National Aquaculture Expert

Organizational Setting

The marine and coastal ecosystems and resources of Mozambique are under pressure from anthropogenic activities such as coastal development, overfishing, sand mining, dredging and pollution from land-based sources and activities, which are compounded by climate change and a rapidly increasing coastal population, combined with a lack of effective resource management strategies, poverty and inequality. This situation is particularly worse in the coastal great urban areas and surroundings. In the Greater Maputo Area (GMA), critical coastal ecosystems – mainly mangroves, rivers, wetlands, seagrass beds and floodplains – will continue to be degraded by population pressures and the impacts of land-based activities unless urgent, proactive and well-targeted conservation and adaptive measures are undertaken. The project entitled “Building resilience in the coastal zone through ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation (EbA) in the Greater Maputo Area” (hereafter referred to as the EbA project) is intended to “increase capacity of vulnerable communities in the larger Maputo area to implement Ecosystem-based approaches to Adaptation (EbA)”.

The EbA project is being implemented by the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), with the National Fund for Sustainable Development (FNDS) responsible for Financial Management, supported by the Climate Change Adaptation Unit (UNEP/CCAU) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The main ecosystems that the project will focus on are mangroves, riparian/wetland areas and floodplains. To arrest the current cycle of degradation and vulnerability, the project will prioritize cross-cutting issues of governance and awareness, which are important to the sustainable management of the coastal and marine ecosystems in the proposed project areas. To address the above-mentioned threats, the project is comprised of three (3) main components: (i) Institutional and technical capacity of district, municipal and national authorities in the Greater Maputo Area; (ii) Capacity-building at the community level for sustained EbA interventions in the GMA; and (iii) Public awareness and knowledge on how to increase climate resilience through EbA interventions.

In a view to fast-track project implementation and delivery, the Project Steering Committee recommended the selection of an implementing partner, with technical competence, to be in charge of the community activities of Component 2 of the EbA Project, focused on ecological restoration and protection (forest and mangroves), management of critical coastal habitats and ecosystems linked to alternative livelihoods, sustainable agricultural practices, aquaculture, rainwater harvesting systems, livelihoods and community development in the selected communities of the Municipalities of Boane, Matola and Maputo, and Districts of Marracuene and Matutuíne. Through a competitive process undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), FAO was selected as the implementing partner.

In response, a two-year work plan was developed, to implementing agricultural livelihood activities in the Greater Maputo Area, specifically in the districts of Marracuene, Matutuine and Municipalities of Maputo City, Matola and Boane. These activities aim to immediately enhance the food and nutrition security of households of the vulnerable communities affected by climate change, while laying the foundation to sustainably build resilient livelihoods against future climatic shocks and stressors. Hence a National Aquaculture Expert is required to coordinate all activities related to Aquaculture and Fisheries, under the EbA Project.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the consultant will report to the National Project Coordinator of the EbA in FAO Representation. He/she will collaborate closely with other FAO Mozambique fisheries projects, partners staff and consultants, as required.

Technical Focus

Environment conservation, fisheries management, aquaculture, technical analysis, and project related services to support the delivery of Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EbA) Project projects and products.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will carry out the following tasks:

a) In support to the EbA Project Sustainable Aquaculture, Fish sanctuaries and Livelihoods, and in line with the objectives of the SSF Guidelines:
• Serve as main focal point for any matters related to the Aquaculture, Fish sanctuaries and livelihood alternative under Component 2 of the EbA Project in Mozambique.
• Support the EbA project team in the preparation and management of the necessary contracts (LoAs) for the implementation of the project activities.
• Support the preparation, processing, monitoring and closure of Letters of Agreement (LoAs).
• Evaluate and propose the introduction of environmentally low‑impact technologies for aquaculture, while ensuring the adoption of best management practices that reduce mortality rates and increase productivity, all in line with the principles of sustainable aquaculture.
• Propose the establishment of protocols for measuring physicochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients), ensuring adequate conditions for aquaculture cultivation.
• Develop technical protocols for monitoring resource recovery, including biological indicators and community participation, and ensure alignment with national fisheries policies and sustainable resource management principles
• Support the EbA project team in the identification of service providers/resource persons and in the preparation and management of the necessary contracts and FBAs for the implementation of the project activities.
• Support the identification of target beneficiaries and government officials to receive training and support, paying particular attention to women and vulnerable groups to ensure an inclusive approach, in liaison with the EbA project team.
• Support the process of community entry and consultations with stakeholders at sites about interest and support for aquaculture, fish sanctuaries and livelihoods.
• Liaise with the service providers to implement the project action plans at the national, provincial and local levels.
• Prepare relevant communication write-ups.
• Prepare regular reports on the implementation of the project activities.
• Participate in the virtual and presential meetings of the EbA project to discuss the ongoing activities.
• Support the dissemination of the results of the EbA project at national and local levels.
• Prepare relevant communication write-ups.

b) Support FAO Mozambique office in fisheries and Blue Economy sector and more specifically on the aquaculture sector initiatives:
• Support the design of Concept Notes for project proposals
• Provide technical support in the implementation of fisheries projects and initiatives.
• Support the FAO fisheries and Blue Economy focal point on communication with the partners, including Government and NGOs.

c) In close collaboration with the FAO Country Office Communication focal point, the incumbent (Project coordinator, technical consultant, etc.) will:
• Contribute to a communication plan for the project. Communication plan should specify the following: project visual identity components (donors and partners’ logos, project title and name, specific design), message / package / targets / channels, innovation, visibility and communication materials production, procurement and media plans schedule / timing (in line with the Project technical activities plan), required field missions plan with specific communication products expected, measurement indicators for communication activities, communication budget (if there is).
• Ensure regular (at least monthly) and quality information (images and text) feeding for the implementation of the project validated communication plan
• Produce at least one key communication product per month (video or podcast interview, article, or publication) about your expertise and technical knowledge, areas of responsibility, and FAO project’s work and results, acknowledging donors and partners.

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

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in natural resources management or related fields (fisheries, aquaculture, biology)
• 5 years of relevant experience in the environment, fisheries sectors and/or Climate Changes Adaptation.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Mozambique

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection criteria

• Working knowledge of Portuguese would be considered an asset

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION