Aquaculture and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Specialist

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• 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO 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.

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Iraq is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant government entities and Ministries at country level.
FAO Iraq is implementing TCP/IRQ/4001 to establish demonstration sites for closed fish farming systems (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems – RAS) to promote sustainable aquaculture practices. The consultant will lead technical design, coordination, and capacity building to ensure successful implementation aligned with global standards and local conditions.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAOR Iraq

Technical Focus

The incumbent will design and operationalize closed fish farming systems (RAS) tailored to Iraq’s context. He/she will coordinate with FAO experts and stakeholders for technical and logistical alignment and also build capacity through workshop and training for fish farmers, extension officers, and partners.

Tasks and responsibilities

Technical Design & Specifications:

• Develop detailed technical specifications for RAS systems based on global best practices and local feasibility.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards.

Coordination & Oversight:

• Liaise with FAO experts (regional and HQ) and the Program Management Unit.
• Follow up on aquaculture activities under the Iraq program and provide technical support when needed.
• Organize and facilitate stakeholder meetings and consultations.

Capacity Building:

• Lead the design and delivery of workshops and training sessions on RAS and sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Prepare training materials, agendas, and evaluation tools.
• Ensure knowledge transfer and mentoring for local stakeholders.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Draft technical specifications and documentation for demonstration sites.
• Prepare progress reports, meeting minutes, and a final consultancy report with recommendations.

Implementation & Site Establishment:

• Lead and oversee the implementation of RAS systems, ensuring all components are installed, tested, and operational.
• Coordinate and supervise field activities required for establishing two RAS demonstration sites, including site preparation, equipment setup, system calibration, and operational readiness.
• Provide on-site technical support during installation phases to ensure compliance with FAO standards and project objectives.
• Monitor system performance during initial operation and adjust technical parameters to optimize functionality.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Aquaculture, Fisheries, or related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in RAS design, implementation, and project coordination.
• Working Knowledge in English.

FAO Core 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
• Deep knowledge of RAS systems, fish nutrition, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and deliver within deadlines.
• Skilled in building partnerships and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes.
• Experience in designing and delivering effective training programs.
• Ability to identify challenges and propose practical solutions.

Selection Criteria

• Proven experience in capacity building and stakeholder engagement.

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 any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• 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 more information, visit the FAO employment website
• 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

• 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• 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

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