Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture) – FAO
Job Posting: 21/Oct/2025 | Closure Date: 12/Nov/2025, 10:59 PM | Organizational Unit: NFI | Job Type: Staff position | Grade Level: P-5 | Primary Location: Italy - Rome | Duration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension | Post Number: 0505080 | COG Code: 1H05
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 has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate. All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with confidentiality. FAO staff may be assigned to any activity or office of the Organization. FAO\'s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations.
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 emphasis on human well-being, food security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade; collection and dissemination of fishery statistics; and management and conservation of living aquatic resources.
Organizational Setting
The post is located in the Sustainable Aquaculture area of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) and is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture) will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, NFI.
Technical Focus
Lead coordination and operationalization of meetings of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITWG AqGR). Collaborate with COFI and CGRFA secretaries to ensure consistency, advocate for aquaculture integration into relevant dialogues, coordinate aquaculture contributions to FAO Statutory Bodies and other fora, and liaise with FAO Decentralized Offices regarding global and regional agreements in line with FAO\'s Blue Transformation Roadmap and the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA).
Key Results
Leadership and technical policy expertise for planning, development and implementation of Divisional work programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions
- Plans, manages or leads highly specialized or multidisciplinary teams; leads, coordinates and/or participates in organization-wide and cross-divisional activities; provides technical leadership/secretariat services on technical networks and international policy/standard-setting bodies.
- Analyses global and country-specific requirements to inform FAO Strategic Framework, Programme of Work and Budget, work plans and budgets.
- Implements and monitors work programmes involving evidence-based strategies and related tools, methodologies and reporting frameworks.
- Conducts research and analysis to support technical standards, international instruments, publications and programme development; provides technical and policy advisory services.
- Provides technical and policy advice to Members and technical support to Decentralized Offices in programme development and implementation.
- Leads and/or collaborates in capacity development and knowledge sharing activities, including preparation of information, learning tools and online resources.
- Represents the Organization at international meetings; develops partnerships and negotiates agreements with stakeholders.
- Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Specific Functions
- Acts as Secretary to COFI:AQ, including organizing sessions and coordinating processes with COFI Secretariat.
- Monitors COFI:AQ programme implementation.
- Acts as Secretary to ITWG AqGR, including organizing sessions and related activities; monitors ITWG AqGR programme implementation.
- Coordinates aquaculture inputs to FAO Statutory Bodies documents; reports on COFI:AQ outcomes and follows up on decisions.
- Coordinates NFI\'s inputs to international aquaculture processes and conferences.
- Manages the COFI:AQ Questionnaire and related instruments; analyzes responses and reports on progress; develops dissemination strategies.
- Promotes COFI:AQ, GSAAP and GSA; mobilizes resources for programme work.
- Liaises with FAO Decentralized Offices and Regional/Fisheries Entities to promote global aquaculture and regional initiatives.
- Coordinates liaison with regional bodies, international NGOs and other institutions and agencies on aquaculture matters.
- Contributes to information products (policy briefs, publications, messages, presentations, social media) highlighting FAO priorities in sustainable aquaculture.
- Initiates and manages proposals to mobilize extra-budgetary resources.
- Performs other duties as appropriate.
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master\'s or equivalent) in aquaculture or related disciplines (biology, zoology, ecology, marine science, agricultural science, political science, international relations).
- Ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture development including international governance.
- Working knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
- Results Focus
- Leading, Engaging and Empowering
- Communication
- Partnering and Advocating
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
- Strategic Thinking
Technical/Functional Skills
- Experience in multiple locations or field positions.
- Leadership, project coordination and collaboration with national/regional authorities.
- Experience in international aquaculture affairs and development of technical standards and instruments related to the Code.
- Relevance of academic background to the role.
- Depth of knowledge on aquaculture issues.
- Experience in organizing international meetings and producing meeting reports.
- Strong oral and written communication and negotiation skills.
- Experience in establishing partnerships with UN agencies, IGOs, NGOs, donors and governments.
- Ability to mobilize resources.
- Analytical and technical writing abilities.
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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values: Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Extension of fixed-term appointments based on performance and funds.
- FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- Appointments subject to medical fitness, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For UN salary information, see the link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp. Other benefits include dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant for children, home leave travel, 30 working days annual leave, UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, international health insurance; optional life insurance; disability protection.
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity, with family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and standards of conduct.
HOW TO APPLY
- Visit the FAO recruitment site and complete your online profile; attach a letter of motivation.
- Ensure your profile is accurate and complete.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Education qualifications should be from institutions accredited/recognized in WHED/IAU/UNESCO; reference WHED as applicable.
- Performance assessments and verification checks may be requested.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Your personal data may be shared with FAO and service providers for recruitment support with consent; you may withdraw consent at any time.
- Only applications through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered; profiles will be screened.
If you need assistance, please contact FAO support: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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