International Consultant on Small-scale Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Development

Organizational Setting

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 that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project 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.

An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

FAO-Saudi Arabia is seeking for consultants with relevant expertise in fisheries management, fish farming and aquaculture development, fisheries and aquaculture practices and technologies fish feeding quality and safety, aquatic animal disease control, fish post-harvest and processing technologies, marketing, agribusiness value chain development.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the overall guidance of the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative, RNE.

Technical Focus

Capacity development and knowledge management for fisheries and aquaculture development.

Tasks and responsibilities:

The Consultants of the project component on aquaculture and fisheries management in coordination with the Component Technical Adviser and National Manager will:

• Undertake situation analysis and comprehensive sector review for the fisheries and aquaculture industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), identify gaps and assesses comparative and competitive advantages of the industry in KSA.
• Benchmarks, identifies and promotes best fisheries and aquaculture practices, technologies and infrastructure among small fishermen and aquaculture farmers.
• Review current vessel registration /licensing system, develops an up-dated and computerized fishing vessel register in line with Saudi requirement and trains selected staff on operating and maintaining the new fishing vessel register, and assist in drafting new fisheries law and regulations.
• Establish functional prototype low-cost landing facilities for small-scale fishing communities and promote collective and sustained operation of landing and shore/fishing facilities by small fishermen and their cooperatives.
• Conduct a technical and administrative audit of the domestic fishing fleet, whilst distinguishing the different fleet segments.
• Assess and develops a needs-based training and capacity development programme for the fisheries sector to strengthen skills of small fishermen, aquaculture farmers, processors and other value chain actors.
• Establish and promote low-cost local fish hatcheries.
• Identify and introduce best practices to reduce incidental catch of seabirds in capture fisheries in consistency with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
• Review and analyse marketing and value chain of fish and aquaculture produce by smallholders and agri-entrepreneurs and evolves mechanisms of efficient marketing including direct marketing and contract farming and access to market information.
• Develop measures to improve fish feeding practices in aquaculture to reduce FCR and increase survival rate of fish.
• Develop an aquaculture information database readily accessible for local developers.
• Undertake situation analysis of existing small fishermen and aquaculture cooperatives and associations in the target regions and develop pilot business model for them.
• Review, analyse and strengthen fishermen and aquaculture extension programs and establish applied research centre for fish and aquaculture production in the target regions and develop models for improvement.
• Establish a small-scale aquaculture incubator to encourage and support young entrepreneurs to establish and operate small fish farms.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in fisheries science or management, fisheries technology, marine biology, aquaculture, or related field.
• 12 years of relevant experience in small scale capture fisheries, and aquaculture industry development including at international level.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location and particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in artisanal fisheries and small scale aquaculture production and marketing industry, aquatic animal disease control, fisheries monitoring, fishing technology, and fish feeding and post-harvest technologies.
• Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting;
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
• Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.

Selection Criteria

• Work experience with international organizations and in technical cooperating projects supporting countries.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge experience in fisheries industry and related issues.
• Ability to provide technical and advisory services.