National Post-harvest Tuna Processing Technician

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (FAO SAP) supports Pacific Island Countries in sustainable agriculture, fisheries, food security, and resilient livelihoods. The Resilient Islands, Resilient Communities Project (GCP/KIR/009/GFF) in Kiribati focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and livelihood development. This project aims to enhance complementary livelihood opportunities linked to island resources and supports national fisheries policies, particularly concerning food security and employment, building on previous work in sustainable fish value chains.

Job Purpose

The National Post-harvest Tuna Processing Technician will provide essential day-to-day technical, coordination, and operational support for post-harvest tuna processing and value-chain activities within the Resilient Islands, Resilient Communities Project in Kiribati. This role is crucial for enhancing food safety practices, developing value-added tuna products, and supporting livelihood initiatives involving women, youth, fish vendors, and community groups. The technician will work collaboratively with the Coastal Fisheries Division and other stakeholders to ensure the timely and effective implementation of project activities, contributing to sustainable fisheries management and economic development.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and implementation support for post-harvest tuna processing and value-chain activities. Identify and develop safe, sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to the tuna value chain. Improve fish hygiene, food safety, handling, storage, processing, and marketing of tuna products. Introduce and promote value-added tuna products like sliced tuna, loins, and sashimi-grade cuts, and support the use of lower-cost tuna offcuts. Assist with training activities and the completion, commissioning, operation, and sustainability of tuna micro-canning centres. Coordinate equipment, logistics, and operational requirements for processing centres. Provide practical guidance on processing techniques, equipment use, food safety, hygiene, quality control, storage, and handling. Support the planning and delivery of technical training for various groups, coordinating local arrangements for events. Assist in preparing training materials and reports. Promote women's and youth participation in the tuna value chain and support their engagement in common-interest groups and business arrangements. Provide support for financial literacy and basic business management activities. Collect information and provide inputs for business plans and sustainability arrangements. Liaise with stakeholders to ensure timely activity implementation. Provide operational and administrative support, monitor progress, and report on activities, challenges, and results.

Work Experience

At least three years of relevant practical experience in fish handling, fish processing, food production, food safety, fisheries value-chain development, community livelihoods, technical training, or small-business support. Experience with fish-processing equipment, food-production facilities, small-scale processing businesses, fish vendors, or community livelihood activities is advantageous.

Skills

Possesses practical knowledge of post-harvest fish handling, processing, preservation, and storage, along with an understanding of basic food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and quality control for fish products. Capable of operating and supporting small-scale fish-processing equipment and experienced in preparing value-added fish products. Skilled in supporting technical demonstrations, training, and capacity-building activities, with the ability to clearly explain technical processes to diverse groups. Proficient in coordinating local logistics, equipment, and project activities, with basic administrative and reporting skills. Able to identify implementation problems and propose solutions, working effectively with government counterparts, project personnel, and community groups. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines are essential. Familiarity with the Kiribati fisheries sector and experience supporting women's and youth economic empowerment are advantageous.

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