Fishery Officer (GFCM Compliance)

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 headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, Rome, Italy) and the incumbent is expected to provide expert support to the Executive Secretary and relevant staff of the GFCM Secretariat, including its subregional technical units, transversally.

Reporting Lines The Fishery Officer (GFCM Compliance) reports to the Executive Secretary under the day-to-day technical guidance of the senior Fishery Officer (GFCM Compliance) and maintains regular contact with the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division as well as with FAO Regional Offices and Country Offices in the GFCM area of application, as relevant.

Technical Focus Support to and participation in the implementation of policies and work programmes at subregional level related to the provision of compliance advice to the GFCM on all topics of relevance for the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the GFCM area of application in line with Target 2 of the GFCM Strategy 2030. Liaison with experts and representatives of relevant administrations towards the efficient implementation of above mentioned policies and work programmes.

Key Results Collection and analysis of information, data and statistics and project/meeting services to support programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects as well as products and services.
• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.
• Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.
• Updates databases and web pages.
• Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams.
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
• Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

• Provides support to the GFCM's compliance-related work.
• Cooperates and works closely with the Contracting parties (CPCs) and the national focal points of the Commission, to ensure the highest possible level of compliance with conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission, while ensuring active participation to the activities GFCM.
• Supports the cooperation of partner RFMOs on compliance issues having areas in common with GFCM, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division and any other relevant organizations.
• Provides support and coordination on the implementation of compliance assessment schemes, including for the preparation of relevant electronic tools to address the monitoring of the clarification and identification process.
• Contributes to the Secretariat's responses to report on IUU fishing activities, including in assisting in the implementation of the monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) measures in the GFCM area of application, in the exchange of compliance information between CPCs and maintaining the database of infractions in the context of the GFCM Mutual Assistance Mechanism.
• Liaises with the GFCM Secretariat's data team to ensure the timely availability of data required for compliance processes and provides technical legal feedback on data requirements stemming from GFCM recommendations.
• Supports the promotion of international cooperation/advocates best practices and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings relevant to compliance with GFCM decisions as requested.
• Supports institutional activities required for the celebration of the International day for the fight against IUU fishing.
• Organizes, promotes and participates, as appropriate, in activities carried out under the general framework of the GFCM or its subsidiary bodies, including training courses, joint initiatives, etc.
• Supports the coordination with relevant FAO divisions for the preparation of evaluation reports on the ongoing partnership with the GFCM; supports the drafting of reports on the implementation of grants and is in charge, within the GFCM Secretariat, of the development of new partnerships as decided by the Commission.
• Represents GFCM, when required, in meetings and conferences, along with relevant GFCM staff, and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue.
• Performs other related duties as required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in fishery science, marine affairs, international law related to fishery, development economics, sustainable agriculture (including fisheries) or a related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in fisheries, fishery products safety and quality with emphasis on the implementation of measures adopted by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations at the country level, including via the provision of technical support and advice to governments in the context of projects and with a strong focus on the fight against IUU fishing and institutional/compliance arrangements.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official 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 knowledge of measures adopted by the GFCM and status of their implementation at the country level.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of advice in relation to the implementation of measures adopted by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and familiarity with the operations of compliance committees established by RFMOs.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and organization of technical meetings, in particular on issues relating to the fight against IUU fishing.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of technical support and advice to governments on monitoring, control and surveillance and related institutional issues.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with governments and organizations and to participate in international/regional meetings and fora.
• Familiarity with the formulation and the implementation of projects relating to fisheries, with particular regard to issues such as IUU fishing and monitoring, control and surveillance.
• Proficiency in the preparation and revision of technical documents and reports.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French is considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge of GFCM policies will be an asset.