National Fish Health Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31 by supporting the transformation to More efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri- food systems, for Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment and a Better life, leaving no one behind.
The FAO Representation in Ghana is the body in charge of ensuring liaison between FAO and the Government of Ghana (GoG) and is the first port of call for analyzing and appraising government assistance requests; identifying, formulating, implementing and monitoring all FAO programmes and projects; managing all phases of the project cycle for national projects for which operational and budget holder responsibilities have been assigned by the Technical Cooperation Department; identifying opportunities for collaboration, and mobilizing technical and operational support from the Regional Office, Headquarters and other funding sources as appropriate.

FAO is supporting The Government of Ghana (GoG) and the Fisheries Commission to strengthen aquatic animal health management in Ghana to support sustainable and healthy aquaculture production under a project entitled “Strengthening Aquatic Disease Resilience for Sustainable livelihoods and food systems in Ghana (TCP/GHA/3905)”. The purpose of this call is to engage the services of a Fish Health Consultant who will lead in the development of a National Aquatic Animal Health Strategy for Ghana.

The project is focused on developing a National Aquatic Animal Health Strategy and an implementation plan on the Ghana Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2022 to include imported elements as well as expatiate on the key elements for all aquaculture industry players.

Reporting Lines

The Fish Health Specialist will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Representative to Ghana, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative to Ghana – Programme, with the technical support from the Lead Technical Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

The Specialist will conduct a needs assessment and assist to produce technical specification to procure basic equipment and tools needed to carry out basic management of microorganisms in the laboratory. The Specialist will carry out activities that are structured in two complementary outputs leading to development of an implementation strategy for aquatic animal health, strengthened capacity in risk assessment and diagnostics to ensure improved compliance with aquatic animal health and food safety requirements.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the drafting of a National Aquatic Animal Health Strategy (NAAHS) for Ghana.
• Take the FAO E-learning course on Risk Analysis - Pathway to aquaculture biosecurity (PMP/AB), and attend the in-person Training of Trainers on PMP/AB;
• Conduct a self-assessment of risk ownership on Aquatic Animal Health Strategy (AAHS) management in Ghana among key stakeholders;
• Provide secretariat support to a Technical Working Group (TWG);
• Organize a workshop to draft a new implementing strategy for aquatic animal health management in Ghana;
• Revise and finalize the draft strategy based on the TWG, FAO country office, LTO, LTU and Stakeholder’s feedback;
• Provide support for aquaculture activities within the FAO Ghana country office, as may be required;
• Organize a validation workshop and share details of the elements of the new Aquatic Animal Health Strategy with key stakeholders.
• Produce end of assignment report listing activities implemented.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in fish health, aquaculture and/or aquatic sciences, aquatic animal biosecurity, veterinary medicine or other related disciplines.
• At least 5 years’ experience in professional programming in aquatic animal health.
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Ghana

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in conducting aquaculture value-chain risk analysis
• Experience in developing aquaculture biosecurity strategy
• Experience in capacity building and training
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Capacity to build effective relationships and partnerships with team members and service providers.
• Ability to take initiative and accomplish tasks in due time.
• The candidate must demonstrate high communication skills, both verbal and written, negotiation, leadership, vision, strategy, coordination and teamwork.

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge and experience in carrying out needs assessment, risk assessment in farm level biosecurity, aquatic animal movement and requirements of EU trading and aquatic health requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION