National Fisheries & Aquaculture Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization: (Deadline 26 July 2024)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
To achieve its goals, FAO collaborates with diverse partners worldwide, ranging from farmers’ groups to traders, non-governmental organizations to other UN agencies, and development banks to agribusiness firms.  Additional and detailed information about FAO can be found on its official website: http://www.fao.org.

FAO country offices, led by an FAO Representative, are instrumental in assisting governments to develop policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable development the agricultural, fisheries and forest sectors. These offices emphasize the responsible use of environmental and natural resources.

In Rwanda, FAO’s interventions focus on economic, social, institutional, governance and policy aspects. Special attention is given to fisheries and aquaculture, with particular emphasis on enhancing human well-being, ensuring food security, reducing poverty, promoting environment conscious practices.  The interventions aim t to enhance fish handling, processing, and storage practices. Modern technology, including the use of vacuum packing machines, hatcheries and greenhouses for aquaculture production, is employed to enhance product quality. Furthermore, prioritizes capacity -building initiatives   for youth and women, contributing to their employability and enhancing competitiveness in various enterprises.

FAO Rwanda is currently seeking a national fisheries and aquaculture specialist to support the government of Rwanda in developing the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector. The objective is to boost fish production and productivity in Rwanda, aligning with FAO’s commitment to sustainable development and the improvement of livelihoods.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Rwanda and report directly to the project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in close collaboration with the Better Production Team Leader at FAO Rwanda. Additionally, will receive technical guidance from the Fishery and Aquaculture Officers based in the Regional Office for Africa and FAO Headquarters where necessary.

Technical Focus

The Fishery and aquaculture specialist will support to coordinate the fisheries assessment exercises and necessary investments within the fishery sub-sector of Rwanda. Responsibilities include supporting resource mobilization efforts, advocating for fishery and aquaculture related policies in the country, implementing projects developed by the country office, and providing timely advice, analysis, reporting and general support within the fishery and aquaculture sub-sector.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will specifically:

•    Support the efforts in mobilizing resource to support fisheries and aquaculture portfolio, in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategic and the country programming frameworks.
•    Contribute to implement project activities, adhering to appropriate procedures and management techniques that ensure accountability and transparency.
•    Design and contribute to implement the training programmes for government staff, extension workers, fishers, and fish farmers, including production of training manuals and information materials.
•    Develop technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and other required tools to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of fishery and aquaculture in Rwanda.
•    Support the advancement of the Fishery and aquaculture sub – sector within the country context by strengthening innovative approaches. This may involve increasing fingerlings production using hatcheries and linking the producers to the investors in fish farming within or outside the country.
•    Design and conduct research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or report activities to support the development of technical standards, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications.
•    Support the FAO country office to respond to country requests for technical and policy assistance, providing required technical solutions and advice.
•    Provide technical backstopping to ensure the quality and effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge-sharing activities within with the government.
•    Undertake additional tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Bachelor’ s degree in in fisheries science, aquaculture, zoology, and related animal sciences,
•    Seven years of relevant experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating fishery and aquaculture related projects,
•    Working knowledge of English,
•    National of Rwanda.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Proficiency in the study, design, and implementation of fisheries and aquaculture related projects.
•    Previous experience working on international donors’ projects is highly preferable.
•    Systematic and efficient approach to work on assignments, good judgment, and analytical ability. Ability to manipulate large data sets, and Excellent attention to detail.
•    Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations and compliance.
•    Excellent skills in analysis and report writing.
•    Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills in English.
•    Good command of computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power point, Internet).
•    Capable to work independently and perform under tight deadlines.
•    Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, and ability to engage effectively with policy and decision-makers.

Selection criteria

•    Proven experience in project identification, formulation, design, and implementation.