The project GCP/GLO/086/ROK: Smart and Sustainable Aquaculture through Effective Biosecurity and Digital Technology has an overall objective of supporting countries in the sustainable development of systems and practices using smart/digital technologies to reduce biosecurity shocks and risks, leading to effective aquatic animal health management, sustainable production practices within environmental carrying capacities, enhancing protection and ensuring food safety. At the end of project implementation the expected impact is that country and stakeholder beneficiaries will adapt and effectively implement biosecurity governance, systems and practices to support a sustainable, responsible, healthy and safe aquaculture that contributes to food security, improved nutrition, decent work and economic growth.

The IoT Expert directly reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and will work closely with the Fisheries Specialist and Project Lead Technical Officers.

The Shrimp aqua culture sector of Sri Lanka aims to leverage the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) to modernize its operations, enhance real-time monitoring, and improve overall sector efficiency. The IoT Expert will play a crucial role in this transformative journey, bridging the gap between traditional practices and cutting-edge technological solutions. The expert will spearhead the deployment, management, and optimization of IoT devices across various domains of the fisheries sector, ensuring the seamless capture, transmission, and utilization of data.

To conceptualize, deploy, and manage IoT solutions tailored for the Shrimp sector, ensuring real-time data capture, transmission, and integration into overarching IT and data science systems.

• IoT Strategy Development: Define and create a comprehensive IoT strategy tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the fisheries sector.

• Device Selection and Deployment: Identify appropriate IoT devices suitable for diverse applications within the sector, overseeing their procurement, installation, and calibration.

• Data Transmission Protocols: Establish robust, secure, and efficient data transmission protocols ensuring real-time and accurate data relay from IoT devices to centralized databases or platforms.

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Set up a routine maintenance schedule for IoT devices, ensuring their optimal performance. Provide immediate solutions to any device malfunctions or data transmission issues.

• Integration with IT Infrastructure: Collaborate closely with IT and data science teams to ensure the seamless integration of IoT data streams into existing IT systems, databases, and analytical models.

• Training and Capacity Building: Conduct workshops, training sessions on the functionalities and benefits of the IoT devices deployed.

• Stay Updated: Continuously monitor global advancements in IoT technology, ensuring the fisheries sector is equipped with the most efficient, durable, and advanced devices and protocols.

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Electronics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum five years of experience in IoT device deployment, management, and integration, preferably within the agriculture or fisheries domain.

• Strong expertise in various IoT communication protocols, data transmission techniques, and device maintenance protocols.

•  Familiarity with data integration techniques, working with databases, and liaising with IT teams.

•  Excellent communication skills, able to translate technical details into easy-to-understand insights.

• Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil.

• Must be a national of Sri Lanka.

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Work experience particularly in the field is essential.

• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of and in the provision of setting up IoT systems in similar domains.

• Extent and relevance of experience in organizing training courses to provide detailed insights into IoT