Fishery And Aquaculture Officer
Organizational Context
The FAO's Subregional Office for North Africa (SNE) is tasked with developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies for subregional food, agriculture, and rural development priorities. It cultivates and maintains relationships with subregion-wide institutions, including Regional Economic Integration Organizations. The SNE office operates as a subsidiary of FAO's Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE), with the position located in Tunis, Tunisia.
Job Purpose
The role requires comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development, and implementation of regional programs, projects, products, and services aligned with FAO's Strategic Framework and regional objectives. Key functions include leading multidisciplinary teams, contributing to internal committees and project groups, and providing specialized expertise in technical networks and international policy bodies. The position involves developing frameworks for technical analysis, monitoring, and reporting, along with designing and conducting research, data collection, and analysis to inform technical standards, policy proposals, and provide expert advice. Responsibilities extend to responding to country requests for technical assistance, supporting field projects, and enhancing capacity development and knowledge sharing within member countries.
Responsibilities
Monitor fisheries and aquaculture status and trends within the subregion, analyzing technical assistance needs and identifying key challenges in marine and inland waters. Provide policy and strategic advice on critical issues such as Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing, low domestic capture shares from Exclusive Economic Zones, unsustainable inland fisheries, and inadequate aquaculture development incentives and capacity. Offer technical guidance on national policies and strategies to promote employment, particularly for youth and women, reduce environmental impact, and enhance food safety and human health through best management practices. Participate in program and project identification, formulation, and implementation missions. Liaise with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) for program planning and implementation, and coordinate FAO's activities with other relevant international organizations, institutions, and private entities. Collaborate with Regional Fishery Bodies, providing advice on subregional issues relevant to inland and marine fisheries and aquaculture.
Work Experience
Seven years of relevant experience is required in building institutional capacities and developing/implementing national fishery policies and programs. This experience should cover capture fisheries (including small-scale, inland, and marine), aquaculture (freshwater and marine), and fish processing and marketing.
Skills
Experience in multiple work locations, particularly in field positions within developing countries, is beneficial. Demonstrated expertise in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, policy development, and governance systems is essential. Experience in building institutional capacities and organizational strengthening within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the Near East and North Africa region is highly valued. Proficiency in fisheries and aquaculture development, management, fish utilization, and aquatic product safety/quality at national and international levels is important. Ability to organize meetings and training, work in multidisciplinary teams, mobilize resources, and meet deadlines is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including report writing, are necessary. Working knowledge of English (Level C) is desirable.