineering, Architecture, Development Studies, Economics, Occupational Health and Safety, Political Sciences, Law, Business Administration, or International Relations is required. For PSAs, a similar degree is necessary, but a technical diploma with substantial relevant experience may also be acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of fishing operations and environmental regulations.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position varies based on the specific role within the COF.REG or PSA.SBS categories. For COF.REG level C, candidates should have two to four years of relevant experience, while PSAs at level C require one to four years. For higher levels, such as COF.REG/PSAs level B, at least five years of relevant experience is necessary, and for level A, a minimum of ten years is required. Experience should encompass various aspects of fishing operations, environmental impacts, and project formulation and implementation, particularly in developing countries.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for all candidates. Additionally, knowledge of one of the other official languages of the FAO, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve a mix of remote work, field missions, and assignments at FAO headquarters in Rome. The specific terms of the contract, including duration and seniority level, will be defined in the Terms of Reference for each assignment. Candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications, experience, and alignment with FAO's core competencies, which include results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships. Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.