Project Officer (BBNJ)

Organizational Setting

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 security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishery 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 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 the most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats; management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with 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.

FAO is the lead implementing agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project 'Global and regional support to the BBNJ Agreement ratification process and implementation readiness'. The project will contribute to supporting the swift entry into force of the 'Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction' (the BBNJ Agreement) and the readiness of States to implement it once into force. The BBNJ Agreement was adopted on 19 June 2023 and will enter into force 120 days after the date of deposit of the 60th instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession. The Agreement's swift entry into force and effective implementation are expected to make significant contributions to tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. FAO, UNEP and UNDP will be responsible for the implementation and collaborative execution of the project, with coordination by FAO.

FAO will establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) headed by a Project Officer (BBNJ) who will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the project in accordance with the approved project document and in compliance with FAO and GEF rules and procedures that will include management and technical duties as well as coordination between the three agencies. The Project Officer will be supported by relevant staff in FAO, UNEP and UNDP as well as by project consultants and support staff.

The position is located in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Project Officer (BBNJ) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer, NFI.

Technical Focus

Project cycle management, risk management, capacity development, resource mobilization and human resource management of assigned project activities; coordination among implementing and executing partners, promoting and representing the project internally and externally, liaising with co-financing partners and other stakeholders, tracking project progress and providing technical support, monitoring financial resources, responsible for progress and financial reports.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Provides technical leadership assistance on the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned projects; assists in the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties.

• Coordinates projects and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for the implementation of' projects and

• the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.

• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.

• Contributes to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.

• Participates in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.

• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.

• Provides advice on the development of policies and strategies, as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.

Specific Functions

• Serves as the project's main point of contact with implementing, executing and co-financing partners and set up coordination mechanisms to support the implementation.

• Provides effective support to the implementation at all stages, including coordination and monitoring of project resources/progress and resolving outstanding operational problems, advises and/or brief technical officers.

• Delivers the activities as planned in the project document and be responsible for the overall functioning and performance of the FAO part of the project, including setting up and managing knowledge management and communication activities.

• Acts as the Secretary for Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings and activities, including preparation of documents and reports.

• Monitors delivery and budget allocations, prepares and submits work plans and the project reports, project related budgets and budget revisions/adjustments as required by GEF and FAO project cycle rules.

• Establishes working relations with UNEP and UNDP as well as appropriate national, sub-regional and regional agencies and groups in participating countries to promote effective execution of project supported activities.

• Coordinates the design of a project monitoring system ensuring input from partners as relevant and ensures regular monitoring and review of project implementation, including six-monthly progress reports.

• Represents the project in relevant meetings and conferences and facilitate coordination and integration where beneficial to the achievement of the Project's objectives;

• Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, economics, fishery science, marine science, marine ecology, international development, business administration or related discipline.

• Seven years of relevant experience ininternational development project management and at least one project leadership experience.

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other FAO official languages (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, is desirable.

• Work experience in international organizations and multi-lateral agreements and processes.

• Proven experience as project coordinator or a team leader or team builder of a project involving internationalpartners.

• Familiarity with multi-lateral bodies working in oceans and Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) for sustainable use and biodiversity conservation.

• Relevance and extent of experience in technical cooperation related activities, policy advice and analysis relatingto food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.

• Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multi-disciplinary teams.

• Experience in working with financial donors.

• Experience in preparing project workplans, technical and financial reports and setting up project coordination mechanisms