Fishery Officer (Management)

Organizational Setting

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) works with Members and partners to transform aquatic systems and promote the responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. Leaving no one behind.

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. Its main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best use of living marine resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

To this end, the GFCM formulates and recommends appropriate measures and ensures these recommendations are implemented; coordinates efforts by countries to effectively manage fisheries and aquaculture; monitors the status of fishery resources and carries out scientific work to support advice and decision-making; coordinates and benefits from the support of projects and programmes at the regional and subregional levels to enhance scientific cooperation and capacity-building among its contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties.

The post is located in the GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, 00193, Rome, Italy).

Reporting Lines

The Fishery Officer (Management) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer and collaborates with relevant staff in the GFCM Secretariat, both at GFCM office in Rome, Italy and in the subregional technical units, transversally.

Technical Focus

Support to and participation in the implementation of policies and work programmes related to the development of sustainable fisheries management tools in Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, in line with the mandate of the GFCM.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides specialized expertise in technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals, as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Coordinates and gathers the results of the implementation of GFCM activities related to fisheries management, in line with the overall objectives of the GFCM and under the guidance of the Senior Fishery Officer, to support the GFCM in designing, monitoring and assessing fisheries management measures and plans for the conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources, at the biological, social, economic and environmental level.
• Backstops the subregional committees (SRCs) of the GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee for the Mediterranean (SAC) and supports the work of the Working Group on the Black Sea (WGBS).
• Leads and/or participates in expert meetings, working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on the organization of meetings and activities related to fisheries management.
• Oversees the preparation and implementation of the activities under the GFCM workplan and the GFCM 2030 strategy, in coordination with the Senior Fishery Officer and other relevant staff, , specifically regarding\:

oTechnical advice on the status of fisheries and potential management scenarios improved to provide a solid basis for decision-making with particular reference to the formulation of sound advice for the sustainable management of fisheries, including small-scale fisheries, the incorporation of stakeholder views in the definition of potential management scenarios for key fisheries and the establishment/identification of research programmes addressing specific needs for the management of key fisheries and the conservation of vulnerable species and ecosystems.

oEvidence-based adaptive fisheries and ecosystem management implemented with particular reference to the design and implementation of efficient multiannual adaptive management plans addressing key fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas, including monitoring the effectiveness of management plans, managing fishing capacity, developing small-scale fisheries management plans, operationalizing the ecosystem approach to fisheries as well as ecosystem-based management.

oEngagement of fishers in participatory management processes promoted, facilitating their role as guardians of the sea with particular reference to implementation of the participatory approach to management. Organizes, promotes and participates, as appropriate, in activities carried out under the general framework of the GFCM or its subsidiary bodies in relation to fisheries management, including training courses, expert groups etc.

• Contributes to resource mobilization and budget planning activities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in marine biology, biological sciences, marine sciences or related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in quantitative analysis and in the design, monitoring and assessment of fisheries management measures and plans, including for small-scale fisheries and in the context of international organizations.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - 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.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of scientific and technical advice in relation to fisheries management, including on small-scale fisheries.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in the formulation of scientific and technical advice on fisheries management related issues within Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and/or in the Mediterranean and Black Sea area.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and organization of technical meetings.
• Demonstrated ability in the preparation and revision of documents and reports.
• Extent and relevance of experience in collecting and analysing information and data.