Economic Opportunity Fund Team Leader (Fisheries Law and Legislations)

Organization : Economic Opportunities Fund
Post Title : Team Leader (Fisheries Law and Legislations)
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 2012
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.

The main outputs of the FIP are to: develop and implement plans for regeneration and sustainable management of fisheries resources; introduce a licensing system for all fisheries value chain actors; empower fisheries inspectors to enforce conservation, management and quality regulations; develop safety-at-sea regulations and improve awareness of safety aspects; stimulate the growth and technological improvement of the fisheries value chain and rural businesses; link fishers’ organizations with processors/exporters through contractual arrangements; promote compliance with international food quality and safety standards; develop modern economic infrastructure in support of the fisheries value chain; create a legal framework and services for aquaculture development; and expand the rural outreach of financial institutions and enhance access to sustainable rural financial services.

1. Reporting System:

The aim of this consultancy is to develop an overall stakeholder based long term Fisheries Legal/Legislative framework for Republic of Yemen and to increase capacity of the Government and other stakeholders in this regard. He/she will also be responsible for contributing to the Ministry’s legislative, policy, planning and auditing activities. Under the frameworks, as described above, the Team Leader will be responsible for providing high-level guidance to the review of fisheries law/legislation. 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 in 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 and the Ministry of Fish Wealth.

1. Duties and Responsibilities:

The Team Leader will support the MFW and other concerned bodies and lead the drafting of comprehensive framework for Yemen fisheries law and legislations. He/she will lead international and national expert team (licensing system expert, safety-at-sea expert, and aquaculture expert) to review and draft amendments to existing legislation applying to the fisheries sector, and in particular focusing on potential legal irregularities or contradictions, which could hinder prosecution. He/she will also focus on improving clarity on the role of inspectors, the powers given to them and the way in which they are appointed. Also undertake a study, and subsequently draft regulations, for the introduction of a system of administrative fines or other simple, cost-effective yet fair system to punish violations.

1. Undertake a review of all existing fisheries laws and regulations and identify redundant passages, errors and contradictions.
2. Lead the international and national expert team (licensing system expert, safety-at-sea expert, and aquaculture expert) to review and draft comprehensive fisheries law/ legislation.
3. Manage the process of consultation on fisheries law and legislation (with emphasis on participatory approaches and involvement of all stakeholders);
4. Carries out compliance inspections and enforcement of the various Fisheries-related Act and Regulations that govern fishing activity in the commercial, recreational and international fisheries and protect the fish habitat and the aquatic environment;
5. Propose necessary amendments to remove legal uncertainties.
6. Review separately regulations relating to fisheries inspections including the role, responsibility and mean of appointment of inspectors;
7. Discuss with the MFW, YCG, FCU and other stakeholders, potential improvements to the fisheries inspection system including formalisation of the position of fisheries inspectors and introduction of a requirement to sit an exam to ensure quality of inspectors and inspections;
8. On the basis of this draft changes to regulations relating to fisheries inspectors based on the above.
9. Review regulations relating to the punishment of violations of fisheries regulations;
10. Discuss with the MFW, YCG, FCU and other stakeholders, the potential to introduce a new system of fines to punish violations of fisheries regulations;
11. On the basis of consultations with stakeholders, draft a regulation to create a system of administrative fines or similar, to create an effective, transparent and administratively simple means of punishing violations which suitably qualified fisheries inspectors, and potentially members of the Yemen Coast Guard, can be empowered to impose.
12. Work with the International and National training experts to develop, implement and follow up training course on fisheries institutions and law;
13. Presents and promotes adherence to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing and develops a programme for strengthening community relationships to support and encourage a strong conservation ethic.
14. Reviewing and updating of legislative support framework for MFW and providing legal services and advice on matters as appropriate;
15. Provides legal feedback on cross cutting issues with other Ministries and government authorities/institutions;
16. Provides legal advice and/or services for MFW on all international matters (treaties and obligations);
17. Providing of documented advice on any significant matter that falls within defined role.
18. Qualifications:

a) Masters degree in fishery/marine sciences or a closely related field with a relevant combination of academic and professional qualifications. Relevant legal qualifications, particularly in with a focus on fisheries/marine law would be an advantage.
b) A minimum of 15 years of relevant working experience, including extensive experience in fisheries law and enforcement.
c) Previous work experience in Middle East region or developing countries is desirable. Previous working experience in Yemen is an advantage.
d) Full Working knowledge of English, including excellent drafting and presentation skills.
e) 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 enforcement, 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) Experience in directing fishery policy, legal/legislative and development studies.
e) 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 .