Consultant International pour la Certification et Labélisation du Poisson Umukeke

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. The UNECA aims to foster regional integration and enhance the capacity of African countries to achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent, working with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address economic challenges and promote policies that support growth and development. The UNECA has a significant number of employees and collaborates with various international organizations to implement its mission effectively.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a comprehensive study on the certification and labeling of the Umukeke fish from Burundi, which is crucial for enhancing the economic contribution of the blue economy sector in the region. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing the current state of the fishery sector in Burundi, identifying the necessary technical, regulatory, and analytical steps to ensure the quality, traceability, and authenticity of the Umukeke fish. This role is vital in aligning the Umukeke with international standards and creating a favorable framework for its recognition as a Burundian fishery resource, facilitating its regional and international export. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, local communities, and international organizations, to gather data and insights that will inform the study and recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting documentary and field research on potential transformations of the Umukeke fish for export purposes. They will investigate applicable standards and norms for fish trade both regionally and internationally, detailing the accreditation requirements, review processes, and technologies needed to achieve exportability. The consultant will also map out the stakeholders involved in the export process, ensuring to highlight the roles of women and youth in the fishing and selling activities. Additionally, they will describe the political, institutional, legal, financial, and human resource frameworks necessary to support the implementation of the overall policy for the fishery sector. The consultant will also analyze gaps in the existing support framework and evaluate the costs associated with optimal implementation of each step required for the certification and labeling process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in marine sciences or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with five years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. A minimum of three years of experience in standardization and certification processes is required. The consultant should have a deep understanding of accreditation, review, and certification processes for food products, particularly in the African context. Experience working with national institutions and in multicultural environments or international organizations is highly desirable. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are essential, along with the ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in marine sciences or a related field. In cases where a candidate holds a Bachelor's degree, they must have at least five years of relevant professional experience to be considered for the role. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of the fishery sector and the necessary standards for certification and labeling.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of experience in conducting standardization and certification work, particularly in the food products sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on accreditation processes and familiarity with the standards and norms applicable to food products in Africa. Experience in a multicultural or international organization is also preferred, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate diverse working environments and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in French (both oral and written) is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Proficiency in English is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will facilitate collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of two months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation details provided in the job posting. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.