FAO Somalia is the lead technical agency of the United Nations supporting the management and development of the fisheries sector in Somalia. FAO receives funding from a range of international partners and donors to implement activities in Somalia. Both emergency and development projects exist within the current portfolio of interventions across Somalia and target both marine and inland fisheries.
Technical Focus:
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia and the technical supervision of the Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer, the Fisheries Programme Specialist will be a key part of the implementing team to ensure timely delivery of project results to an international standard an0d in line with national goals and objectives. Particular areas of implementation include development of fisheries management systems, support to fisheries governance structures at all levels, fisheries data collection systems, engagement of the fisheries sector with the expanding efforts to develop the Blue Economy in Somalia and strengthening fisheries value chains across the country.
With Duty Station in Mogadishu, Garowe or Hargeisa, field missions will be undertaken to other parts of Somalia/Somaliland as required.
More specifically the duties and responsibilities of the Fisheries International Consultant will include:
Tasks and responsibilities:
Facilitate and support all aspects of implementation of the Fisheries Programme in Somalia.
Work closely with the team of national Fisheries Officers supporting them in their roles with State and Federal Government and, in their support to other implementing partners.
Take leadership of specific technical pillars of the programme as agreed with the Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer.
Maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders (particularly Ministries and co-operatives, local authorities, elders etc) in Somalia and ensure their active involvement with programme interventions whilst recognising the role of Fisheries Officers in communication and information flow.
Ensure regular communications with Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) at State and Federal level, to integrate FAO lead activities harmoniously within the development plans and objectives of the Ministries.
Support Somalia partners in establishing governance systems for Blue Economy in Somalia.
Establish dialogue with fishermen, fisherwomen, fish vendors, fisher folk associations and coastal communities in general, to develop an understanding of local requirements, constraints and issues to be consider through project activities.
Lead the preparation of Letters of Understanding (LoU) and Letters of Agreement (LoA) with Implementing Partners as required alongside members of the Fisheries team.
Support the Implementing partners to implement LoU/LoA by attending meetings, supporting trainings, assisting materials as necessary and constantly aiming to build the capacity of partners in the relevant fields.
Where necessary, represent the FAO and more specifically the Fisheries Officer, in official project meetings.
Supervise and support contracted NGOs implementing project activities in the project area.
Support in the preparation of Technical Specifications and other requirements for the procurement of project equipment.
Support Implementing partners in the collection, compilation, analysis and reporting of fisheries data on the coast of Somalia.
Provide technical assistance as needed in the preparation of training materials and delivery of technical trainings as required.
Prepare workshop and training reports as necessary.
Liaise closely with Operations teams in the completion of procurement and other administrative tasks.
Assist national staff with all aspects of reporting and monitoring of various project activities.
Complete preparations and facilitate Missions and inputs from national and international consultants in field work.
Take the lead, as guided by the Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer, in preparation of work plans, progress and final reports for relevant projects.
Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Requirements:
University degree in Fisheries, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Economics or related field. Qualification in another relevant subject area such as Oceanography, Marine Sciences may be considered. An advanced degree in the mentioned areas will be an added advantage.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in fisheries project implementation.
Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian.
Technical/Functional Skills:
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
Extent and relevance of experience on scientific/technical work related to the interaction between fisheries and development/resilience and/or food security.
Extent and relevance of experience on scientific/technical work related to the development of the Blue Economy.
Familiarity with relevant UN and other international organizations active in Somalia and the sector.
Experience in Somalia.
Track record of successful implementation of similar assignments.
Experience with FAO, United Nations, NGOs, EU or other similar partners will be a definite asset.
