Job Posting: 12/Jul/2023
Closure Date: 26/Jul/2023, 10:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: FRLIR – FAO Representation in Liberia
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Liberia-Monrovia
Duration: 6 Months
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 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
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing a project titled “Strengthening Capacities in the Fisheries and Rice Cultivation Sectors for Food Security and Nutrition Improvement”. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority of Liberia.
This project comes in response to the fact that food and nutrition security remains a challenge in Liberia. Towards addressing these challenges, the government, supported by partners, continue to make varying-level interventions, aimed at strengthening the relevant sub-sectors. Therefore, project seeks to promote Fish culture from an integrated perspective and seeks to build the capacities of selected farmers engaged in paddy rice fish farming in aspects of aquaculture through trainings and provision of inputs.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Liberia, the incumbent will undertake the tasks outlined below.
Technical Focus
S/he will develop and recommend better approach that will enhance integrated fish production as well as environmental protection; and support the provision of technical guidance on sustainable development of aquaculture, including integrated agri-aquaculture in rice fields, aquaculture seed production, feed formulation and feeding, etc and focus on output 3 of the project.
Output 3 of the project – “Integrated agri-aquaculture promoted in rice fields”. This output will promote the integration of fish farming within rice fields in 10 localities (exploring synergies and complementarity with JICA Project). Fish juveniles and related equipment will be distributed to the various farmers along with technical aquaculture training. This output will also pilot test the manufacture of Eco-fuel briquettes using rice production waste in the 10 localities to be used as fuel by female fish processors, distributing a briquettes machine and training 20 young technicians. At the same time, rice production capacities will be enhanced in the lowlands through the provision of inputs/equipment and training on sustainable rice production. An incentivization approach targeting rice farmers assessed to be satisfactorily adopting the integration model, will be instituted. Also, value addition capacities will be built for farmers assessed to be satisfactorily integrating rice and production fish production.
Tasks and Responsibilities
The incumbent will undertake the following:
- Develop a field trip Terms of Reference, with a clear work plan, for a first needs assessment field trip, based on a desk study on the rice-fish production opportunities, the available aquaculture potential literature in Liberia, JICA project objectives and outcomes and NaFAA priorities.
- Organize a field trip to the rice fields of the 10 localities selected for the integrated rice-fish production with NaFAA, JICA and FAOLR representatives, based on the culturing system, environment and local products availability, analyze the situation and carry out a needs assessment to obtain the information selected in the concept note, among others the following:
- farmers technical capacity and interest, including training needs.
- rice fields dimensions.
- water availability and seasonality, quality, and organic elements composition.
- infrastructure availability, cold chain, electricity, transformation and storage areas, etc.;
- equipment and aquaculture inputs needs.
- recommend appropriate quality fish breed for production.
- based on the organic components of the rice fields and the local products available recommend, if needed, a feed formula for local production.
- market access and local interest on fresh fish products.
- Support the international aquaculture consultant with the organisation and facilitation of technical trainings on fish production in rice fields; fish feed production and the use of Eco-fuel briquettes;
- Ensure the procurement of all the equipment and aquaculture inputs needed to put in place the fish-rice aquaculture production in each locality. With the support of the procurement team, lead the development of technical specifications and evaluation of technical specification for inputs;
- Put in place fish production in the rice fields of the 10 selected localities;
- Develop strategies that will promote aquaculture fish value addition and link farmers to market through relevant marketing trainings;
- Collaborate with other FAO divisions and external partners in the areas of aquaculture as well as areas of mutually beneficial interest;
- Participate in project proposal development on sustainable aquaculture and other related project;
- Support the visibility of integrated rice-fish production activities/program through publication of press releases, articles, newsletters and social media posts (website, Blue Growth blog, Twitter, etc.);
- Implement team activities and other assigned tasks as required by supervisor.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of Master’s degree or its equivalent in Aquaculture, Fisheries Management, Environmental Resource Management, Agriculture, or other relevant field;
- At least five years of relevant experience in aquaculture, and at least two years’ experience in the design and implementation of integrated Rice-Fish Culture;
- Working knowledge of English as one of FAO spoken languages is key;
- National of Liberia.
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Experience in conducting assessment on fisheries and aquaculture related issues.
- Strong ability to organise training and awareness workshops, including the preparation of knowledge materials and participatory activities Proven ability to build good relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government institutions, NGOs, and local communities, and conduct fieldwork.
- Extend of experience in the agriculture and fisheries & aquaculture related issues.
- Independent worker and excellent skills working as part of a team.
- Very high skills/knowledge of background related to the ToR’s Requirements.
- Previous experience working on international donor projects is highly preferred.
- Proven ability in drafting clearly and precisely in English.
- Working knowledge of MS office and relevant IT tools and software.
- Excellent communication, networking, written and presentation skills.
- Familiar with United Nations System and/or FAO’s programming mechanisms
- Work experience in Liberia.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: Careers@fao.org
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
For additional employment opportunities 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.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
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 contact: Careers@fao.org
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