Fishery Officer (Fishing Technology)

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Roma; In loco; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

An international agricultural organization is seeking a Fishery Officer (Fishing Technology) based in Rome, Italy. The successful candidate will implement responsible fishing practices and technological innovations, requiring advanced qualifications and extensive experience in fisheries development. Key responsibilities include providing technical support, preparing capacity-building programs, and collaborating with international organizations to advance sustainable fishing initiatives. This position offers a competitive compensation package aligned with UN standards.

Servizi

30 working days of annual leave

International health insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Competenze

• Seven years of relevant experience in Fisheries.
• Working knowledge of English and intermediate proficiency in another FAO official language.

Mansioni

• Support implementation of fishing technologies.
• Prepare and conduct capacity building programs.
• Provide technical assistance to field projects.

Conoscenze

Fishing operations knowledge

Technical writing

Collaboration with international organizations

Formazione

Advanced university degree in Fishing Technology or related field

Descrizione del lavoro

Job Description

Fishery Officer (Fishing Technology) (2502961)

Job Posting

19/Dec/2025

Closure Date

10/Jan/2026, 12:59:00 AM

Organizational Unit

NFI

Job Type

Staff position

Type of Requisition

Professional

Primary Location

Italy‑Rome

Duration

Fixed‑term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number

0423769

CCOG Code

1H05

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

FAO Workforce Diversity

• 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.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is responsible for the economic, social, institutional, governance and policy aspects of FAO's activities related to fisheries and aquaculture and their development, with particular emphasis on human wellbeing, food security and poverty reduction; postharvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the wellbeing of fishing communities; collection, compilation, validation, trend analysis and dissemination of the best available and up‑to‑date fishery statistics and for the syndication of the FAO information on all aspects of world fisheries and aquaculture. The Division is also responsible for FAO's activities related to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including the biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance, with particular emphasis on most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats as well as the management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with modern management standards and best practices and the development of fisheries technology, with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the wellbeing of fishing communities, including the safety of fishers and fishing vessels.

The position is located in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Fishery Officer (Fishing Technology) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer, in the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), Fisheries Operations and Compliance team.

Technical Focus

Provision of support to FAO's work related to the implementation of Chapter 8 (Fishing Operations) of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries with a focus on fishing operations and technology. In this regard, the Fishery Officer will be responsible for the production and dissemination of information on responsible fishing methods, gears, equipment, fishing technologies, innovations and fishing operations, in line with the FAO Strategic Objectives 2022‑2031, the FAO Programme Priority Areas on Blue Transformation and Small‑scale producers' equitable access to resources and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with divisional objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization‑wide, cross‑divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides specialised expertise in technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.

Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.

Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals, as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.

Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralised Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.

Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, such as policy support, organisational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, online tools.

Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.

Participates in resource mobilisation activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

Provides advice on policies, strategies and methods for responsible fisheries, including fishing technologies, gears, and equipment, to support responsible practices for sustainable fisheries and the reduction of impacts of fishing operations on ecosystems.

In collaboration with other NFI staff liaises with international and regional organisations active in maritime and fisheries subjects, such as International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and relevant sub‑committees, Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and Regional Fishery Advisory Bodies (RFABs), to effectively develop and implement international and regional instruments, FAO guidelines, standards and arrangements that contribute to responsible fishing operations, with a focus on technological innovation in fisheries, gear marking, reporting of lost gear, and the reduction of bycatch and discards in fishing operations.

Prepares, organises and/or participates in technical meetings, studies, capacity building programmes and other activities concerned with the introduction, implementation and dissemination of responsible fishing technologies and operations, including serving as co‑chairperson of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES‑FAO) Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour (WGFTFB).

Analyses and disseminates experiences and lessons learned on responsible fishing technologies and methods, contributing also to transfer of technologies, development of climate change adaptation actions and resilience in the fishing industry.

Provides technical support and backstopping to field projects related to fishing operations, including resources mobilisation, project planning, formulation, evaluation, the selecting and briefing of experts, supervising their field work and preparation of reports, in consultation with NFI colleagues, other divisions within FAO and, if appropriate, with other organisations.

In coordination with other NFI staff provides technical support and backstopping to field projects related to access of small‑scale and industrial fishers to sustainable fishing gears and technology, development and clearance of fishing gears and equipment specifications for procurement and emergency projects that require fisheries sector assistance.

Liaises with research and development institutions and related international or national bodies in developed and developing countries and builds partnerships for the implementation of FAO's programme of work related to the above subjects.

Supervises the preparation and/or editing of documents and reference works on the above subjects, including textbooks, websites and e‑Learning courses for training of fisheries technologists, fisheries managers and fishers in responsible fishing methods and operations.

Performs other duties as required.

Candidates will be assessed against the following

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Fishing Technology, Fisheries Development or Management or other Fishery‑related fields.

Seven years of relevant experience in Fisheries, including extensive experience in Fishing Operations and Fisheries Development field projects.

Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Results Focus

Teamwork

Communication

Building effective relationships

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.

Extent and relevance in planning, implementing and coordinating fishing development, technology or innovation related project activities.

Extent and relevance of knowledge of and experience in broad aspects of fisheries operations and/or fisheries management in developing countries and ability to analyse related technical and scientific information.

Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating and liaising with international organisations on technology aspects related to responsible fishing operations.

Ability to write clearly and concisely, edit technical papers for publications and make effective oral presentations preferably in more than one official language of the organisation.

Ability to organise and coordinate meetings and training activities.

Ability to mobilise resources.

Strong initiative and high sense of responsibility and ability to work under pressure and in a team context.

General Information

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organisation. This includes:

• Elements of family‑friendly policies
• Flexible working arrangements
• Standards of conduct.

How to apply

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorisation to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre‑screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in which case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application.
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile.
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one‑time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp