Fishery Officer (Fisheries Management)

Job Description

Job Posting: 02/Jan/2026

Closure Date: 24/Jan/2026, 3:59:00 AM

Organizational Unit: NFI

Job Type: Staff position (Professional)

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number: 0116823

CCOG Code: 1H05

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. The Division focuses on human well-being, food security, poverty reduction, post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade while protecting the environment and the well-being of fishing communities. It collects, validates, analyzes and disseminates fishery statistics and syndicates FAO information on all aspects of world fisheries and aquaculture. The Division also manages and conserves living aquatic resources, emphasizes vulnerable species and habitats, and promotes responsible fisheries and aquaculture management in accordance with modern standards and best practices. The Assessment and Management Team (NFIFM) provides evidence-based fisheries management advice and implements the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries.

Reporting Lines

Fishery Officer reports to the Team Leader (NFIFM) and the Senior Fisheries Officer (Fisheries Management).

Technical Focus

Support FAO's work related to the implementation of FAO Strategic Programmes, especially Blue Transformation, Small-Scale Producers' Equitable Access to Resources, Bioeconomy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, Nutrition for the Most Vulnerable, Resilient Agri-Food Systems, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Contribute to the design, development and implementation of fisheries management plans and measures, and secure the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources for food security, economic and social development. Provide support at global, regional and national levels, including the development of field programmes and projects that enhance member states' capacity on fisheries management, especially small-scale fisheries.

Key Results

Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Research, analysis and provision of access to fisheries and aquaculture technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology data and information to support programmes, projects, products and services.
• Produce technical data, statistics, information and reports and input for technical documents and web pages.
• Provide technical, statistical and/or analytical services on studies, projects and initiatives, and/or assessments.
• Participate in the development of improved or updated technical, statistical and/or analytical tools, methodologies, systems, databases and key indicators.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams, lead working groups or teams, collaborate with other Divisions and Offices, and promote best practices.
• Collaborate in providing technical backstopping and ensure the quality and effectiveness of capacity development activities within Members, including preparation of related information, learning materials and online tools.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influence partners in stakeholder consultations.
• Support resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Perform research and data collation/collection efforts, including reviews of fisheries management systems, to identify and address major issues and trends.
• Contribute to or lead the development of technical documents, guidance and tools related to the design, implementation and monitoring of EAF-compatible fisheries management plans.
• Contribute to or lead the planning and implementation of capacity development programs and field projects.
• Actively support the strengthening of regional and international collaboration in fisheries management.
• Actively support Member Countries and Regional Fisheries Bodies in engaging stakeholders for improved participatory fisheries management.
• Actively engage with and provide support to FAO Decentralized Offices and fisheries-related institutions of Member countries.
• Contribute to the identification of and provide technical supervision and assistance to consultants on fisheries management-related tasks.
• Support or lead the preparation and/or editing of documents and reference works related to FAO's work on fisheries management.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against the Following

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in aquatic and fishery sciences, fisheries management, natural resource economics, natural resource management or related fields.
• Five years of relevant experience in fisheries management, governance and/or policy making, with field experience in developing countries.
• Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (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.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Experience and knowledge in planning, coordinating and supervising work related to fisheries management in data-poor and technical capacity-limited situations.
• Experience in analysis of fisheries data and information for management and policy advice.
• Experience and knowledge of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, the development and implementation of fisheries management plans and the fisheries management cycle.
• Experience in providing technical support and advice to national, regional or global fisheries management and research institutions.
• Experience in designing, planning and delivering training programmes and actions.
• Demonstrated analytical and technical writing abilities.
• Depth of familiarity with the fisheries sector in developing countries and the challenges.
• Proven capacity to work with a range of institutional stakeholders in multicultural and multilanguage situations.
• Experience coordinating and liaising with relevant international and regional organizations.
• Experience mediating conflicting interests related to fisheries or natural resource conservation.
• Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of French is a strong asset.

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, accredited, meets residency or visa requirements and has security clearances.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click 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

How to Apply

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile.
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
• Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application.
• FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) and aligned with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records.
• 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. You may withdraw consent at any time.
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
• 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