Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development. The office focuses on identifying, planning, and implementing FAO's priority activities in the region, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs. Established to address regional challenges, RAF collaborates with various divisions, offices, and centers at FAO headquarters to develop and oversee strategic responses to regional priorities. The office also plays a crucial role in advising on the incorporation of these priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget, monitoring program implementation, and addressing any issues that arise. RAF maintains relationships with regional institutions, including Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs), and supports policy dialogue, partnerships, and capacity development in food security and agriculture across the region.

Job Overview:
The Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer is tasked with overseeing all activities related to fisheries and aquaculture development within the FAO's program of work on Blue Transformation in the Africa Region. This role encompasses three main components: sustainable aquaculture development, sustainable fisheries management, and the enhancement of aquatic food value chains. The incumbent is expected to strengthen partnerships and knowledge networks both within and outside the Organization, facilitating regional and country-level actions in fisheries and aquaculture policy and management. This includes resource mobilization, policy development, and engagement with national and regional partners. The officer will also serve as Secretary for the Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) and the Committee for Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture of Africa (CIFAA). The position requires a strong focus on leadership and technical policy expertise to plan, develop, and implement regional programs that align with FAO's Strategic Framework and Gender Policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading specialized or multidisciplinary teams. This includes coordinating and participating in regional committees, project teams, and working groups, as well as providing technical leadership and secretariat services in technical networks and international policy bodies. The officer will analyze global and country-specific requirements to provide critical inputs into the FAO Strategic Framework and Programme of Work. Responsibilities also include implementing and monitoring work programs, conducting research and analysis to support the development of technical standards and policy advisory services, and providing technical support to decentralized offices. The officer will represent the Organization at international meetings, advocate for best practices, and develop strategic partnerships. Additionally, the officer will lead resource mobilization activities in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in natural resource economics, fisheries or aquaculture economics, marine sciences, or related fields such as veterinary science or food science, with a specialization in fisheries and/or aquaculture management or governance. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in fisheries management, aquaculture development, fisheries economics, or related areas 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).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to natural resource economics, fisheries, aquaculture, marine sciences, or other relevant disciplines. Specialization in fisheries and aquaculture management or governance is essential, as well as knowledge of related fields such as veterinary science or food science.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in fisheries management, aquaculture development, fisheries economics, or trade. Experience in managing data and information in fisheries and aquaculture is also essential. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing technical assistance in these areas, particularly in sustainable management and capacity building.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a level C proficiency required. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This bilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Accra, Ghana, and involves significant responsibilities in leadership and technical policy expertise. The role is full-time and may require international travel for field missions and meetings. Candidates should be prepared to engage in resource mobilization activities and work collaboratively with various stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.