Fishery Officer (Compliance)

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The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments

• 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 persons 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.

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 the 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

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 adopts binding recommendations and other resolutions and ensures these decisions are effectively implemented. The GFCM Secretariat Compliance Team is responsible for the assessment and monitoring of compliance with these decisions, by analyzing all compliance-related data and information annually collected from GFCM Contracting Parties (CPCs) and cooperating with non-Contracting Parties. It also proactively assist CPCs in enhancing their capacity to address relevant fisheries and aquaculture obligations, including through enhanced regulatory or monitoring, control and surveillance frameworks. The annual assessment and monitoring of compliance is instrumental to the evaluation of performance at the country level that is overseen by the GFCM Secretariat Compliance Team in close coordination and liaison with national focal points. Furthermore, the GFCM Secretariat Compliance Team is tasked to promote cooperation, including with other Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), in matters of common interest in relation to specific sets of compliance data and information, such as information required for the compilation and update of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) lists.

The position is located in the GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl, Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Fishery Officer (Compliance) reports to the GFCM Executive Secretary and collaborates with relevant staff in the GFCM Secretariat, both at the GFCM office in Rome, Italy, and in the subregional technical units, transversally. S/he leads the GFCM Secretariat Compliance Team.

Technical Focus

Support the full compliance with GFCM policies by Contracting Parties and Cooperating non-Contracting Parties (CPCs) related to decisions adopted, in accordance with i) the mandate of the GFCM and its Compliance Committee; ii) Targets 2 and 5 of the GFCM 2030 Strategy; iii) select objectives in Ministerial Declarations in place and; iv) relevant policy instruments and working relationships with relevant organizations and stakeholders.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides specialized expertise in technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals, as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Oversees, in coordination with the Executive Secretary, the work of the Compliance Committee, including i) the monitoring and assessment of compliance by GFCM CPCs with existing recommendations, ii) the strengthening of regional, subregional and national data reporting frameworks, specifically those of relevance to GFCM management plans, and iii) the provision of technical assistance to CPCs to address lack of compliance.
• Leads the GFCM Compliance Team and periodically liaises with relevant GFCM Secretariat staff, in particular the team leaders of the Fisheries and Aquaculture teams on matters of common interest to the Compliance Committee and the Scientific Advisory committees for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
• Participates in the strategic planning of GFCM activities, and specifically in preparing, reviewing and implementing the workplan of the Compliance Committee, as approved by the Commission and carried out during the inter-session.
• Provides compliance-related advice to the Executive Secretary, including in relation to relevant national, regional and international priorities and needs relating to compliance or lack thereof, as well as in relation to the application of tools and tables for the assessment, monitoring and strengthening of compliance based on GFCM recommendations. Specifically, provides advice on compliance matters stemming from the implementation of GFCM joint inspection schemes, including in relation to the conduct of inspections as well as the application of monitoring, control and surveillance standards at the national level.
• Assists national focal points involved in the activities of the Compliance Committee, with particular regard to the implementation of activities associated with the fight against IUU fishing and the modular implementation of monitoring, control and surveillance, as well as in relation to the annual assessment of compliance by the Compliance Committee and the provision of technical assistance on topics such as monitoring, control and surveillance technology, inspection procedures and reports, vessel monitoring system formats and protocols and the harmonization of control data.
• Represents the GFCM to ensure visibility of its compliance related work in relevant meetings, in particular in relation to compliance issues and the fight against IUU fishing, including on behalf of the Executive Secretary.
• Acts as a contact point for partner organizations on topics related to compliance in order to build synergies and commonalities, specifically for other RFMOs compliance officers.
• Liaises with relevant FAO Divisions/Offices/Centres, as well as with relevant experts outside the Organization, to promote and implement initiatives relating to the fight against IUU fishing and the implementation of monitoring, control and surveillance measures.
• Contributes to the development of a modular approach to monitoring, control and surveillance by the GFCM, including the implementation of a vessel monitoring system, electronic logbook and other control tools.
• Performs duties, where necessary and required, as related to the above duties.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fishery science, marine affairs or in any related field as relevant, in particular, to compliance processes.
• Seven years of relevant experience in fisheries, with a strong focus on actions supporting the fight against IUU fishing, including through the implementation, monitoring and assessment of management measures adopted by national, regional or international organizations, the provision of technical support, on monitoring, control and surveillance including on regulatory and institutional issues, as well as the implementation of inspections schemes.
• Working knowledge (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
• Team Work
• 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.
• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of the regulatory framework at country, subregional and regional levels and of measures to assess and ensure compliance with fisheries related measures in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of advice in relation to the implementation of measures adopted by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and familiarity with the operations of compliance committees established by RFMOs.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation and organization of technical meetings, in particular on issues relating to the fight against IUU fishing.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of technical support and advice to governments on monitoring, control and surveillance and related institutional issues.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with governments and organizations and to participate in international/regional meetings and fora.
• Familiarity with the formulation and the implementation of projects that include a compliance component, with particular regard to issues such as IUU fishing and monitoring, control and surveillance.
• Proficiency in the preparation and revision of technical documents and reports.
• Knowledge of GFCM policies will be an asset.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Arabic, French or Spanish will be a strong asset.

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds

• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct

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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;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• 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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