National Fisheries Livelihood Recovery and Value Chain 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. FAO supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems worldwide. With 195 Members, FAO works in over 130 countries, providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development. The FAO Country Office in Iran operates under the UN-Iran workweek (Sunday to Thursday) and supports the country's agrifood sector transformation in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to translate identified livelihood and value-chain needs into practical and feasible assistance packages and shared-service arrangements. The goal is to enable affected fishers and workers to resume income-generating activities. The specialist will prepare role-specific technical procurement inputs, assess viable local fisheries-related livelihood options, and provide essential technical and basic business support to beneficiaries. This role will ensure that the assistance provided is effective and does not duplicate the efforts of other consultants involved in the project, focusing on early rehabilitation of fisheries and aquaculture livelihoods.
Responsibilities
The specialist will support the review of project documents and assessments, contributing to the work plan and methodology for rapid field assessments in Hormozgan to identify livelihood needs and priority support. Responsibilities include beneficiary verification and prioritization, identifying appropriate livelihood support packages considering vulnerability and local demand, and promoting equitable access for women and vulnerable groups. The role involves assessing feasible fisheries-related livelihood options beyond fishing, such as fish processing and equipment maintenance, and preparing costed support packages. Additionally, the specialist will assist in preparing technical specifications for fishing gear and equipment, assess requirements for shared fisheries services (e.g., ice, storage), and identify practical linkages with suppliers and service providers. Training, coaching, and technical advice on livelihood packages and shared services will be provided, alongside monitoring the use and results of assistance, documenting constraints, and providing market information for recovery planning. Support for other related project duties is also expected.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required in areas such as small-scale agribusiness, livelihood development, value chain development, fisheries-related enterprise support, or livelihood recovery. This experience should include conducting field needs assessments and working directly with coastal communities. Familiarity with fisheries economics, rural development, or natural resource management relevant to fisheries livelihoods is also beneficial.
Skills
Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Essential technical skills involve a strong understanding of Iranian small-scale fisheries, local supply chains, post-harvest services, and coastal markets, including the roles and constraints of women in these communities. The ability to analyze household and enterprise needs, estimate costs, prepare practical assistance packages, and assess equipment suitability is crucial. Strong consultation and coaching skills, experience engaging diverse stakeholders, and competence in data analysis, monitoring, and technical reporting using standard software are required. Familiarity with environmental and social safeguards and a willingness to undertake field missions are also necessary. Emergency recovery experience is highly desirable.