Sea Cucumber Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) promotes sustainable food systems, agriculture, fisheries, and rural development across the Pacific. Sea cucumbers are a vital fisheries commodity, but overexploitation has led to depletion of high-value species. Several Pacific species are CITES-listed, requiring strict trade compliance through Legal Acquisition Findings (LAFs) and Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs). Governance challenges persist, including declining stocks and fragmented responsibilities, necessitating stronger collaboration among national and regional organizations for conservation and sustainable use.

Job Purpose

This role provides technical leadership and advisory support for the sustainable management, stock assessment, and CITES implementation of sea cucumber fisheries in the Pacific. The specialist will focus on developing Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs), strengthening national and regional capacity, and fostering collaboration between fisheries and CITES authorities. The objective is to contribute to the sustainable trade and conservation of CITES-listed sea cucumber species through evidence-based management and enhanced regional knowledge exchange, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and promoting responsible fisheries practices.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the effective implementation and timely delivery of project activities and outputs, developing and executing a workplan aligned with the contracted service provider. Monitor and support activities under the Letter of Agreement (LoA), and assist with procurement and logistics. Ensure alignment and collaboration with regional agencies like SPREP and SPC. Support national agencies in compiling information for NDFs and facilitate national workshops to complete draft NDFs. Update or develop a regional training guide and reference manual for stock assessment, contributing technical inputs to regional workshops and CITES meetings. Prepare mission reports and other required documentation, performing any other duties essential for project success.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in small-scale fisheries or closely related fields is required. This experience should align with the educational requirements and demonstrate practical application in fisheries management or conservation.

Skills

Essential skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Efficiency, competence, integrity, negotiation skills, tact, and diplomacy are crucial. The ability to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project partners at regional and international levels, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, is vital. Demonstrated effective writing and critical analysis skills, with practical experience in the Pacific context, are highly valued.

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