Date:  National Aquaculture Development Expert

​Requisition ID: 5092 
Grade: SB5 - Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior) 
Country: Pakistan 
Duty Station: Karachi 
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Non-staff Regular
Contract Duration: 6 months (with the possibility of extension)
Application deadline: 04-Feb-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible. 
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, ensures the Organization's application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to environment, energy, Micro, Small and Medium-Enterprises (MSMEs), and digitalization. The Directorate also oversees the Organization's normative contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through industrial policy advice and capacity development. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute to effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results, scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Directorate is responsible for the Division of Industrial Policy Advice and Capacity Development (TCS/IPC), and technical Divisions of Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG), Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (TCS/DAI). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, TCS collaborates closely with IET to develop and implement programmes and projects, aiming at enhancing synergy and complementarity and maximizing UNIDO corporate performance and impacts on the ground. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in all Directorates across the Organization.

The Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME) works towards increasing the competitiveness of industries in developing countries and countries in transition, especially emphasizing business development of MSMEs engaged in manufacturing and creating jobs therein. It aims at increasing competitiveness among MSMEs in two interconnected ways: first, by modernizing businesses through the transfer of advanced technologies adapted to local conditions, product innovation, productivity improvement and upgrading, developing market and value chain readiness as well as improved access to finance; and second, by improving the quality of MSME manufactured products and their compliance with market requirements through capacity building for the development of industrial production and trade-related quality infrastructure including for standardization, metrology, accreditation and of conformity assessment service institutions (testing, certification, inspection and calibration) and the strengthening of their capacities.

The Competitiveness, Quality and Compliance Unit (TCS/SME/CQC) builds national and regional production and quality infrastructure systems, with an emphasis on providing internationally recognized services, facilitating MSME participation in regional and global value chains; strengthening institutional quality infrastructure capacities; building conformity assessment capacities; and supporting market access and quality awareness with the public sector, economic operators and consumers, placing a special emphasis on capacitating MSMEs. 

PROJECT CONTEXT

One of the projects implemented by UNIDO “Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR)” is a five-year programme funded by the European Union to support the Government of Sindh (GoS) in implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The long-term objective of PAIDAR is to contribute to sustainable poverty reduction and improvement of livelihoods of poor women, men and young people across Sindh province. The PRS has three pillars: 1) Community Driven Local Development 2) Addressing Urban Poverty including Urban Economic Clusters and 3) Rural Growth Centres. 

PAIDAR has been conceived to mainly focus on fostering the economic development dimension of the PRS, and targeting the most vulnerable, in particular through support to enterprise development, focusing on the development of Rural Growth Centres and Urban Economic Clusters under PRS implementation. To this end, the programme will:

• Provide necessary financial and technical support to a significant number of micro and small enterprises.
• Contribute technically and financially to building and upgrading public infrastructure for improvement in basic service delivery; and
• Assist the GoS in strengthening internal coordination and monitoring and optimising provincial public resources allocation towards meeting PRS objectives.

Functional Responsibilities:

The National Aquaculture Development Expert will deliver the following:

• Develop Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Modules

The Aquaculture Sector Expert will collaborate with international fisheries experts to design and deliver Training-of-Trainers (ToT) modules tailored to the needs of coastal districts in Sindh. These modules will focus on critical areas such as sustainable pond management, fish breeding, water quality control, and disease prevention. Additionally, business-oriented topics like financial planning, market analysis, and digital marketing will be included to enhance the business acumen of local trainers. The goal is to equip trainers with the knowledge and tools needed to support fish farmers effectively. Comprehensive training materials, including manuals and digital guides (code of practices), will be developed to ensure knowledge sustainability.

• Design and Implement Farm Field Schools (FFS)

The expert will establish Farm Field Schools (FFS) in the coastal districts of Sindh to provide practical, on-site training to fish farmers. These schools will focus on hands-on learning, covering essential topics such as pond preparation, feeding strategies, water management, and post-harvest handling. The FFS will foster peer-to-peer learning and encourage the adoption of improved practices. Regular sessions will be conducted to ensure that farmers can apply the techniques effectively, leading to better productivity and profitability.

• Develop Business Plans for Fisheries Enterprises

The expert will develop customized business plans, together with international experts, for small, medium and large pond fish holders, hatcheries, and related enterprises in Sindh’s coastal districts. These plans will address critical areas such as production optimization, value addition, market linkages, and supply chain improvements for feed and medicine. By providing detailed financial projections and strategies for accessing grants or investments, the business plans will help these enterprises achieve sustainable growth. Hands-on support will be provided during the initial implementation phase to ensure successful execution.

• Introduce Best Practices for Sustainable Fisheries Operations

To enhance productivity and environmental sustainability, the expert will identify and promote best practices in aquaculture tailored to the coastal districts of Sindh. These practices will include efficient feed utilization, disease management, and sustainable pond operations. Demonstration projects will be established to showcase these practices, and farmers will be trained on adopting environmentally friendly solutions, such as waste recycling and renewable energy use. Continuous feedback mechanisms will be implemented to refine these practices and maximize their impact.

• Market Intelligence, Export Readiness, and Compliance

The expert will conduct market analysis to provide fisheries enterprises in coastal Sindh with insights into local and international market trends. This will help identify demand patterns and opportunities for value-added products. Enterprises will be guided on export readiness, including quality standards and supply chain optimization. Training will be provided on compliance with food safety regulations and obtaining certifications such as HACCP and ISO, enabling access to premium export markets and enhancing the competitiveness of the fisheries sector.

Under the overall guidance of PAIDAR Programme Manager and direct supervision of National Programme Coordinator and National Technical Advisor and in close collaboration with international fisheries value chain experts, the expert will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Environmental Management or a related field, is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in aquaculture or fisheries value chain development is required.
• Proven expertise in developing and delivering training programs, including ToT modules and field-based training is required.
• Strong background in business planning, market analysis, and export readiness is required.
• Experience with compliance, certification processes, and environmental sustainability initiatives is desirable.
• Prior experience with international organizations, donor-funded projects, or development agencies is highly desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of Urdu is desirable.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core values:
WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key competencies:
WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org