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The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments
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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
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.
Organizational Setting
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. The main objective of the GFCM is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilization of living marine resources as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. To this end, the GFCM formulates and recommends appropriate measures for the conservation and rational management of living marine resources and ensures these recommendations are implemented; constantly reviews the economic and social aspects of the fishing industry, recommending specific measures in connection with its development; promotes and carries out training, research and development activities, in addition to cooperation and technical assistance in fisheries-related fields; collects, publishes and disseminates information on exploitable living marine resources and on fisheries exploiting these resources; and promotes programmes for marine and coastal fisheries enhancement.
The post is located in the GFCM of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at Palazzo Blumenstihl in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Fishery Officer (Ecosystems) reports to GFCM Executive Secretary and GFCM Senior Fishery Officer and will closely collaborate with relevant staff in the GFCM Secretariat, both at GFCM in Rome, Italy and in the subregional technical units, transversally. S/he supervises a team of specialists dedicated to the implementation of the GFCM workplan on fisheries/environment topics and activities.
Technical Focus
The Fishery Officer (Ecosystems) supports and participates in the implementation of policies and work programmes, at subregional level, related to the provision of scientific advice to the GFCM on all topics of relevance for the sustainable management of fisheries and including status of living resources, habitats and ecosystems, social and economic characteristics of fisheries and potential management measures. Liaison with experts and representatives of relevant administrations towards the efficient implementation of above mentioned policies and work programmes. The Fishery Officer (Ecosystems) plays a role in enhancing the quality of scientific advice on fisheries environment interactions, through technical expertise and the promotion of the GFCM subregional approach to fisheries management and the use of innovative methodologies and tools towards meeting the requirements of advisory bodies. The incumbent's work contributes to the successful achievement of the Commission's mandate.
Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with Divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions
• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides specialized expertise in technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.
Specific Functions
• Leads and/or participates and/or provides specialized expertise in planning and holding of expert meetings, working groups and activities related to environmental issues of relevance to the GFCM, in particular on the interaction between fisheries and marine ecosystems/environment.
• Oversees the preparation and implementation of the activities of the GFCM 2030 strategy, in particular in those related to Target 1, outputs 1.3 (Efficient area-based conservation measures, technical and nature-based solutions strengthened to conserve biodiversity and enhance the productivity of marine living resources) and 1.4 (Threats to fisheries and the marine environment, including plastic pollution, climate change and the expansion of non-indigenous species, prevented and mitigated), including marine spatial planning and adaptation strategies addressing direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment.
• Ensures technical consistency in the planning and execution of activities pertaining the GFCM 2030 strategy, in particular in relation to its Target 1, outputs 1.3 and 1.4, and ensures integration of activities between the workplans of the SAC and WGBS and the GFCM 2030 strategy.
• Coordinates and contributes to the work of the GFCM in relation to the assessment of the potential effects of climate change and of the introduction of non-indigenous species on Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries, in view of supporting the elaboration of adaptation strategies; issues related to biodiversity and microplastics/marine litter, in line with the UN agenda; conservation issues, including in relation to elasmobranchs; follow-up of activities on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and fisheries restricted areas (FRAs), including related databases and reports, the monitoring of established FRAs and developments on the identification and establishment of new FRAs.
• Coordinates and cooperates with relevant partner organizations (UN Environment - Mediterranean Action Plan; Regionally Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas; CITES; CBD; ACCOBAMS; IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation) on issues of common interest and joint activities, including partnerships towards meeting the 2030 Development Agenda (including Aichi Biodiversity Targets, Sustainable Ocean Initiatives, Sustainable Development Goals).
• Identifies technical requirements and potential difficulties for CPCs in meeting the targets of the GFCM 2030 strategy, in particular in relation to marine spatial planning and the implementation of conservation measures, and coordinates related technical assistance.
• Provides advice and oversees the development of methods in support of spatial analysis and contributions to marine spatial planning.
• Analyses relevant information as received by the GFCM Secretariat and prepares comprehensive reports on the implementation of spatial protection measures, adaptation strategies for direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment.
• Organizes, promotes and participates in activities carried out under the general framework of the GFCM or its subsidiary bodies in relation to fisheries and marine environment and ecosystems, including training courses, and expert groups.
• Performs other related duties as required.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in fishery science, marine sciences, environmental sciences or related discipline.
• Seven years of relevant experience in issues related to marine natural resources, marine environment and/or the interaction between marine fisheries and environment/ecosystems.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Team Work
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience on scientific/technical work related to the interaction between fisheries and environment/ecosystems, including addressing fisheries significant adverse impacts on vulnerable or sensitive species or habitats as well as the use of marine spatial planning.
• Extent and relevance of experience in implementing project/programmes components for results, including the ability to translate strategic aims into achievable annual work plans; and prepare inputs to project/programme reports in a timely manner.
• Familiarity with relevant UN and other international organizations, including, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), as well as relevant regional organizations working in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and delivery of technical documents and reports.
• Extent and relevance of experience in collecting and analysing information and data.
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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment
• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct
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HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills;
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile;
• Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications;
• Incomplete applications will not be considered;
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
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