Specialist on aquaculture related issues

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. The main objective of the GFCM is to promote the development, conservation, rational management, and best utilization of marine living 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 for the conservation and rational management of living marine resources and the sustainable development of aquaculture. It ensures these recommendations are implemented, promotes and carries out training, research and development activities, in addition to cooperation and technical assistance in these fields, and collects, publishes and disseminates information.

To further support these endeavours, the GFCM adopted a strategy for the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea fisheries, as a regional reply to the objectives enshrined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the FAO Strategic Objective 2, in order to ensure that the aquaculture sector is competitive, sustainable, productive, profitable and equitable. This strategy includes three targets\: 1) Build an efficient regulatory and administrative framework to secure sustainable aquaculture development; 2) Enhance interactions between aquaculture and the environment while ensuring animal health and welfare; 3) facilitate market-oriented aquaculture and enhance public perception.

The GFCM is seeking a consultant to support its Secretariat in carrying out specific tasks in relation to the above-mentioned activities and to liaise with the experts of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ) and its subsidiary bodies as well as with country representatives.

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

The consultant will work under the supervision of the GFCM Executive Secretary and in coordination with relevant GFCM Secretariat staff.

Support to and participation in the implementation of work programmes related to sustainable aquaculture development, in line with the mandate of the GFCM.

The key functions of the aquaculture expert will include the following\:

• Collect, assess and analyse relevant technical documents and information on aquaculture to support the monitoring of aquaculture activities, the development and implementation of policies, strategies and plans on aquaculture as well as the development and the maintenance of GFCM databases on aquaculture;
• Assist in the preparation and drafting (in English) of technical documents and guidelines in different aquaculture-related fields, including within the GFCM aquaculture strategy – such as market of aquaculture products, animal health and aquatic environment, genetic resources – with the aim to provide Mediterranean and Black Sea riparian countries with comprehensive methodological processes for achieving the sustainable development of aquaculture in the region;
• Provide support and/or participate in the preparation and delivery of workshops, technical meetings, trainings, national capacity-building programmes and technical assistance, within the framework of the implementation of the GFCM aquaculture strategy;
• Support and/or participate in the preparation of working and informative documents for GFCM statutory meetings as well in related reporting activities;
• Provide technical support for GFCM activities and field projects in relation to the sustainable development of aquaculture in the region and assist in providing advice to CPCs (contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties) on related issues;
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Advanced university degree in aquaculture or related issues
• At least seven years of professional experience in aquaculture, including in an international context, and at least two years of field work experience on inland and/or marine aquaculture
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic (for Consultants). Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

• 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, in particular in Mediterranean bordering countries
• Extent and relevance of experience in marine and freshwater aquaculture
• Familiarity with finfish and shellfish farming technologies
• Capacity to collect, analyse and assess data in an efficient and competent manner

• Level of experience in aquaculture-related fields
• Level of experience in inland and/or marine aquaculture
• Level of experience in working with databases
• Knowledge of English and, if applicable, of another FAO language
• Drafting/writing skills in English
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines
• Thoroughness and reliability, sense of diplomacy and tact