Organizational Setting

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) works with Members and partners to transform aquatic systems and promote the responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. Leaving no one behind.
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. Its main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best use 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 and ensures these recommendations are implemented; coordinates efforts by countries to effectively manage fisheries and aquaculture; monitors the status of fishery resources and carries out scientific work to support advice and decision-making; coordinates and benefits from the support of projects and programmes at the regional and subregional levels to enhance scientific cooperation and capacity-building among its contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties.
To support these endeavours and fulfil its mandate, the GFCM collaborates, interacts, gathers and shares information with a wide network of national institutions, consortia and academia, international organizations, intergovernmental, non-governmental and civil society organizations, as well as experts and scientists. In this context and as its activities bring new projects, fields of work and an expanding organizational remit, new products and events need to be properly prepared and promoted. In addition, for its ambitious strategies to succeed, the GFCM needs to communicate effectively about its work and its impact to key audiences and stakeholders. Good communication can contribute to obtaining support and participation and securing cooperation between all stakeholders involved.
The post is located in the GFCM Subregional Technical Unit for the Western Mediterranean in Malaga, Spain.

Reporting Lines

The Fishery Officer reports to the Senior Fishery Officer/Fisheries Team Leader and maintains regular contact with relevant officers, in particular the leaders of the Programme and Liaison, Compliance and Aquaculture teams, as well as relevant officers within the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division and the FAO Regional Offices and Country Offices in the GFCM Area of competence

Technical Focus

Support to and participation in the implementation of policies and work programmes at subregional level, related to capacity development and the provision of scientific advice to the GFCM on issues such as the status of fish stocks and the development of sustainable fisheries management tools. Liaison with technical experts towards the integration of new methodologies and provision of training in support of advice.

Key Results

Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Researches, analyses and provides access to fisheries and aquaculture technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related data, and information and/or related policy issues to support the delivery of fisheries and aquaculture programmes, projects, products, publications and services.
•  Produces a variety of technical data, statistics, information and reports, as well as input for technical documents and web pages.
• Provides technical, statistical, and/or analytical services on various studies, projects and initiatives, and/or assessments; provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Participates in the development of improved/updated technical, statistical and/or analytical tools, methodologies, systems, databases and/or key social/economic/environmental/ nutritional and/or early warning indicators, etc.
• Participates in multidisciplinary teams and/or leads working groups/teams; collaborates with other Divisions/Offices/Centres on work groups and committees and promotes best practices.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development activities within Members, such as organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools.
• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.
• Supports resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Contributes to the preparation and implementation of the GFCM work programme in the subregion, in particular that of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC), as well as implements relevant cooperative and capacity development projects in the area, towards the formulation of scientific and technical advice to the GFCM on issues related to fisheries management.
• Provides technical support to the work of the SAC, and in particular its subregional committees for the Western Mediterranean, as well as its activities as per the workplan approved. This includes the preparation of technical background documentation, the development and maintenance of technical networks with scientific institutions, relevant partners and experts, organization of training and capacity building activities addressing expert’s needs, and the preparation, holding and follow-up of the meetings.
• Ensures the compilation of concise and comprehensive technical elements in support of the advice on the status of stocks and potential management measures for fisheries in the Western Mediterranean, as emanating from relevant expert meetings and in support of the discussion at the SAC and the Commission.
• Contributes to analysing and contrasting information on Mediterranean fisheries as received by the GFCM Secretariat and producing comprehensive reports on the state of fisheries and marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
• Provides guidance to the individual scientists involved in the SAC and specialized expert groups, in particular on issues related to stock assessment and the formulation of scientific advice in support of fisheries management plans, including in relation to management strategy evaluation.
• Represents the Organization at relevant international meetings and conferences, contributes to the design and implementation of strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and supports the development and negotiation effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•  Advanced university degree in fisheries sciences, marine sciences or a related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in quantitative analysis and assessment of wild marine fish stocks, implementation of spatial management measures and the interactions between fisheries and vulnerable species and ecosystems, particularly in the context of international organizations.
• Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• 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.
• Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of French and Spanish is a strong asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience of technical work in support of fisheries management, including on the assessment of status of commercial stocks, vulnerable marine species, habitats and ecosystems, as well as the use of marine spatial planning.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in the formulation of advice within Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and/or in other relevant organizations, in particular with respect with Mediterranean fisheries.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the Mediterranean region is considered a strong asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and organization of technical meetings related to fisheries and marine.