Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. For over four decades, FAO has partnered with the Philippine government and local stakeholders to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, focusing on sustainability, productivity, and resilience to natural disasters and climate change.

Job Purpose

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist will provide technical leadership for the design, implementation, and monitoring of climate-resilient interventions aimed at enhancing the productivity, livelihood security, and resilience of fisherfolk and aquaculture communities. This role involves conducting technical assessments, supporting capacity building initiatives, coordinating with partners, promoting sustainable and energy-efficient practices, integrating inclusion considerations, and contributing to project reporting, knowledge product development, and evidence-based decision-making to improve the lives of vulnerable groups.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership in designing and implementing climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture interventions to boost productivity and livelihood security for small-scale fisherfolk and aquaculture operators. Conduct site-specific technical assessments of livelihoods, identifying climate risks, resource availability, and opportunities for energy-efficient technologies. Recommend appropriate intervention packages aligned with local conditions, market access, and government priorities. Integrate fisheries and aquaculture concerns into broader climate-resilient agriculture approaches, ensuring vulnerable households benefit from support. Provide technical input for procurement and deployment of fisheries and aquaculture inputs and technologies, promoting sustainable practices and energy efficiency. Develop and deliver training modules and extension materials on climate-resilient practices, post-harvest management, and value addition. Facilitate capacity-building activities for various stakeholders, including fisherfolk groups and local government units. Provide field-based advisory support and mentoring. Integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion considerations. Support early action measures by linking project activities with early warning systems. Coordinate with government agencies, fisherfolk organizations, and other partners. Collect and analyze data to inform project planning and adaptive management. Document best practices and lessons learned. Prepare technical reports and contribute to project documentation.

Work Experience

At least 5 years of professional experience in systems assessment and diagnosis, good aquaculture practices, climate-smart approaches, and rural development.

Skills

Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. Ability to work under pressure in complex environments and within diverse teams. Excellent writing and report writing skills in English and Filipino. General knowledge of MS Office. Willingness to travel to project sites. Working knowledge of local dialects is an advantage.

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