The FAO Somalia has recently started implementation of an EU – funded project aiming to provide alternative economic opportunities for youth living in coastal regions threatened by a resurgence of piracy.

The Coastal Communities Against Piracy (CCAP) Project will be based in the port city of Bossaso with field implementation in coastal areas of Puntland, Galmudug, Hir-Shabelle and Mogadishu. The Project is firmly set within the Regional Programme for the Implementation of a Regional Maritime Security Strategy (MASE) for the Eastern Southern African-Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) as a collaborative initiative involving IGAD, IOC, COMESA, EAC and international partners.

For successful implementation of the project, FAO intends to recruit a Fisheries Officer to be based in Mogadishu to support the implementation of project activities (including fish processing, anti-piracy advocacy, institutional strengthening for fisheries organizations, fleet improvement) in the southern part of Somalia.

The Fisheries Officer will work under the general supervision of the FAOR, the direct supervision of the Fisheries Coordinator and CCAP Project Manager, and in close collaboration with the Project Team. Specifically the duties and responsibilities of the Fisheries Officer will include:

Responsibilities for the Fisheries Officer Job

• Facilitate and support all aspects of project implementation in Somalia;
• Act as Focal Point and first point of contact for the project for stakeholders and interested parties from the field;
• Maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders (particularly Ministries and co-operatives, local authorities, elders etc) in project area and ensure their active involvement with project interventions;
• Ensure regular communications with Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) at State and Federal level, to integrate FAO and project activities harmoniously within the development plans and objectives of the MFMR;
• Establish dialogue with fishermen, fisherwomen, fish vendors, fisher folk associations and coastal communities in general, to develop an understanding of local requirements, constraints and issues to be consider through project activities;
• Support the strengthening of women’s groups in fisheries in coastal communities recognizing their role in community life and decision-making;
• Supervise and support contracted NGOs implementing project activities in the project area;
• Represent Project and FAO at public meetings and other gatherings as required;
• Conduct participatory field work, research and consultations in coastal fishing communities;
• Facilitate, usually with other members of the Project Team, meetings and trainings in communities and other locations;
• Prepare workshop and training reports as necessary;
• Complete necessary preparations and facilitate Missions and inputs from national and international consultants in field work;
• Support advocacy activities against piracy in project locations;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Fisheries Officer Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Rural development, Business Studies or other relevant subject.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in fisheries or rural development project implementation;
• Experience in coastal and rural communities and/or with fisheries co-operatives in Somalia; especially women’s groups in Somalia
• Knowledge of fisheries or natural resource management, or food and nutrition sciences will be considered a valuable asset;
• Track record of successful implementation of similar assignments;
• Experience with FAO, United Nations, NGOs, EU or other similar partners will be a definite asset;
• Working knowledge (level C) of the FAO official language used for communication within the country (English).
• Ability to effectively use standard office software such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Exchange) etc.
• Ability to use software and other information systems and databases to insert data, make enquiries, retrieve/define ad hoc reports and analyses and edit results in appropriate format.
• The incumbent must possess teamwork spirit, flexibility and ability to undertake regular field visits. Tact and courtesy. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural background.

How to Apply
Candidates are requested to submit a covering letter quoting the Position Title and Vacancy Announcement No. FAO/4/2017 along with their current/detailed Curriculum Vitae and FAO Personal Profile Form (PPF) available http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/.

E-mail is the preferred means of receipt and the application should be sent to HR-Somalia@fao.org

Applications must be received by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

Only short listed candidates meeting all essential qualifications will be contacted.