Job Posting: 26/Feb/2025
Closure Date: 12/Mar/2025, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: FRBOT – FAO Representation in Botswana
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Botswana-Gaborone
Duration: 52 Days (WAE)
Post Number: N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945 with the objective of eliminating hunger, improving nutrition and standards of living by increasing agricultural productivity. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. Accordingly, FAO complements the efforts of governments and technical agencies in programs for developing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, land and water resources. It also carries out research; provides technical assistance on projects in individual countries; operates educational programs through seminars and training centres; maintains information and support services, including keeping statistics on world production, trade, and consumption of agricultural commodities; and publishes a number of periodicals, yearbooks, and research bulletins.
FAO headquarters are in Rome, Italy and the organization has more than 180 members with offices throughout the world. Through the Botswana Office, FAO is collaborating with the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, through Department of Apiculture and Aquaculture to formulate a national policy on aquaculture, which is expected to set out priorities and frameworks for this important sector. Although aquaculture is recognized among several food production sectors with significant potential to contribute to agricultural growth, a national policy to facilitate its strategic development is still lacking. Therefore, the National Aquaculture Policy Expert will work with an international consultant in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders to address the gap.
Reporting Lines
The National Aquaculture Policy Expert will work under the overall managerial and operational guidance of the FAO Representative in Botswana, with technical supervision of the relevant FAO services unit (LTO/LTU), and in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture– Aquaculture and Apiculture Department, and support from a Technical Officer based in FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy as well as guidance from the Project Coordinator.
Technical Focus
Development of a gender-sensitive national aquaculture policy for Botswana, based on issues and options prioritized by stakeholders.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Conduct a comprehensive review of existing aquaculture activities, policies and regulatory frameworks in Botswana to inform policy development.
- Identify key challenges, opportunities and suggest strategies for sustainable aquaculture development.
- Examine the capacity of the Aquaculture Division in terms of extension service delivery and come up with recommendations.
- Provide technical support during stakeholder consultations, workshops, and meetings to ensure inclusive policy development.
- Contribute to development of draft policy.
- Work closely with FAO Botswana, FAO Subregional Office, and FAO International consultants in providing technical support to ensure smooth project implementation.
- Prepare a structured roadmap for policy formulation, ensuring alignment with government and SADC priorities.
- Contribute to development of policy implementation plan.
- Carry out any other tasks relevant to this assignment.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in a relevant area such as fisheries, natural resources management, biodiversity management, environmental sciences or other closely related fields
- Five (5) years of work experience in fisheries management, agriculture or aquaculture development
- Working knowledge of English
- National of Botswana or resident of the country with valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Experience in organizing participatory processes and contribution to processes related to program development through engagement of a wide range of stakeholders from the government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
- Experience with development of policies, strategies and environment-based projects.
- Experience with projects in Botswana is desired.
- Experience with UN projects is desired.
- Good analytical, presentation and training skills.
- Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure and deliver assignments on time.
- Knowledge of other language used in Botswana is considered an asset.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
- To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
- Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
- Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
- Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
- We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
Source : FAO, 2025
