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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) has reinforced its presence in Ukraine by signing an agreement with the Government to set up a Project Office that will facilitate and expand the provision of technical and humanitarian assistance to the country’s most vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas.
Ukraine joined FAO in 2003 and since 2015 the Organization has been operating in two strategic directions\: emergency humanitarian response in conflict-affected oblasts and agricultural development across the whole country. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, FAO has scaled up its activities in the country to support agricultural production and food systems with the aim of protecting the food security of vulnerable households and communities across Ukraine.
This is a home-based role, with the incumbent working from Ukraine.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the Head of Programme, the technical guidance and supervision of the Legal Officer in FAO Headquarters and day-to-day supervision and guidance from the Project Manager, and in collaboration with the National Fisheries Specialist in Ukraine.
Technical Focus
The technical focus is on legal and regulatory support for digital fisheries management systems, including E-Fish, within the ongoing reform of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This includes assessing and addressing legal and institutional gaps, ensuring alignment with EU legislation and FAO guidelines, and providing clear legal guidance to national authorities to support effective implementation of digital tools and European integration objectives.
Tasks and responsibilities
In this context, it is envisaged that the National Expert on Fisheries Legislation will develop or support the development of) and/or support appropriate approval procedures for the following activities\:
• Provide expert and legal support in the implementation of the EU acquis in the field of fisheries and aquaculture.
• Participate in discussions of draft Acts and prepare reports and technical recommendations based on results.
• Contribute to work on comments and proposals from competent public authorities and irrelevant stakeholders to ensure the maximum level of incorporation of these proposals in the final draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Union Legislation in the Field of Fisheries”.
• Contribute, due regard to a prioritization made by national public authorities, to drafting regulatory frameworks to set up a legal base necessary for the proper implementation of the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Union Legislation in the Field of Fisheries”.
• Support the drafting of legislation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture aimed at implementing the EU acquis, in particular Regulations 1380/2013, 1224/2009, 404/2011, 1005/2008, 1010/2009, 2017/2403, 1379/2013, 1004/2017 and 1143/2014 (upon request).
• Support the development of by-laws to the Law of Ukraine «On ensuring the traceability of aquatic biological resources and/or products produced from aquatic biological resources», according to the government's priorities.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in law, public administration, fisheries management, environmental policy, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in legal advisory, regulatory review, or policy development, preferably in fisheries, natural resources, or public administration.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of Russian and Ukrainian. Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of English
• National of Ukraine or resident of the country with valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Knowledge of national and EU legal frameworks regulating fisheries and aquaculture, including relevant EU regulations.
• Experience in legal analysis, policy assessment, and identifying regulatory gaps.
• Ability to draft comprehensive legal documents, including laws, regulations, and guidance for implementation.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with capacity to review complex legislative and policy materials.
• Excellent communication skills for advising authorities, stakeholders, and technical teams.
• Understanding of institutional frameworks and coordination with multiple government agencies.
Selection Criteria
• Proven experience in drafting legislation, regulations, or legal frameworks, ideally with alignment to EU norms or international standards.
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)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• 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 additional employment opportunities 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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