National Fisheries Specialist

Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of FAO's global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO's response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, the direct supervision of the Head of Fisheries Sector.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for the achievement of all project’s objectives and in general for the overall project implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Facilitate all aspects of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation and reporting of fisheries activities in Puntland State.

• Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with Ministry of Fisheries in Puntland and other partners.

• Ensure the integration of all ongoing project activities within the development plans and objectives of the Ministry of Fisheries in Puntland and the wider National Development Plans or equivalent.

• Working closely with Head of office in Puntland State, facilitate the relationship between FAO and its Stakeholders in Puntland State i.e. The Ministry of Fisheries, NGOs, Cooperatives, and others.

• Under supervision Head of Office, act as Fisheries Focal Point, point of contact and liaison with government in Puntland State.

• Provide technical guidance and policy dialogue to the Ministry of Fisheries in Puntland state on all aspects of the fisheries programme.

• Establish and develop an understanding of local requirements, constraints, and issues to be considered under project activities and develop a close working relationship with all stakeholders.

• Provides technical backstopping and ensures quality and effectiveness of training and capacity building initiatives in Puntland state including the preparation of training materials, course modules and other materials.

• Liaise and collaborate fully with other Fisheries Team as necessary for smooth project implementation and technical exchange of information.

• Support preparation, implementation and reporting of Letter of Agreement or Letters of Understanding in Puntland state.

• Contribute to the preparation of reports (inception, monthly, annual, final) and respond to queries related to the design phase of the project.

• Share regular weekly work plans and progress reports with Head of Office in the state and the Supervisor.

• Initiate in the development of relevant procurement documents and evaluate it as needed.

• Support in the follow-up on the successful closure of the implementing partners LoAs.

• Provide regular updates/reports to the line managers/coordinators when called upon on the implementation of fisheries activities.

• Perform any other duties and activities upon instruction of the Head of Office.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in fisheries management, marine biology or a related field is required., or other relevant discipline from a reputable institution.

• At least 6 years of relevant experience with 1st level degree or 4 years of working experience with master’s degree in the planning and implementation of development/emergency programs, including the preparation, implementation, or monitoring of projects.

• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali.

• National of Somalia.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent of experience in programme/project management and administration.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

• Ability to identify and resolve problems expeditiously and pragmatically.

• Tact, initiative, and sound judgement.

• Knowledge of and/or experience with the UN system.

• Experience in project operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)

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

For additional employment opportunities 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.