Fisheries Global and Regional Processes Specialist
Remote | Home Based - May require travel
- Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- Location: Remote | Home Based - May require travel
- Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- Fisheries
- Sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources
- Closing Date: 2025-09-16
IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
International specialists represent an important source of expertise for FAO, making their specialist contributions across the globe towards the achievement of the Organization’s strategic framework to support the 2030 Agenda through 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. For FAO to be able to attract and employ the best possible experts in the wide range of technical areas of its mandate, a competitive selection process has been introduced. This process is intended to create a pool of candidates which can be called upon when their expertise is required, ensuring a transparent and rigorous selection process.
The Fisheries Global and Regional Processes Team (NFIFP) of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) has the primary responsibility of supporting global dialogue, cooperation, capacity development and implementation of international instruments, processes and mechanisms to achieve sustainable fisheries. NFIFP’s main areas of work include activities related to\: i) the FAO Committee on Fisheries [including through the management of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries questionnaire], ii) developing and implementing international fisheries instruments, liaising and collaborating with international organizations in global and regional matters, and iii) supporting regional mechanisms and monitoring processes such as reporting on SDG 14.6.1.
NFIFP is responsible for the implementation of FAO’s Global Capacity Development Programme to support developing States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in developing capacity to adopt and implement the provisions of the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (the PSMA) and complementary international instruments and regional mechanisms to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Programme currently comprises sixteen projects with funding from the European Union (EU), Iceland, Germany, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Spain and Sweden.
A number of Project Task Forces (PTFs) manage and assist in the implementation of the projects developed within the framework of the Global Programme. The PTFs include NFIFP Senior Management and other officials, legal officers of FAO’s Development Law Service (LEGN) of the Legal Office, as well as other officials of FAO Headquarters and decentralised offices.
Reporting Lines
The Specialists will work under the overall supervision of the Team Leader NFIFP and the direct supervision of
relevant Officers of NFIFP.
Technical Focus
Provision of support to FAO's work related to the implementation of international fisheries instruments, including the PSMA and complementary international instruments and regional mechanism, with a focus on combatting IUU fishing. In this regard, a wide range of expertise with different technical focus is required, including on fisheries legal and policy matters, fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS), fishing operations, fisheries information systems, programme/projects management and implementation, accounting, photography and audio-visual content production, publishing and communication.
Tasks and responsibilities
The tasks and responsibilities of each selected Specialist will be defined in the Terms of Reference for specific
assignments. In general, assigned tasks and responsibilities will normally include a number of the following elements
depending on specific assignments and the expertise of the incumbent\:
• Support the formulation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Programme/projects in accordance with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the FAO project cycle. Contribute to the preparation of programme/ projects status reports.
• Assist in managing and monitoring of budgets and expenditures, and the delivery of results in accordance with approved projects budgets and work plans.
• Assist with financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting, and related tasks in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework, standards and systems.
• Provide organizational support to the Programme, projects and activities under NFIFP’s responsibility, including with respect to the organization of international meetings.
• Contribute to NFIFP’s work related to resource mobilization.
• Assist beneficiary countries in undertaking the necessary policy and legislative revisions for the adoption and effective implementation of the provisions of the PSMA and complementary international instruments and regional mechanisms.
• Assist beneficiary countries in developing and implementing the MCS elements within the broader framework of the support provided by projects and other relevant initiatives to enhance capacity of concerned agencies and officials to combat IUU fishing though port State measures (PSMs) and related instruments and tools.
• Liaise and coordinate with Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) on conservation and management measures adopted and implemented at regional level to combat IUU fishing with a view of supporting concerned developing States in enhancing their capacity to improve compliance.
• Contribute to development and running of global information systems and tools in support of effective implementation of the PSMA and complementary international instruments, including the PSMA Global Information Exchange System (GIES). the FAO Global Record of Fishing Vessels, Refrigerated Transport Vessels and Supply Vessels (Global Record) and other applications relevant to the Programme.
• Contribute to relevant studies, publications and analyses, knowledge products and dissemination materials related to NFIFP’s areas of work, including guidelines, capacity building, communications and training materials.
• Coordinate, implement and administrate assigned programme/ projects and/or project components and activities in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and systems, and donor requirements.
• Organize and participate in field missions and other events in support of the delivery of NFIFP’s programme of work, including for consultation, training, capacity building and technical assistance to beneficiaries of FAO support programmes and projects.
• Collaborate with relevant UN agencies (IMO, ILO, UNEP, World Bank and UNODC in particular), Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs), other Intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, academia and institutes in areas of mutual interest (only for Consultants).
• Represent NFIFP at internal and external meetings, particularly those related to the development and implementation of NFIFP-led programmes/ projects (only for Consultants).
• Enrich NFIFP photo and audio-visual library for different communication products and purposes.
• Any other duties related to NFIFP’s areas of work.
FAO Standards and guidelines\:
• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including\:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31\: https\://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines\: https\://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines\: https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https\://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http\://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https\://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• For consultants\: university degree in Fisheries Science, Fisheries Management, Fishing Operations, Fisheries Law, Marine Affairs, Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Project Management, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Communication, Journalism, or other relevant field. For PSAs\: technical specialization in Fisheries Science, Fisheries Management, Fishing Operations, Fisheries Law, Marine Affairs, Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Project Management, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Communication, Journalism, or other relevant field.
• For base level consultants (C level) 3 years of relevant experience in NFIFP’s areas of work (fisheries management; fisheries governance; fisheries law and policy; fisheries enforcement and compliance; fisheries information exchange; monitoring, control and surveillance; information systems; media and communications; training; project management); for middle level consultants (B level) at least 7 years of relevant experience in NFIFP’s areas of work; and for senior level consultants (A level) at least 12 years of relevant experience in NFIFP’s areas of work. For base level PSA (C level) 1 year of relevant experience in NFIFP’s areas of work, for B level PSA minimum 5 years of relevant experience in NFIFP’s areas of work and for A level PSA a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in NFIFP’s areas of work are required.
• For PSA and consultants\: working knowledge (level C) of English
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Selection Criteria
• Knowledge of an additional FAO language is preferable.
• Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point) including online communications tools.
• Extent and relevance of experience in one or more of the main technical areas of NFIFP’s work.
• Extent and relevance of experience working in the field
• Experience in coordinating and liaising with national authorities, UN agencies, donors, intergovernmental
organizations, and non-governmental organizations
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 any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
- For more information, visit the FAO employment website
- 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
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.