Associate Technical Officer, London

IMO; Greater London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

IMO is seeking an Associate Technical Officer in the Maritime Safety Division for a fixed-term two-year appointment (probationary first year). The role requires a maritime degree and at least two years of operational safety experience, with strong English skills and proficiency in IMO instruments and MS Office.

Salary is US$56,046 net per year, plus post adjustment, tax-free in the UK. The incumbent will provide technical expertise on safety, training, and the human element, preparing documents

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years’ professional operational experience in maritime safety or maritime administration is essential.
• University degree in Nautical Science; Maritime Engineering and Ship Science; Maritime Transport; Maritime Administration; or equivalent is essential.

Responsibilities

• Carry out tasks related to search and rescue, maritime training, safety management and the human element, and provide advice to Member States and other organizations.
• Assist in preparation for meetings and follow-up, including documents, briefs and reports.
• Act as Secretary of working groups established by MSC or related bodies.
• Coordinate and support multidisciplinary projects within the Maritime Safety Division.
• Prepare reports, publications, circulars and other documents as assigned.
• Cooperate with other divisions and attend meetings representing the Organization.
• Support delivery of technical cooperation and capacity-building activities, including seminars/workshops.
• Carry out missions to Member States on specific assignments and represent the Organization as required.
• Undertake other duties connected to the work of the Division.

Skills

IMO instruments knowledge

Technical advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Creative problem solving

Education

Maritime degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

GMDSS equipment knowledge

Job description

Associate Technical Officer

MARITIME SAFETY DIVISION

Classification Grade

P2

Vacancy Announcement

V.N. 26-22

Admin Number

ADMIN/26/58

Post Number

50002857

Date of Issue

15/10/2026

Deadline for Applications

05/11/2026

Contract Information

Fixed-term for two years (first year is probationary) with the possibility of further extension, subject to satisfactory performance.

US$ 56,046 net per annum, plus post adjustment (currently US$ 44,612). Salary is free of income tax in the United Kingdom.

Purpose of the Post

Under the direct supervision of the respective Heads, Operational Safety, and Maritime Training and Human Element; and the overall supervision of the Deputy Director, Subdivision for Operational Safety and Human Element (OSHE), the incumbent will provide technical expertise on a number of operational safety, maritime safety and human element matters and overall support for the work of the Division.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry out tasks, as may be directed, relating to search and rescue, maritime training, safety management and the human element, and provide advice to Member States and other organizations, as appropriate;
• Assist in the preparation for, serving and following-up of, meetings of Committees, Sub-Committees and other relevant bodies through the preparation of documents, briefs and reports; and assist in other meetings, as appropriate;
• Act as Secretary of working groups established by MSC, its subsidiary or other relevant bodies;
• Assist in the conduct of multidisciplinary projects, coordinating and supporting their implementation; and in other work of the Maritime Safety Division as may be assigned.
• Prepare reports, publications, circulars and other documents and correspondence as assigned, including responses to queries on IMO instruments and documentation, in the context of the duties and responsibilities of the post, as assigned;
• Cooperate closely with other relevant Divisions of the Secretariat; and attend relevant meetings representing the Organization, as assigned, particularly related to search and rescue, maritime training, safety management and the human element;
• Support the delivery of relevant technical cooperation and capacity building activities in the fields of search and rescue, maritime training, safety management and the human element, including the organization of, and participation in, seminars/workshops, as required;
• Carry out missions to Member States on specific assignments; and represent the Organization, as required; and
• Undertake such other duties connected to the work of the Maritime Safety Division as may be assigned.

• a. Knowledge of relevant IMO instruments, guidelines and recommendations related to search and rescue, maritime training, safety management and the human element.
• b. Ability to provide technical advice and administrative oversight, draft related documents and present complex issues in a clear and accurate manner.
• c. Able to build and maintain relationships and strategic partnerships with Member States, UN agencies and other international and regional partners.
• d. Proven organizational skills in coordinating activities and resources, with the ability to focus on timely delivery and quality outcomes.
• e. Able to engage with stakeholders, negotiate and influence to build consensus and achieve objectives.
• f. Resourceful and able to solve problems effectively and develop creative solutions to challenges presented.

Professional Experience

A minimum of 2 years’ professional operational experience in maritime safety or maritime administration, including dealing with matters related to search and rescue, maritime training, safety management and the human element is essential.

Education

University degree in Nautical Science; Maritime Engineering and Ship Science; Maritime Transport; Maritime Administration; or equivalent is essential.

Language Skills

Proficiency in English (oral and written) is essential. Knowledge of one or more of the other official languages of the United Nations would be an advantage.

Other Skills

• Experience with the implementation of IMO instruments, in particular the SOLAS Convention, STCW Convention and Code, SAR Convention, ISM Code, or IAMSAR Manual is essential.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications is essential.
• Technical knowledge of SAR and GMDSS equipment, services and systems is required. Operational experience concerning SAR operations ashore and/or onboard ships would be an advantage.
• Seafaring experience at the operational and/or management levels with responsibility for the implementation of safety/environmental related procedures would be an advantage.
• Experience in project management support would be an advantage.