National Fisheries Information Systems Expert (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 (SCMFP) with the objective of increasing coastal and marine fisheries’ contribution to the economy, poverty reduction, and environmental stability.

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 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 Information Systems Expert 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, the National Operations Officer and the Project Technical Advisor, and in consultation and collaboration with the SCMFP Unit, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

Technical focus

The National Fisheries Information Systems Expert will provide specific policy advice and support to the SCMFP on technical matters related to information systems for registration and licensing, fisheries monitoring and research vessel surveys and preparation of conceptual structure for a modular M-FIMS.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Fisheries Information Systems Expert main tasks include the following, but other related works may be assigned:

• Contribute to preparation of a detailed work plan for implementation of Design of Catch and Effort Monitoring Systems, Online Electronic Registration and Licensing System Technical Assistant package.
• Support SCMFP on technical matters related to information systems for registration and licensing, fisheries monitoring and research vessel surveys.
• Contribute to preparation of draft conceptual structure for a modular M-FIMS. This conceptual structure should provide a ‘master plan’ for the required ICT development, staffing, and training to implement the M-FMIS, integrating fisheries monitoring information, fishing vessel registration and licensing information, MCS information, scientific survey information, stock status reports and stock assessments.
• Participate in reviews of existing, adaptable systems globally and incorporate global standards to the greatest degree feasible while cost-effectively addressing specific country needs and requirements.
• Assist in design training programme in support of new software systems (databases, applications, and implementation) to support registration and licensing of fishing vessels.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Statistics, Fisheries, Environmental sciences, Information Technology or other related fields.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in regulatory, fisheries management roles and Marine Information Systems Management in developing countries
• Nationality of Bangladesh or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of marine fisheries related sectors in Bangladesh.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of marine fisheries related sectors in Bangladesh or in the countries of the region.
• Good interpersonal skills and experience working with government officials.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bangla