Job Description National Professional Officer (Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert) Type of Requisition : NPO (National Professional Officer)
Primary Location
: Saudi Arabia-Riyadh
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.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project 'UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA's Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme' is the first project approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project provides technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme, approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project’s expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA's capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
The position is located in the FAO-Saudia Arabia Sustainable Rural Agriculture Development (SRAD) Programme in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Reporting Lines
The National Professional Officer (Fisheries and Aquaculture Expert) reports directly to the FAO Programme Coordinator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in consultation with the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) of the project and in collaboration with the Technical Adviser of the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme.
Technical Focus
Programme development and management, coordination and operational support based on the knowledge of the local conditions, culture, language and institutions of Saudi Arabia.
Key Results
Effective and efficient management and coordination of the technical and operational support of the SRAD programme.
Key Functions
• Liaises and assists government authorities and local, national and international institutions in the areas of FAO's activities in the country and with other UN agencies. He/she may represent FAO at interagency meetings as required.
• Promotes the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization's mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including development and maintenance of communication tools such as website, press releases and publications, and supports the implementation of FAO's regulatory framework (Codex Alimentarius, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, Safe Use of Pesticides, etc.) in the country.
• Coordinates the collection, consolidation and maintenance of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries, including information on external aid in FAO's corporate systems, and monitors changes in national policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Participates in producing technical, economic and policy studies as required and developing country level development frameworks, such as the Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Participates in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals; monitors and reviews the status of programme/project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identifies inconsistencies and delays and, when necessary, proposes corrective measures to overcome operational constraints.
• Briefs, trains and supervises lower grade level programme staff regarding all aspects of the job; ensures adherence to procedures and work requirements as well as accuracy and diligence of the work provided.
• Performs other duties as required.
Specific Functions
• Advises and coordinates with the FAO Programme Coordinator, liaises with the PMU and the MoEWA to ensure the flow of cooperation and coordination in the planning, implementation and monitoring of progress of the project component in accordance with the project document;
• Reviews, validates the list of identified technical experts for the project component, prepares their Terms of Reference (ToRs), supervises and guides the component technical team, consultants and the support staff to carry out their duties;
• Co-leads comprehensive sector review and diagnostic studies of the fisheries industry to give direction to the sustainable development of the sector;
• Reviews and assesses gaps in current management practices and technologies, identifies and promotes sustainable and efficient best fishing management practices in small-scale capture fisheries and sets up sites for practical demonstration of improved fisheries management practices;
• Contributes to the preparation of a plan for establishment, supervises implementation and operation and maintenance of pilot fish port/landing and low-cost shore facilities for small-scale capture fisheries in the target regions;
• Reviews and contributes to the development of current vessel registration and licensing system and updates the computerized fishing vessel register in line with Saudi requirements; trains selected staff on operating and maintaining the new fishing vessel register;
• Assists in conducting a technical and administrative audit of the domestic fishing fleet, whilst distinguishing the different fleet segments;
• Contributes to the identification and introduction of best practices to reduce incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries in consistency with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries;
• Contributes to situation analysis of existing small fishermen cooperatives and associations in the target regions and develop pilot business model for them;
• Assesses and develops a needs-based training and capacity development programme to strengthen skills of small fishermen, processors and other value chain actors;
• Co-leads establishment of small-scale aquaculture incubator to encourage and support young entrepreneurs to establish and operate small fish farms;
• Assists in setting up sites for practical demonstration of improved fisheries management practices and technologies to small-scale fishers and their cooperatives;
• Co-leads and/or supervises preparation of various written project component outputs, e.g. background papers, sector reviews, technical reports, sections of reports and studies, manuals, guidelines and checklists as well as knowledge products;
• Coordinates with SRAD National Director and national stakeholders to ensure close working relations with MoEWA branches and other organizations, institutions and local authorities, to ensure timely conducting of country activities, including contractual arrangements, and informs the CTA of problems and obstacles that need attention and specific assistance;
• Provides support in the design and organization of social, qual
