Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Production and Technology)

Organizational Setting

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is responsible for the economic, social, institutional, governance and policy aspects of FAO’s activities related to fisheries and aquaculture and their development, with particular emphasis on human well-being, food security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishing communities; collection, compilation, validation, trend analysis and dissemination of the best available and up-to-date fishery statistics and for the syndication of the FAO information on all aspects of world fisheries and aquaculture. The Division is also responsible for FAO’s activities related to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including the biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance, with particular emphasis on most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats; management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with modern management standards and best practices; development of fisheries technology, with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishing communities, including the safety of fishers and fishing vessels.

The position is located in the Technology and Production Team (NFIAT) in the Sustainable Aquaculture area and is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Production and Technology) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer/NFIAT Team Leader in the Sustainable Aquaculture area under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director, NFI.

Technical Focus
Sustainable aquaculture development, aquaculture technology, production and management.

Key Results
Collection and analysis of information, data and statistics and project/meeting services to support programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions
• Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, as well as products and services.
• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.
• Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.
• Updates databases and web pages.
• Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams.
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
• Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions
• Monitors the situation of aquaculture development in target countries and regions, especially with regard to the preparation of technical and fact-finding missions. This includes understanding the status of aquaculture development in these countries and identifying opportunities for intensification and expansion of sustainable aquaculture.
• Provides collaborative and technical support to the implementation of activities related to increasing capacity of countries to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and minimize negative impacts of aquaculture on biodiversity and the environment.
• Provides collaborative support to the implementation of activities aimed at enhancing efficiency of aquaculture production leading to its intensification, including efficient resource utilization, best practice technology and application of appropriate innovation.
• Provides collaborative support to the implementation of activities related to aquaculture expansion, including low input and non-fed aquaculture (e.g. mollusk and seaweed aquaculture).
• Assists in the preparation of key knowledge products related to sustainable aquaculture development, including guidelines and technical manuals.
• Assists in the organization and implementation of technical meetings, such as expert workshops, expert consultations and training workshops.
• Supports communication material development and promotional work through appropriate media, including social media.
• Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in fisheries, aquaculture/aquatic sciences, biology, management or related disciplines.
• Three years of relevant experience in the aquaculture sector.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical documents and in the organization of meetings and workshops.
• Experience in collecting and analysing technical information related to aquaculture or similar fields.
• Understanding of aquaculture and the fundamentals of sustainability of aquaculture or related production systems.
• Experience of project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation.
• Practical experience of working in aquaculture in a production or research context is highly desirable.
• Experience of working in a developing country context is highly desirable.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Experience of implementing training programmes is desirable.
• Experience in the following areas of aquaculture is considered an asset: seaweed aquaculture; Recirculating System Aquaculture (RAS); and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA).
• Knowledge of FAO policies and programmes is considered an asset.