Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is at the forefront of work towards sustainable agriculture and food systems by promoting protection and sustainable use of natural resources, while meeting society’s growing needs for decent and resilient livelihoods. FAO has worked in Sri Lanka for over four decades, sharing technical expertise and building the capacity of stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, forestry, and environment sectors to build resilience, increase food security and ensure sustainable management of natural resources.

Aquatic foods are among the healthiest food on the planet and should be essential part of healthy diets. In addition, aquatic foods are also among the foods with the lowest carbon footprint when it comes to production. Aquatic foods are highly perishable; therefore, particular care is required at harvesting and all along the supply chain. If not correctly treated after harvesting, they can soon become unfit to eat and possibly lead to food safety risks. Proper handling, processing, preservation, packaging, and storage measures are essential to extend shelf-life, ensure food safety, maintain quality and nutritional attributes, and avoid loss and waste.
Food loss and waste occur in most, if not all, fisheries, and aquaculture supply chains. Losses constitute lost income to fishers, processors, and traders, but they also contribute to food insecurity, as a loss of fish means less fish available for the consumer. For these reasons, reducing this loss and waste is becoming increasingly more important. Under Component 5 of the project on “Responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources for sustainable development” (GCP/GLO/352/NOR), sustainable utilization of fisheries and aquaculture products and its contribution to livelihoods and food security will be enhanced through the application of multi-dimensional solutions to reduce FLW in fish value chains. The project will contribute to addressing knowledge gap by enhancing capacity of fish value chain stakeholders in FLW solutions, improving application of multi-dimensional solutions, and strengthening evidence based FLW knowledge products. The multi-day (gill net, longline, ring net) fishery is associated with quality losses; especially, the gill net fishery. The multi-day fishery produces high volumes of fish and employs many people both in fishing and post-harvest activities. Much of the fish is destined for the national market and hence there is an important contribution to domestic food security. Some longline tuna is exported and so the fishery also contributes to foreign exchange earnings. The multi-day fishery was singled out at the project stakeholder meeting as a priority for government in terms of reducing fish loss and waste.

This project aims to develop and implement mechanical modifications on multi-day boats to enhance post-harvest handling and reduce losses.

FAO Sri Lanka is recruiting a consultant to provide expert guidance and technical expertise in developing mechanical modifications for multi-day boats that will effectively reduce post-harvest losses in the Sri Lankan fishing industry.  The post is based in the FAO Representation in Colombo, Sri Lanka with delivery basis payments.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be working in close coordination with the National Project Coordinator regarding project implementation. He/she will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

Support the implementation of the multidimensional solutions strategy on fish loss reduction in Sri Lanka, including assessment of existing best practices, reviewing reports, and building capacity of relevant stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Conduct a detailed assessment of current on-board handling practices and mechanical systems in multi-day boats in Sri Lanka.
•    Identify specific areas within the mechanical systems that can be modified or improved to enhance post-harvest handling.
•    Design and develop mechanical modifications tailored to the needs and conditions of Sri Lankan multi-day boats.
•    Support the coordination with relevant stakeholders, including boat manufacturers, fishermen, local authorities, and other pertinent parties, to ensure the feasibility and adoption of the proposed modifications.
•    Provide technical specifications and guidance for the implementation of the developed mechanical modifications.
•    Oversee the installation and testing of the modifications on selected multi-day boats, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards.
•    Train stakeholders on the proper use and maintenance of the modified mechanical systems.
•    Monitor and evaluate the impact of the modifications on reducing post-harvest losses, and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and results.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements    

•    Post Graduate Degree (at least a master’s degree or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, preferably in the context of marine systems.
•    At least 5 years of working experience in the field of mechanical engineering.
•    Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil
•    National of Sri Lanka or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point).
•    Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups.

Selection Criteria 

•    Demonstrated experience in working with government structures at national level and with wider stakeholders (regional and international development agencies).
•    Expertise in designing and implementing mechanical modifications for boats or similar vessels.
•    Strong analytical and research skills.
•    Experience in providing technical assistance and training to stakeholders.
•    Experience working for donor- driven projects.
•    Strong analytical skills and experience in developing technical reports – undertaking research, primary and secondary data collection, analysis and report writing.
•    Ability to work/deliver independently with minimal supervision.
•    Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral) and Sinhala/Tamil.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in one or more sectors in mechanical engineering in fisheries sector.
•    Extent of experience in technical report writing.
•    Experience in coordinating and liaising with industry, academia, national authorities, UN agencies, donors, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
•    Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector will be considered an asset.