The Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations (FAO) is currently supporting the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the implementation of Great Green Wall of Sahara and the Sahel Initiative (GGWSSI), through a project called "Action Against Desertification (MD) in Sokoto Basin (Basanta Community in Sokoto State); Hadejia-Jamaare Basin (Jeke Community in Jigawa State) and Chad Basin (Maluri Community in Bauchi State). Action Against Desertification in Nigeria is designed to (i) improve information sharing and cooperation among stakeholders, (ii) strengthen systemic and institutional capacity for enhanced desertification governance and resource mobilization, (iii) develop and promote sustainable agricultural, forest, livestock and water management and restoration practices and facilities.

The project consists of three major components:

Improvement of the coordination mechanisms, as well as legal, institutional and policy frameworks at national and local level towards sustainable and equitable land and forest management.
Promotion and dissemination of improved sustainable land/forest management practices and technologies for rehabilitation of degraded lands and wetlands/fadama and alluvial plains.
Knowledge sharing among key target audiences and stakeholders. including in the education sector.

We are now seeking a qualified candidate who will assist the Africa Special Hub (ASH) of MD and FAQ country Office in Abuja in daily operational management of the national component of the project in Nigeria, to fill the position below:

POSITION : Senior Policy Officer (Fishery and Aquaculture FIRST Programme)

Duration: Fixed-term: One year
Notes: with possibility of extension

Department Description

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

Duties and Responsibilities
Organizational Setting:

Food and Nutrition Security Impact, Resilience, Sustainability and Transformation (FIRST) is a FAO and the European Union partnership programme with the purpose of providing a policy assistance mechanism for improved food security and nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
FIRST is designed to strengthen the enabling environment for food security and nutrition and sustainable agriculture in a number of selected priority countries.
FIRST will be embedded within the FAO’s programme management and coordination structure.
It will contribute directly to the food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture policy and governance related results envisioned under FAO Strategic Objectives 1 and 2.
The Senior Policy Officer (Fishery and Aquaculture, FIRST Programme) works under the overall technical guidance of Senior Fishery Officer (FAO Regional Office for Africa) and works in close collaboration with Fishery and Aquaculture team based at headquarters (FIA).
The Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Policy Officer works under the guidance of the ECOWAS Commission Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development (D/ARD), in close collaboration with the UEMOA Commission, the FAO Regional/Sub-regional offices, the EU Regional Delegation in Abuja and Ouagadougou, (sub)-regional fisheries bodies (RFBs) in ECOWAS area, African Union, and other relevant stakeholders in the ECOWAS member states (Governments counterparts).

Reporting Lines:

The Senior Policy Officer (Fishery and Aquaculture, FIRST Programme) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer (FAO Regional Office for Africa) and on technical issues to FIRST Senior Technical Adviser and to the Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division (FIA).

Technical Focus:

Development and implementation of coherent, integrated and effective policy assistance, capacity development and governance for achieving food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework and in response to policy assistance needs and demands at country and subregional levels.

Key Results:

Development and implementation of coherent, integrated and effective policy assistance and governance work supporting member states at country level.

Key Functions

Organizes and leads a participatory in-depth assessment of the existing policy and institutional framework(s) of the ECOWAS fisheries and aquaculture sector, and identify areas for improvement in terms of regional policy coordination, guidance, and capacity development;
Plans, organizes and participates in capacity development activities as endorsed by the ECOWAS Commission, including the provision of advice and technical assistance, organization of capacity development/training workshops, seminars, and meetings;
Oversees the development of awareness raising, information and capacity development materials on regional fisheries and aquaculture issues, including on-line tools and information kit;
Provides technical and policy advice and support in relation to fisheries and aquaculture to the ECOWAS Commission regarding the development and implementation of its policies and programmes to accelerate and maximize regional Food and nutrition security Impact, Resilience, Sustainability under the ECOWAP/CAADP framework;
Prepares reports on project progress and achievements for FAO, ECOWAS Commission, European Union regional Delegation;
Organizes international/inter-governmental meetings and conferences and provide short-term policy and technical assistance in other ECOWAS technical partners (including regional Non State Actors) as part of the FIRST expert network;
Promotes strategic partnerships, best practices, and increased policy dialogue and develop and negotiate effective synergetic and complementary working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national partners within the regional integration approaches and schemes;
Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities, including the contribution to a project proposal development for the sector under the 11th EDF/RIP;
Performs other duties as required.

Job Requirements
Candidates will be assessed against the following:
Minimum Requirements:

Advanced university Degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Economics or Marine Affairs with a specialization in Fisheries Policy, Management and/or Governance or other field related to Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Ten years of relevant experience in fisheries management, aquaculture production, fishery policy analysis, including policy assistance and capacity development or related field
Working knowledge of English and French.

Competencies

Results Focus
Leading, Engaging and Empowering
Strong Communications Skills
Partnering and Advocating
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills:

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential
Extent and relevance of experience and/or knowledge in fisheries and aquaculture including related areas which may include fisheries policy, management, governance and international relations in development or international organizations
Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementation of programmes in fisheries and aquaculture or related areas
In depth understanding of the role of development and international organizations with competence in fisheries and aquaculture

Knowledge of Portuguese is an asset:

Ability to mobilize resources

Additional Details

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your iRecruitment online profile (see “How to Apply”). We strongly recommend that you ensure that the information is accurate and complete including employment record, academic qualifications and language skills.
Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised in the IAU/UNESCO list.
Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice and the endorsed candidates will be considered for the Employment Roster for a period of 2 years.
Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments.

Remuneration
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, visit the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC)