National Fisheries Data Science Specialist (SC-9)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a technical, knowledge-based organization aimed at moving forward policy dialogues and advocating for the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty, advancing economic and social progress for all, as well as the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations. FAO Bangladesh assists the Government of Bangladesh to formulate policies, programmes and projects to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and utilize environmental and natural resources in a sustainable way.

The fisheries sector is vital for Bangladesh’s food supply and food security and is central to the livelihoods of millions of fishers and stakeholders along the production chain. The sector has emerged as a major growth driver, contributing close to 4 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the last decade, employing around 11 percent of the population and contributes up to 60 percent of animal protein. Recently the Government has entered into a financing agreement with the World Bank to implement programmes and activities on marine fisheries management, through the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Management Project (DoF) with the objective of increasing coastal and marine fisheries’ contribution to the economy, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.

Considering the complex nature of the project, and its multifaceted and wide-ranging activities, professionals from a wide range of expertise in science, information technology, economics, management and social sciences are required. The FAO representation in Bangladesh has therefore been engaged by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) to provide technical support to enhance the Marine Fisheries Information Management System (M-FIMS) which relate to three closely linked packages entitled:

1. Design of Catch and Effort Monitoring Systems and Online Electronic Registration and Licensing System.

2. Capacity Enhancement and Long-term Quality Assurance for Stock Assessment and Survey.

3. Support to Acoustic and Oceanographic Survey in Bangladesh Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The two Technical Assistance packages on Design of Catch and Effort Monitoring Systems and Online Electronic Registration and Licensing System, and the Capacity Enhancement and Long-term Quality Assurance for Stock Assessment and Survey and have already been signed between the FAO and the Government of Bangladesh, while the Technical Assistance package on Support to Acoustic and Oceanographic Survey in Bangladesh Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is under discussion.

Reporting Lines

The National Fisheries Data Science Specialist will work under the overall administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, under the technical supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative the Fisheries Portfolio Manager and the National Operations Officer and will work in consultation and collaboration with the SCMFP Unit, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

Technical Focus

The National Fisheries Data Science Specialist will contribute to building capacity of DoF in fisheries data collection, management, analysis and reporting. In particular will formulate data collection manuals, and training of DOF officials in data analysis.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Fisheries Data Science Specialist main tasks include the following, but other related works may be assigned:

• Participates actively and supports SCMFP in fisheries research meetings at all levels.
• Develops modules and conducts training in data science (introductory and intermediate levels) to engage a large number of staff and other stakeholders in the principles of data science and reproducible research.
• Support the technical and scientific work, especially of DoF, giving scientific inputs and technical assistance in the implementation of the project’s activities.
• Support database development for the Technical Assistance packages

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in Fisheries Science , Statistics , Environmental Science or relevant field.
• At least ten years of progressive experience in reproducible research.
• Nationality of Bangladesh or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

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FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in use of R for data science applied to a natural resource management.
• Proven experience in preparation and delivery of technical training on reproducible research.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of marine fisheries related sectors in Bangladesh.
• Adaptable to multicultural and multidisciplinary team of experts and willing to undertake intensive field works in the coastal/wetland haor areas of Bangladesh.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bangla