National Legal Expert in Fisheries

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Members in all regions.

- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply

- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values

- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination

- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

- FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reinforced its presence in Ukraine by signing an agreement with the Government to set up a Project Office that will facilitate and expand the provision of technical and humanitarian assistance to the country’s most vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas.

Ukraine joined FAO in and since the Organization has been operating in two strategic directions: emergency humanitarian response in conflict-affected oblasts and agricultural development across the whole country. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February, FAO has scaled up its activities in the country to support agricultural production and food systems with the aim of protecting the food security of vulnerable households and communities across Ukraine.

This is a home-based role, with the incumbent working from Ukraine.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the Head of Programme, the technical guidance and supervision of the Legal Officer in FAO Headquarters and day-to-day supervision and guidance from the Project Manager, and in collaboration with the National Fisheries Specialist in Ukraine.

Technical Focus

The technical focus is on legal and regulatory support for digital fisheries management systems, including E-Fish, within the ongoing reform of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This includes assessing and addressing legal and institutional gaps, ensuring alignment with EU legislation and FAO guidelines, and providing clear legal guidance to national authorities to support effective implementation of digital tools and European integration objectives.

Tasks and Responsibilities

- Provide expert and legal support in the implementation of the EU acquis in the field of fisheries and aquaculture.

- Participate in discussions of draft Acts and prepare reports and technical recommendations based on results.

- Contribute to work on comments and proposals from competent public authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure the maximum level of incorporation of these proposals in the final draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Union Legislation in the Field of Fisheries”.

- Contribute, due regard to a prioritization made by national public authorities, to drafting regulatory frameworks to set up a legal base necessary for the proper implementation of the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Union Legislation in the Field of Fisheries”.

- Support the drafting of legislation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture aimed at implementing the EU acquis, in particular Regulations /, /, /, /, /, /, /, / and / (upon request).

- Support the development of by-laws to the Law of Ukraine «On ensuring the traceability of aquatic biological resources and/or products produced from aquatic biological resources», according to the government's priorities.

Minimum Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in law, public administration, fisheries management, environmental policy, or related fields.

- At least 5 years of professional experience in legal advisory, regulatory review, or policy development, preferably in fisheries, natural resources, or public administration.

- Working knowledge (Level C) of Russian and Ukrainian. Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of English.

- National of Ukraine or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

- Results Focus

- Teamwork

- Communication

- Building Effective Relationships

- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

- Knowledge of national and EU legal frameworks regulating fisheries and aquaculture, including relevant EU regulations.

- Experience in legal analysis, policy assessment, and identifying regulatory gaps.

- Ability to draft comprehensive legal documents, including laws, regulations, and guidance for implementation.

- Strong analytical and research skills, with capacity to review complex legislative and policy materials.

- Excellent communication skills for advising authorities, stakeholders, and technical teams.

- Understanding of institutional frameworks and coordination with multiple government agencies.

Selection Criteria

- Proven experience in drafting legislation, regulations, or legal frameworks, ideally with alignment to EU norms or international standards.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

Additional Information

- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).

- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.

- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at.

- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website.

- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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