National Fisheries Socio-Economics Expert

Organizational Setting

The FAO Representation in Mozambique is supporting the Government of Mozambique to update the policy-legal framework to address the current challenges regarding the sustainability of the fisheries resources and to improve socio-economic benefits for the people of Mozambique, taking into account the need for alignment with the regional and global policy instruments. In parallel, from 2021, the FAO Representation in Mozambique initiated a restructuring process to ensure timely and efficient delivery of its programme. During this time, the need for developing a comprehensive FAO fisheries and aquaculture programme in Mozambique was identified. Hence, upon request from the Ministry of Sea Inland Waters and Fisheries (MIMAIP), FAO Representation in Mozambique in collaboration with MIMAIP have prepared and signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) entitled “Support the update of the Fisheries Master Plan and National Implementation Strategy of the Government of Mozambique”.

The objective of the TCP is to undertake a participatory process of reviewing and update the Fisheries Master Plan, and based on its priorities to develop a comprehensive FAO fisheries and aquaculture programme. This process will be conducted in parallel with the revision of the Fisheries Policy, being implemented by MIMAIP.

Reporting Lines

• Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative of Mozambique, the National Fisheries Socio-economics Expert will be home-based and do field work, reporting directly to the Project Coordinator and Head of Programme under the technical guidance of the TCP project LTO.

Technical Focus

• Fisheries and aquaculture: Policies and strategies, Fisheries Statistics, Socio-Economic Data and Analysis, Gender, Fisheries Management, Ecosystem Approach, Bio-Security, Hygiene and Sanitary / Quality Control, Value-Chain and Markets.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The National Fisheries Socio-economics Expert will be responsible for coordinating the participatory process of reviewing and update the Fisheries Master Plan, and develop a comprehensive FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme. The specific tasks will include, among others, to:

• Review the global and regional policies, regulations/ guidelines and strategies, including best practices with regards to the fisheries, aquaculture and Blue Economy, including among others the FAO Code of Conduct for Sustainable Fisheries, the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), UN Fish Stock Agreement (UNFSA), Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small Scale Fisheries (SFF Guidelines), Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), the African Union – Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), the SADC Protocol on Fisheries, SADC Action Plan on illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including the SADC MCS Coordination Centre, Co-Management of the Shared fisheries Resources of the Zambezi Basin.
• Review existing national policies, strategies, laws and management plans in Mozambique with emphasis on fisheries, aquaculture and Blue Economy (including among others the Sustainable Development Policy, Sea Policy – POLMAR, Fisheries Policy, Law of the Sea and regulations, Fisheries Law and regulations, Conservation Law and regulations, Draft Blue Economy Strategy – EDEA, Aquaculture Development Strategy – EPADA, Marine Spatial Plan – POEM, National Plan for Territorial Development – PNDT, Infrastructure Master Plan, Statistics Master Plan, etc.) taking into consideration current social, economic and natural environments challenges to advise the update of the Fisheries Policy, in the context of the Blue Economy process in Mozambique.
• Review the key United Nations / FAO global, regional and national strategies and plans, including the Sustainable Development Goals, FAO Four Betters, FAO Blue Growth Initiative and Indigenous People, UN Common Country Analysis (UN CCA), UN System Development Country Framework (UNSDCF), FAO Country Program Framework (CPF), and FAO project portfolio in Mozambique, especially on fisheries and aquaculture,
• Undertake an assessment of the implementation of the Fisheries Master Plan II (2010-2019), based on the existing reports (e.g. sectoral annual reports (PES), Government five years Reports – PQG, mid-term and / or final report of the PDP II) and consultation with key informants in relevant Government agencies, with focus on MIMAIP.
• Undertake a diagnosis of the current status of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Mozambique, describing and analysing, among, others the policy, institutional and legal framework, socio-economic context, status of the stocks, fishing effort (vessels and gears), current production and productivity in aquaculture, the potential for aquaculture development, quality seeds and feed, fisheries and aquaculture value chain, including access to market and quality of fish products, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities.
• Prepare a work plan to undertake the assignment, including timelines and key steps to be approved by the Consultative Council of MIMAIP.
• Conduct the update of the Fisheries Master Plan, with a minimum duration of 10 years, in an inclusive manner, involving all relevant stakeholders, considering the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF), with the necessary adaptations, including the following key steps: – Scoping phase, including a road map, stakeholders analysis and definition of high level objectives (vision, mission, goals and targets), in line with the Fisheries policy and other MIMAIP strategic instruments (EPADA, PEDPA, Fisheries Infrastructures Master Plan, Statistics Master Plan, etc.); – Identification and prioritization of the problems/ challenges to be addressed, through consultations with stakeholders; – Development of the strategy and strategic actions and/ or initiatives, including financing mechanisms, to address the challenges identified, taking into account the national (PQG), regional (AU 2063 Agenda) and Global (SDG) plans and strategies; – Development of an implementation plan for the Fisheries Master Plan, including objectives, expected outputs, specific actions, responsible agencies, timeframe, indicators, targets (progressive) and tentative budget; – Design of a Monitoring and Evaluation System for the Fisheries Master Plan, including a dashboard to monitor the key indicators.
• Facilitate the consultation sessions in the process of development of the Fisheries master Plan, including the preparation of reports.
• Recommend a Governing Structure for the implementation and regular assessment of the Fisheries Master Plan, considering that it will be aligned with the POLMAR, Blue Economy Strategy and Fisheries Policy and Implementation Strategy.
• Coordinate the drafting of the Fisheries Master Plan and provide support to MIMAIP together with the FAO Fisheries officer and the technical task-force internal revision and to ensure that the draft is understood and well-accepted by the interested parties.
• Provide clear guidance on the mechanism for reviewing and amending the Fisheries Master Plan;
• Arrange for workshop of validation of the draft Fisheries Master Plan by MIMAIP and other relevant Ministries and stakeholders.
• Prepare the final draft of the Fisheries Master Plan to be approved by Consultative Council, led by Her Excellency the Minister of MIMAIP.
• Develop a comprehensive FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme, in line with the Government priorities identified in the Fisheries Master Plan, involving the key stakeholders, including Government entities, other UN Agencies, Non-Government Organizations and donners.
• Prepare at least three concept notes for funding secured, in line with the priorities identified in the Fisheries Master Plan.
• Actively involve participatory decision-making for Fisheries Master Plan and FAO Mozambique Fisheries and Aquaculture Program design at all stages of the process.
• Prepare final report (Portuguese).
• Perform any other duty as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in fisheries socio-economics or relate field.
• At least ten (10) years of working experience in fisheries economics, planning, coastal management, fisheries management, community-based management, small scale fisheries, preparation or implementation of Development Plans and Strategies or related field in Mozambique;
• Working knowledge of English and Portuguese,
• National or Resident of Mozambique with a work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•  Knowledge of the fisheries dynamics in Mozambique with proven experience on co-management approaches, policy development, project design and implementation.
•  Proven experience in designing and coordinating fisheries policies and strategies with participatory community consultations/co-design processes with a different range of stakeholders.
•  Knowledge of Mozambique fisheries legislation and governance.
•  Knowledge of the national institutions in fisheries and environment, including agencies with related mandates is an advantage.
•  Verbal fluency and proven experience in research and report writing in Portuguese and English.
•  Knowledge of UN / FAO planning system is an advantage.

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