Fishery Officer (Aquatic Food Value Chains)

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. The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) focuses on the economic, social, institutional, governance, and policy aspects of fisheries and aquaculture, emphasizing human well-being and food security for fishing communities.

Job Overview:
The Fishery Officer (Aquatic Food Value Chains) plays a crucial role in analyzing aquatic food value chains, facilitating market access, promoting sustainable aquatic food production and consumption, and providing project management and advisory services to Member Nations. This position is integral to delivering better production, nutrition, and environmental outcomes. The officer will engage in research, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis, and project-related services to support the delivery of various programs and projects related to fisheries and aquaculture. The role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to promote best practices and ensure the effective implementation of aquatic food value chain improvements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fishery Officer will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and providing access to technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological data related to fisheries and aquaculture. This includes producing technical data, statistics, and reports, as well as providing technical backstopping to field projects. The officer will participate in developing improved analytical tools and methodologies, collaborate with other divisions and offices, and promote knowledge sharing at international meetings. Specific functions include coordinating operational and technical support for projects focused on sustainable aquatic food value chain development, assisting in decision-making regarding value chain improvements, facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms, and developing policy guidelines based on project results. The officer will also represent the project in international meetings and undertake missions to monitor project progress.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agricultural or fishery economics, food science or technology, business administration, or other relevant fields related to food value chains. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in food value chain development and related fields is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (intermediate proficiency - level B).

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required, specifically in areas such as agricultural or fishery economics, food science or technology, or business administration. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of food value chains and the economic, social, and environmental factors that influence them.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in food value chain development and related fields. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations is highly desirable, particularly in developing countries. Familiarity with the fisheries sector and sustainability policies is crucial, as well as experience in planning and implementing projects related to food value chains and sustainable seafood products.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a working knowledge (level C) required. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication within the organization and with Member Nations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves full-time engagement. The role may require international travel for project monitoring and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, and the organization is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce.