Shrimp Larviculture 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.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing the Technical Cooperation Programme project TCP/GUY/4101, which aims to strengthen national capacity for shrimp aquaculture production in Guyana through improved hatchery capabilities. The project is implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department, and contributes to FAO’s Strategic Framework, particularly under Blue Transformation, Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture Production, and Gender Equality and Rural Women’s Empowerment.

The objective of this assignment is to ensure effective, timely, and results-based implementation of the TCP/GUY/4101 project by strengthening coordination, operational delivery, and stakeholder engagement across the shrimp aquaculture value chain, while supporting sustainable and inclusive sector development.

To provide advice and support effective project delivery, FAO seeks a Shrimp Larviculture Specialist to:

• Execute andsupport hatchery-side larviculture operations for shrimp including larval rearing, feeding, health monitoring, record-keeping, and quality control to achieve target survival, growth, and health indices.
• Review and advise on compliance with hatchery production targets including survival rates, postlarvae quality standards (PL size, stress tolerance), and biosecurity benchmarks aligned with commercial shrimp hatchery best practices.
• Provide technical advice and liaise with national counterparts and technical experts on hatchery operations.

The assignment also contributes to strengthening public–private partnerships and enhancing value chain integration to support long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the shrimp aquaculture sector.

Reporting Lines

The Shrimp Larviculture Specialist will work under the direction of the Hatchery Management Expert with overall supervision from the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

The incumbent will work closely with the Live food production Specialist, Maturation Specialist, Water Quality Specialist and the Production Team at the Hatchery and set up and initiate a fully functional shrimp larviculture system as well as ensure proper treatment, operation of the system (plant and equipment are working as required).

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and guidance for the management of live feed production systems, including the rearing, enrichment, and stabilization of Artemia and other live feeds, ensuring the application of best practices to support optimal larval nutrition and survival.
• Monitor hatchery performance through regular sampling, assessment of production parameters, and review of feeding protocols; recommend adjustments to improve larval growth, survival rates, and operational efficiency.
• Advise on water quality management, including water exchange protocols, biofilter performance, and environmental monitoring systems, to maintain optimal production conditions and minimize stress on larvae.
• Provide technical oversight for the culture and management of shrimp larval stages (zoea, mysis, and postlarvae), ensuring adherence to species-specific production protocols and promoting continuous improvement in hatchery performance.
• Support the development and implementation of hatchery health management and biosecurity measures, including early disease recognition, sanitation procedures, risk mitigation strategies, and staff awareness on aquatic animal health best practices.
• Assist in establishing and strengthening shrimp health surveillance systems. Assess existing gaps and provide recommendations for the phased development of laboratory capabilities, strategic partnerships with regional reference laboratories, and protocols for disease monitoring and reporting.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, production records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and reporting systems to ensure traceability, quality assurance, and informed decision-making throughout the hatchery production cycle.
• Promote compliance with applicable biosafety, occupational health and safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and other relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
• Design and deliver training, coaching, and capacity-building activities for hatchery personnel and stakeholders to strengthen technical competencies and support the sustainable operation of shrimp hatchery facilities.
• Prepare technical reports, progress updates, recommendations, and knowledge products for FAO and relevant stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and priorities for improving hatchery operations and shrimp seed production in Guyana.
• Contribute to the development of national capacity in shrimp hatchery management through the introduction of innovative technologies, dissemination of international best practices, and support for the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture sector.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants:
Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, marine science, or related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs:
Technical degree/certificate in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, marine science, or related field.
• 1 year of relevant work experience in aquaculture hatcheries, especially shrimp larviculture is preferred.
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Understanding of crustacean life cycle and larval stages (nauplius, protozoea, zoea, mysis, postlarvae).
• Knowledge of water quality management and equipment (tanks, aerators, filtration, pumps, heaters, salinity controllers).
• Familiarity with live feeds production (Artemia cysts, nauplii hatchery, enrichment) and formulated feeds.
• Basic record-keeping, data entry, and reporting skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and environmental issues.
• Familiarity with hatchery biosecurity zoning (clean/dirty areas), pathogen exclusion protocols, and disinfection procedures.
• Basic understanding of larval quality assessment methods (stress tests, swimming behavior, gut fullness, deformities).

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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