Job Posting: 10/Oct/2024

Closure Date: 31/Oct/2024, 5:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, NFI

Job Type: Staff position

Type of Requisition: Professional Project

Grade Level: P-4

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extension

Post Number: 1076779

CCOG Code: 1H05

• 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 persons 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 Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) works with Members and partners to transform aquatic systems and promote the responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. Leaving no one behind.
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. Its main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best use 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 and ensures these recommendations are implemented; coordinates efforts by countries to effectively manage fisheries and aquaculture; monitors the status of fishery resources and carries out scientific work to support advice and decision-making; coordinates and benefits from the support of projects and programmes at the regional and subregional levels to enhance scientific cooperation and capacity-building among its contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties.
To support these endeavours and fulfil its mandate, the GFCM collaborates, interacts, gathers and shares information with a wide network of national institutions, consortia and academia, international organizations, intergovernmental, non-governmental and civil society organizations, as well as experts and scientists. In this context and as its activities bring new projects, fields of work and an expanding organizational remit, new products and events need to be properly prepared and promoted. In addition, for its ambitious strategies to succeed, the GFCM needs to communicate effectively about its work and its impact to key audiences and stakeholders. Good communication can contribute to obtaining support and participation and securing cooperation between all stakeholders involved.
The post is located in the GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, 00193, Rome, Italy) and the incumbent is expected to provide expert support to the Executive Secretary and relevant staff of the GFCM Secretariat including its subregional technical units, transversally.
Reporting Lines
The Fishery Officer reports to the GFCM Executive Secretary and collaborates with relevant staff in the GFCM Secretariat, both at GFCM office in Rome, Italy and in the subregional technical units, transversally. S/he supervises a team of specialists dedicated to the implementation of the GFCM workplan on compliance related matters.
Technical Focus
Support the full implementation of GFCM policies by Contracting Parties and Cooperating non-Contracting Parties (CPCs) related to decisions adopted, in particular on fisheries management, in accordance with i) the mandate of the GFCM and its Compliance Committee; ii) Targets 3 and 5 of its mid-term strategy; iii) select objectives in Ministerial Declarations in place and; iv) relevant policy instruments, thereby contributing to curb IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, including via enhanced MCS and working relationships with relevant organizations and stakeholders.
Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions

• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides specialized expertise in technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals, as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Oversees, in coordination with the Executive Secretary, the work of the GFCM Secretariat in relation to the Compliance Committee, including the monitoring and assessment of compliance by GFCM CPCs with existing recommendations, the strengthening of regional, subregional and national data reporting frameworks, specifically those of relevance to GFCM management plans, and the provision of technical assistance to CPCs to address lack of compliance.
• Leads the GFCM Compliance Team and periodically liaises with relevant GFCM Secretariat staff, in particular the team leaders of the Fisheries and Aquaculture teams on matters of common interest to the Compliance Committee and the Scientific Advisory committees for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
• Participates in the strategic planning of GFCM activities, and specifically in preparing, reviewing and implementing the workplan of the Compliance Committee, as approved by the Commission and carried out during the inter-session.
• Provides compliance-related advice to the Executive Secretary, including in relation to relevant national, regional and international priorities and needs relating to compliance or lack thereof, as well as in relation to the application of tools and tables for the assessment, monitoring and strengthening of compliance based on GFCM recommendations.
• Assists national focal points involved in the activities of the Compliance Committee, with particular regard to the implementation of activities associated to the fight against IUU fishing and the modular implementation of monitoring, control and surveillance, and fosters periodical dialogue with them in view of the annual assessment of compliance by the Compliance Committee with the aim, where required and needed, to streamline and provide technical assistance to them.
• Represents the GFCM to ensures visibility of its compliance related work in relevant meetings and fora, including on behalf of the Executive Secretary.
• Acts as a contact point for partner organizations on topics related to compliance in order to build synergies and commonalities.
• Liaises with relevant FAO Divisions/Offices/Centres, as well as with relevant experts outside the organization, to promote and implement initiatives relating to the fight against IUU fishing and the implementation of monitoring, control and surveillance measures.
• Contributes to the development of a modular approach to monitoring, control and surveillance by the GFCM, including the implementation of vessel monitoring system, electronic logbook and other control tools.
• Performs duties, where necessary and required, as related to the above duties.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in fishery science, marine affairs, international law related to fishery, development economics, sustainable agriculture (including fisheries) or a related field.

• Seven years of relevant experience in fisheries, with a strong focus on actions supporting the fight against IUU fishing, including through the implementation, monitoring and assessment of management measures adopted by national, regional or international organizations, the provision of technical support, including on regulatory and institutional issues, as well as the implementation of inspections schemes.

• Working knowledge (full proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (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.

• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of the regulatory framework at country, subregional and regional levels and of measures to assess and ensure compliance with fisheries related measures in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of advice in relation to the implementation of measures adopted by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and familiarity with the operations of compliance committees established by RFMOs.

• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and organization of technical meetings, in particular on issues relating to the fight against IUU fishing.

• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of technical support and advice to governments on monitoring, control and surveillance and related institutional issues.

• Demonstrated ability to liaise with governments and organizations and to participate in international/regional meetings and fora.

• Familiarity with the formulation and the implementation of projects relating to fisheries, with particular regard to issues such as IUU fishing and monitoring, control and surveillance.

• Proficiency in the preparation and revision of technical documents and reports.

• Knowledge of GFCM policies will be an asset.

• Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of Arabic, French or Spanish will be a strong asset.

• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds

• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• 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;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• 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/
• 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.

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