Economic Opportunity Fund Fisheries Safety-at-Sea expert

Organization : Economic Opportunities Fund
Post Title : Fisheries Safety-at-Sea expert
Duty Station: : Sana’a, Republic of Yemen with travel to provincial towns
(In-country travel subjected to standard security clearance procedures)
Duration : 4 months (88 working days)
Type of Contract : TBD
Starting Date : January 2013
Languages required : English
Nationality : International

1. Background:

IFAD’s Fisheries Investment Project (FIP), focusing on sustainable resource management and value chain upgrading, is managed by the Economic Opportunities Fund (EOF). The EOF is established under Government of Yemen’s Economic Opportunities Programme (EOP) through Presidential decree no. 183/2010 dt. 25.09.2010, as a public-private partnership. The EOF is working to improve the economic status of poor women and men in rural areas, with the objective of creating economic opportunities, and in the fisheries sector through improved linkages of fishers’ organizations with markets and services.

In line with the above, the FIP aims to improve the economic status of small fisher households and create sustainable economic opportunities for fishermen and fisherwomen communities. Accordingly, the project consists of two investment components viz. Sustainable Resource Management and Value Chain Development. Accordingly, one of the component focuses on improving the Safety-at-sea by introducing regulations on safety equipment and fishing vessel construction; and improve access to insurance products to further reduce fishers’ vulnerability to risk.

1. Reporting System:

The aim of this consultancy, in line with the project objectives, is to reduce the numbers of deaths and injuries amongst fishers and to reduce the number of boats lost each year by increasing use of safety equipment and fishers’ awareness of safety issues. Under the frameworks, as described above, the expert will be responsible for providing high-level guidance to the fisheries safety-at-sea aspects. He/She will work under the overall supervision of the Executive Director of the EOF; and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Fish Wealth. Also, the expert will work under the supervision of Team Leader (Fisheries Law/Legislations) and close collaboration with the national experts and counterparts assigned. Reports on the progress of work are to be presented to the Executive Director of the EOF, the Ministry of Fish Wealth and the Team Leader.

1. Duties and Responsibilities:

The expert will support the MFW and YCG to update regulations relating to safety-at-sea and will provide training of trainers to nominated safety-at-sea officers from the coastal branches of the YCG as well as increasing awareness of safety issues amongst fishers and affordable access to safety equipment amongst fishers.

1. Review existing regulations relating to safety-at-sea issues including safety equipment which should be carried onboard, boat construction standards etc.;
2. Propose and draft changes considered necessary to improve the safety of fishers, closely integrating changes into the new fisheries licensing system and including, as feasible based on discussions with fishers and other stakeholders, compulsory requirements, by category of vessel, regarding safety and communications equipment to be carried onboard and boat construction standards;
3. With regard to the above, (a) provide feedback on cross cutting issues with other Ministries and government authorities/institutions; and (b) provide advice and/or services for MFW on all international matters (treaties and obligations);
4. Work with the International and National training experts to develop, implement and follow up training course on fishers’ safety-at-sea;
5. Assist the EOF and MFW and in consultations with the YCG for safety-at-sea department and the officers to be nominated;
6. Develop, in consultation with the YCG, a number of short courses on safety-at-sea including aspects relating to seamanship, survival at sea, first aid, use of communications equipment etc.;
7. Prepare extension materials relating to safety-at-sea for both fishers and boat builders and design a national awareness campaign on safety-at-sea; and provide once-off training sessions;
8. Develop, in consultation with the YCG, a module on fishers’ safety-at-sea which could be incorporated into the standard training course for YCG Officers at the training centre in Aden;
9. Qualifications:

a) Masters degree in fishery/marine sciences or a closely related field with a relevant combination of academic and professional qualifications. Relevant qualifications, particularly in fisheries safety-at-sea issues.
b) A minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience, including extensive knowledge of safety-at-sea issue.
c) Experience in developing regulations and providing training course on the safety-at-sea.
d) Previous work experience in Middle East region or developing countries is desirable. Previous working experience in Yemen is an advantage.
e) Full Working knowledge of English, including excellent drafting and presentation skills.
f) Excellent computer skills, including full working knowledge of standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation packages.

1. Competencies:

a) Experience in working in the field of fisheries law and safety-at-sea issues, fishery policy analysis and fisheries management.
b) Working experience from the Middle East Region.
c) Broad knowledge of fisheries management, marine ecosystem dynamics and sustainable development concepts in fisheries sector.
d) Strong oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic will be an asset.

How to apply:

Interested qualified candidate is encouraged to apply for this Consultancy to the following email addressinter.post@eofyemen.org not later than 05th of January 2013. Also for more clarifications about this post candidates are free to contact Mohammed Mahdi, EOF Procurement Officer on the following e-mail:m.mahdi@eofyemen.org