Technical Specialist (International Consultant)

Organizational Setting

FAO is implementing the project “Towards sustainable management of the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) – initial support to SAP implementation” in seven participating countries, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal and The Gambia. Those countries have a high dependence on fisheries resources, whether for its contribution to their economic growth, food security and nutrition or their livelihoods. During the previous phase of the project, a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) identified as major perceived transboundary problems in the CCLME region the decline in living marine resources, the degradation of habitats and the deterioration of water quality. On this basis, a CCLME Strategic Action Programme (SAP) focused on solutions, management actions, activities planning and implementation to address these transboundary issues was made. SAP execution is critical to put in place a suite of measures based on an ecosystem approach to management that can affect real change to rebuild fish stocks, reverse habitat degradation and improve water quality. This project aims to capitalize on momentum and partnerships built during the previous project phase to create enabling conditions for effective implementation of the CCLME SAP, through the establishment of mechanisms for cooperation, partnerships and financing for full scale SAP implementation.

Reporting Lines

The international consultant will report to the Head, Marine and Inland Fisheries Branch (NFIF) acting as the Budget Holder through the CCLME Regional Project Coordinator and work in close collaboration with the other staff of the project, the designated Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and other FAO staff, and in consultation with the Project National Focal Points in each participating country.

Technical Focus

The Technical specialist, will provide the necessary technical expertise and support to the project planning, implementation, performance monitoring, and capacity development mainly for the project’s activities under Component 2 (Strengthening knowledge, management and capacity of fisheries institutions and communities for the sustainable use of transboundary fisheries resources and associated ecosystems) of the Medium-Sized-Project (MSP) “Towards sustainable management of the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) – initial support to SAP implementation”

Tasks and responsibilities

• In close consultation with the Regional Project Coordinator, prepare annual work plans for the Component 2 of the CCLME project;
• Ensure the consistency of activities within Component 2;
• Liaise with the EAF-Nansen Programme and other partners for the smooth implementation of the joint activities,
• Coordinate the technical activities with the National Project Focal Points and other relevant stakeholders;
• Prepare draft terms of reference for consultants assisting Component 2 for approval by the Regional Project Coordinator;
• Contribute to the technical and scientific work, especially with consultants and national counterparts;
• Oversee and technically support the implementation of Component 2 activities (ecosystem working group, capacity development of fisheries state-agencies staff, consolidation of regional management plans for r transboundary pelagic and coastal fisheries, developing training material for fishing communities, etc.)
• Promote participation of relevant stakeholders in meetings and workshops;
• Be responsible for coordination of training activities related to Component 2, in close consultation with RPC.
• Supervise and edit the technical and consultants’ reports with regard to Component 2;
• Contribute in the preparation of the 6-monthly progress reports, in close coordination with the RPC,

and provide inputs in other project reports as required, as well as in the draft project terminal report;

• Perform other related duties as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in marine sciences, fisheries management, or closely related fields etc.).
• At least 7 years of experience in fields related to the assignment, including from the CCLME region.
• Working knowledge of English and French.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-country and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience of developing fisheries management plans, agreements and policies
• Extent of knowledge and experience or particular knowledge of marine fishery resources, ecosystem functioning and characterization, fisheries management including EAF and co-management.
• Knowledge of West African fisheries.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic the selected candidate may be required to remotely from home station until the situation in Senegal improves and local COVID-19 regulations allows work in the office.