The services of the consultant(s) will support efforts of the implementation actions of the OETS project in Barbados in realizing economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources and understanding the legal and institutional frameworks underpinning such potential by undertaking an economic valuation and testing of alternative fishing methods of the Barbados longline Fishery.
Home based
Contract duration: 15 December 2021 to 30 June 2022.
Effective working time: 4 months and 5 days.
Place of Work: Home Based
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in cooperation with the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations (DOALOS), is executing the project “Evidence-based and policy coherent Oceans Economy and Trade Strategies”, (OETS project) from January 2018 to June 2022, within the framework of the eleventh tranche of the Development Account. The beneficiary countries of the project are Barbados, Belize and Costa Rica.
In the context of the implementation actions under the OETS project, an update and expansion of the 2008-2010 study “Economic Valuation of the Barbados Longline Fishery-Landings, Costs, Net Profit and Return on Investment” is being commissioned”. The purpose of the study is to explore the market potential for both local and export of Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), conduct an experimental fishing exercise to identify best fishing techniques and costs for Swordfish harvesting and carry out an assessment of the impact of circle hooks on catch composition and the rates of live vs. dead capture of all species at haul-back taken by local longline gear.
The National fisheries consultant will explore the market potential both local and export for Swordfish and prepare a report on the preliminary findings. The objective of this preliminary study is to expand sustainable production opportunities available within the Barbados quota allocations for Swordfish under the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The preliminary findings will be presented to stakeholders for their feedback, and participants will be encouraged to offer innovative ideas for marketing and selling Swordfish.
The consultant will also conduct an experimental fishing training exercise in collaboration with the Fisheries Division, Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO), longline fishers and boat owners to identify the best fishing techniques and costs for Swordfish and Albacore tuna harvesting. This exercise will also entail an assessment of the impacts of the use of circle hooks on catch size, composition and live catch. In addition, the introduction and training in de-hooking devices for the release of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species such as sea turtles will be conducted. The consultant will work closely with UNCTAD and DOALOS staff, Barbados Fisheries Division (BFD) officials as well as with other consultants and experts.
Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree (master’s or PhD degree equivalent) in natural resource management, business administration, economics, marine biology, biological sciences, or fisheries management is required.
Experience: The consultant must have seven years of progressive experience in sustainable development, natural resources, blue economy, fisheries research, fisheries project implementation, or fisheries and market data analysis. Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering technical fisheries or natural resources training programmes for stakeholders is an advantage. Experience in research and data collection in the fisheries sector in Barbados is an advantage.
Language: Fluency in writing and spoken English is required.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.