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- 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
Organizational Setting
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 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 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 the GFCM 2030 Strategy towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture, 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 through Target 3 the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, its resilience against global challenges such as climate change and its contribution to sustainable food systems. Its achievement is supported by four expected outputs: i) Efficient governance promoted in support of responsible investment; ii) Practices supporting the sustainability of the aquaculture industry promoted; iii) Perception of aquaculture improved; iv) Technology and information systems maximized
Purpose of the call for expression of interest
The purpose of this call is to attract global talent for the Consultant and Personal Services assignments that may provide support for aquaculture projects and technical support processes in the GFCM region. The assignment shall be home-based, with potential travel. The Global call will create a roster of Applicants that will be used to identify candidates for relevant assignments.
The assignment can be from 1 month up to 11 months. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the resources and needs of the Organization.
Reporting lines
The Aquaculture Specialist reports to the GFCM Aquaculture Officer and to the GFCM Executive Secretary. She/he closely collaborates with relevant staff at the GFCM Secretariat and in the Aquaculture Department.
Technical focus
Support the implementation of work programmes related to sustainable aquaculture development, in line with the mandate of the GFCM and the GFCM 2030 Strategy, that seek to maximize the impacts of aquaculture on GFCM Members' economic, social and environmental objectives, including food security and nutrition, and help meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets within the FAO Strategic Framework and priority programmes, such as the Blue Transformation.
Tasks and responsibilities
The tasks and responsibilities of each selected Consultant or PSA will be defined in the Terms of Reference for the specific assignment. In general, depending on the specific assignment, designated tasks and responsibilities will normally include a number of the following elements:
• Provide technical inputs for the implementation of the GFCM 2030 Strategy Target 3 towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea aquaculture and its outputs;
• Support the provision of technical guidance on sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, including inter alia aquaculture policy and governance, responsible investment, best practices towards improving the footprint of aquaculture, climate change mitigation, aquatic animal health and biosecurity, innovation and technology, value chain and market access;
• Provide substantial support for the planning and organization of relevant events and activities in relation to the GFCM and the Scientific Committee for Aquaculture (CAQ) work programme;
• Support to documentation of guidelines and best practices on sustainable aquaculture. Participate in project proposal development on sustainable aquaculture;
• Edit and revise technical and scientific documents and publications where appropriate;
• Perform any other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University or specialized degree (only for PSA) in natural, social and economic sciences including any of the following fields: aquaculture, fisheries or natural resources management, aquaculture/fisheries or natural resources economics, environmental studies or related discipline, or in other field related to the work of the Organization.
• At least ten years of relevant professional experience;
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic (for Consultants). Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.
FAO Core 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, possibly with focus on the Mediterranean and/or Black Sea region
• Extent of experience in the relevant fields
• Extent and relevance of experience in providing technical support in regional, national, and local levels
• Drafting and communication skills
Selection Criteria
• Level of experience in aquaculture-related fields
• Level of knowledge of the functioning of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs)
• Experience in working with international and intergovernmental organizations, preferably in connection with the Mediterranean and Black Sea region
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines
• Thoroughness, reliability and autonomy
• Level of communications skills (both oral and written) and drafting skills in relevant languages
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency