The role – Principal Aquaculture Adviser will lead and manage the work programme of the FAME CFAP Aquaculture Section to provide guidance, support and advice to governments, private sector, communities and other relevant stakeholders in planning and developing aquaculture initiatives, including aquatic biosecurity, in line with the Pacific Regional Aquaculture Strategy, focusing on appropriate, viable and resilient aquaculture for food security, improved nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, and long-term economic growth.
The key responsibilities of the role include
Section leadership, management, planning, administration and communication:
Assists the FAME Deputy Director (CFAP) in strategic planning to ensure that the work for the Section meets the needs of SPC members and other Programme clients and partners.
Develop in consultation with the FAME Deputy Director (CFAP) and other senior CFAP staff, the Section’s annual work plan and work plan reports consistent with the FAME Business and Strategic Plans and are consistent with available funding.
Manages the activities of the Section consistent with annual work plans, SPC Member requests and available funding.
Develop in consultation with the FAME Deputy Director (CFAP) funding and/or cost-recovery proposals to ensure that work plans are adequately funded.
Manage, guide, advise and assist SPC members’ implementation of the Pacific Regional Aquaculture Strategy:
Oversees the Section’s support to PICT members in implementing the Pacific Regional Aquaculture Strategy, in alignment with its regional priority themes: sustainable aquaculture technology, aquatic biosecurity, legislation and regulation, economic development, livelihoods and food security, social inclusion, and environmental and climate change resilience.
Lead the development of the regional implementation plan for the PRAS and assists PICT members develop appropriate national workplans.
Oversee the socialisation of the PRAS with all SPC Members, development partners and other stakeholders.
Assists with securing sustainable funding for SPC FAME to support the implementation of PRAS.
Coordinates Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) activities for the PRAS, including the mid-term review (after 5 years).
Manage, support and guide the development, research, advisory and capacity building activities and projects to advance aquaculture in Pacific Island Countries and Territories:
Supports research and development projects to identify new commodities and systems for farming and address industry bottlenecks.
Oversee the support for aquatic/blue food systems initiatives internally and externally.
Ensure that the region is kept informed of advances in food production technology (feed formulation, genetics etc.).
Oversee the feasibility studies for the promotion and development of emerging aquaculture resources/products.
Assist the PICTs weigh the economic cost-benefits of investments in aquaculture.
Manage, guide and assist with coordinating, promoting and supporting biosecurity in the aquaculture sector:
Support the implementation of the Regional Framework on Aquatic Biosecurity, incorporating the findings from the mid-term review, and alignment with the PRAS
Works to raise the regional and national profile and recognition of the importance of aquatic biosecurity to the aquaculture, freshwater and marine fisheries sectors.
Promote the PICTS meeting international reporting obligations for aquatic biosecurity.
Promote the testing of products for health safety, eco-labelling and product brands to provide competitive advantage for the Pacific.
Engage, promote and support SPC internal and inter-agency networking and cross-sectoral collaboration in support and advancement of the region’s aquaculture and aquatic biosecurity sectors:
Maintains links to relevant international organisations and agencies such as WorldFish, FAO, NACA, UNEP, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and funding organisations.
Develop and promote collaborations with other programmes and divisions within SPC on issues such as food systems, biosecurity, food security, small-scale livelihoods, climate change resilience and adaptation, human rights, gender, disability and social inclusion.
Develop and maintain links with other CROP agencies, relevant universities, NGOs and CSOs in regard to aquaculture development, management and livelihoods to minimise the risk of duplication of work.
Advocate at regional and global fora on behalf of the Pacific islands’ region aquaculture and aquatic biosecurity sectoral interests.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
Masters in aquaculture, or a related field or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.
Technical expertise
At least 10 years of relevant experience in staff management, team leadership, project development and project management.
At least 5 years’ experience working in fields relevant to Pacific Island aquaculture practice and policy.
Understanding of current Pacific Islands regional aquaculture development and management issues, and of working with gender, social inclusion and human rights-based issues relating to aquaculture.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and demonstrated ability to produce written reports for stakeholders, donors, funding proposals, trip reports, training materials etc.
Proven ability to design, plan and facilitate community and regional workshops and other trainings.
Experience in successfully collaborating and working with other institutions and partners to achieve shared aquaculture goals, and in negotiating with people from different ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
Experience working with MS Windows-based systems and MS 365 software.
Willingness to travel and undertake overseas assignments in SPC member countries and territories, sometimes under difficult conditions.
Language skills
Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage.
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.