Pacific Aquaculture and Proposal Development Expert

Location: Home-based (Remote)
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Contract Type: Consultancy (60 days over 9 months)
Application Deadline: October 27, 2025

Introduction

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a Pacific Aquaculture and Proposal Development Expert to support regional efforts in advancing sustainable aquaculture development, with a focus on seaweed culture in the Pacific Islands. This consultancy will assess current aquaculture conditions, identify opportunities for sustainable growth, and prepare a comprehensive funding proposal to strengthen seaweed production across multiple Pacific countries.

About the Organization

The FAO leads global efforts to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Operating under its Strategic Framework for the 2030 Agenda, FAO supports the transformation toward efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) coordinates and implements FAO’s strategies for agriculture and rural development in the Pacific region.

Project Context

Seaweed culture is emerging as a climate-resilient component of Pacific aquaculture. The 2025 Pacific Regional Aquaculture Strategy highlights seaweed’s potential for commercial and environmental benefits. This consultancy, under the Technical Cooperation Programme-facility (TCPf), will evaluate the current state of seaweed culture in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, and Solomon Islands, and develop a detailed funding proposal to promote sustainable and equitable growth of the sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assessment of Seaweed Culture

   • Conduct a comprehensive review of the current status of seaweed farming in the five project countries.

   • Examine governance, regulatory frameworks, environmental management, social equity, and infrastructure needs.

   • Assess technology, species suitability, access to inputs, market potential, and climate resilience.

   • Perform online consultations and one in-country mission per country to validate and update findings through a gender and social inclusion lens.

2. Partnership and Donor Engagement

   • Conduct donor and partnership mapping to identify suitable funding opportunities.

   • Consult with the Pacific Community (SPC) to ensure alignment with regional priorities and identify collaborative opportunities.

3. Funding Proposal Development

   • Develop a draft funding proposal with defined activities and cost estimates, aligned with donor requirements.

   • Incorporate findings from gap analysis and consultations into a comprehensive final proposal for FAO-SAP review.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Aquaculture, Mariculture, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree accepted with two additional years of experience).

• Minimum five years of professional experience in aquaculture or mariculture consultancy.

• Working knowledge of English (Level C).

Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical and Functional Skills

• Proven expertise in aquaculture project design and evaluation.

• Strong understanding of governance, policy, and regulatory frameworks in the aquaculture sector.

• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders with tact and diplomacy.

• Excellent communication, report writing, and proposal development skills.

• Experience working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in regional mariculture projects, preferably in the Pacific context.

• Knowledge of the international donor landscape and proven ability to develop funding proposals.

• Experience incorporating gender and social inclusion principles in project design.

• Established relationships with regional institutions or organizations.

• Practical experience in seaweed or mariculture production in the Pacific Islands.

Contract Details

• Duration: 60 working days over 9 months

• Location: Home-based with travel to project countries as required

• Supervision: Reports to the International Fisheries and Aquaculture Specialist, Lead Technical Officer for project TCP/SAP/4009 (TA)

• Compensation: Based on FAO consultancy rates and experience

Diversity and Integrity

FAO is committed to workforce diversity, integrity, and professionalism. Qualified female candidates, nationals from underrepresented countries, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. FAO enforces a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal. Candidates should complete their online profiles accurately and attach a motivation letter.
Apply here

Only applications received through the FAO portal will be considered. Early submissions are strongly encouraged before the deadline of October 27, 2025.

Join FAO in advancing sustainable aquaculture and empowering Pacific communities through resilient, inclusive, and equitable food systems.