Blue Ports (automation and socioeconomics) Specialist

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

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 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 security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and 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.

About the Project

The Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) intends to assist the GoI to strengthen fishing ports technical capacities to address main environmental, social and economic challenges that affect the aquatic value chain. Two pilot fishing ports, specifically Vanakbara (Union Territory of DNH & Daman & Diu without legislation) and Jakhau in Gujarat, will benefit from this TCP that will provide them with specific strategic and operational tools to identify and formulate investments projects, whose implementation would address main challenges. Also, a capacity building program will be provided aimed to public and private stakeholders to better comprehend main challenges and oriented solutions that fishing ports sustainability address.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in India, Assistant FAO Representatives (Programme and Administration) and guidance of the Project Managers and BPI FAO HQ, Blue Ports (automation and socioeconomics) Specialist will undertake the following tasks

Technical Focus

- Help establish the foundations for reinforcing and transforming two pilot fishing ports into more sustainable sites through the collaborative design of a Blue Transformation plan in India. In particular, they will support the creation of a roadmap and the identification of potential investments, ensuring that these are financially viable, climate-resilient, and inclusive—fostering economic growth and the creation of “blue jobs” aligned with FAO’s Roadmap to a Blue Fishing Port. A cross-cutting approach that integrates both inclusive and climate-resilient dimensions is essential. The specialist will specifically support activities in Vanakbara (Union Territory of DNH & Daman & Diu) and Jakhau in Gujarat.

- Combine automation/engineering expertise with socio-economic analysis to help transform the two pilot fishing ports into sustainable “Blue Ports.” They will design strategies that integrate digitalization, efficient operational workflows, and infrastructure upgrades with inclusive economic growth and improved livelihoods. Emphasis will be on\:

• Automation and modernization (e.g., mechanized landing, digital traceability, energy efficiency).
• Economic feasibility and social inclusivity, ensuring benefits for local communities, including women and youth.
• Climate resilience and alignment with FAO’s Roadmap to a Blue Fishing Port.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Evaluate existing port facilities, focusing on potential improvements in automation (e.g., fish-handling systems, digital traceability platforms, cold-chain technology), ensuring alignment with national and international standards.
• Provide Technical Guidance on Digitalization & Mechanization.
• Provide inputs regarding the selection and integration of equipment and software to improve operational efficiency (e.g., energy use, fish handling, e-commerce, fish data collection), while mitigating any adverse social impacts.
• Support senior colleagues in developimg comprehensive baseline economic analyses and feasibility studies for pilot project proposals, including cost–benefit analyses, financial models, and market assessments, ensuring robust economic justifications for investment decisions.
• Provide technical guidance on financing strategies, business models, and investment frameworks for sustainable fishing port development, focusing on medium and small-scale fisheries and inclusive growth.
• Evaluate social conditions in fishing ports—such as livelihoods (port based and fishing vessel based), decent work, and gender balance—to identify community needs and opportunities for social improvement.
• Incorporate social inclusion strategies into Blue Ports Initiative (BPI) project proposals and concept notes, ensuring alignment with international labour standards and FAO’s social mandates.
• Draft and review project documents to integrate economic and social risk assessments, cost recovery models, and measures that enhance economic resilience in port communities.
• Participate in meetings along with the FAO team in meetings with port authorities, government agencies, financial institutions, and private-sector partners to identify funding opportunities and foster public–private partnerships that support sustainable port development.
• Design and carry out capacity-building sessions with the FAO team on economic tools, financial planning, and best practices to help local stakeholders adopt sustainable economic models (based on models/scales of fishing vessels/ gear combinations, key species landed, handled and marketed, profile of value chain players involved with specific focus on women)
• Participate in events and meetings focused on economic sustainability in fishing ports, sharing insights and fostering collaboration with international stakeholders, along with FAO team members.
• Perform other related duties, as required, to ensure the successful economic integration of the BPI in target locations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in naval architecture, automation, economic development, or other fields relevant to fishing ports development (Bachelor of Engineering, Naval Architect/Mech/EEE/ECE or equivalent).
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in aquatic value chain management, socio-economic assessment, and related fields.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English and the relevant local language.

FAO Core 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 related to social and economic development in fisheries.
• Demonstrated ability to address social dimensions in fishing value chain development.
• Experience in economic analysis, financial modelling, and feasibility studies.
• Proven engagement with financial institutions, development banks, and private-sector stakeholders.
• Track record of drafting project documents, concept notes, and investment proposals.
• Experience in designing and implementing social and economic indicators for monitoring progress.
• Familiarity with capacity-building methodologies for economic planning, investment readiness, and social inclusion.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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