Job Description - Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture) (2502537)
Overview
Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture)
Job Posting: 21/Oct/2025
Closure Date: 12/Nov/2025, 10:59:00 PM
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: 0505080
CCOG Code: 1H05
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Closure Date and Time are displayed based on date and time settings of your device. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.
FAO is committed to workforce diversity and upholds the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. FAO staff may be assigned to any 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 agri‑food 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 emphasis on human well-being, food security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade; collection and dissemination of fishery statistics; and the management and conservation of living aquatic resources.
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 all aspects related to the coordination and operationalization of meetings of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and the ITWG AqGR, coordinate with COFI and CGRFA colleagues to ensure consistency and complementarity, advocate for integration of aquaculture into relevant dialogues, coordinate inputs for FAO Statutory Bodies and liaise with Decentralized Offices on global and regional agreements related to aquaculture.
Key Results
Leadership and technical policy expertise for planning, development and implementation of Divisional programmes of work, 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 cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups; provides technical leadership/secretariat services on technical networks and/or international policy and standard setting bodies.
Analyses global and country-specific requirements and technical issues to provide input into the FAO Strategic Framework, Programme of Work and Budget, work plans and related budgets/resourcing strategies.
Implements and monitors programmes involving the development of approaches, evidence-based strategies and related tools, methodologies and the supporting system/database.
Conducts, designs and oversees research and analysis to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovation, reports, and programme development.
Provides technical and policy advice to Members and support to Decentralized Offices in programme development and implementation.
Leads and/or collaborates in capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members, including preparation of information and online tools.
Represents the Organization at international meetings, develops partnerships, and negotiates agreements with stakeholders.
Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

Acts as Secretary to the COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture (COFI:AQ), including organizing regular sessions and coordinating with the COFI Secretary and other COFI Sub-Committees.
Monitors the implementation of COFI:AQ's programme of work.
Acts as Secretary to ITWG AqGR, including organizing sessions and related activities; monitors the ITWG AqGR programme of work.
Coordinates aquaculture inputs to FAO Statutory Bodies documents; reports COFI:AQ outcomes and follows up on decisions.
Coordinates NFI inputs to international aquaculture UN processes, conferences and consultations.
Manages the COFI:AQ Questionnaire and related instruments; analyzes responses and develops dissemination strategies.
Promotes COFI:AQ and related partnerships; develops resource mobilization strategies.
Engages with FAO Decentralized Offices and Regional Bodies to promote global aquaculture and regional initiatives.
Coordinates liaison between FAO and regional networks and other international bodies involved in aquaculture.
Contributes to information products (policy briefs, flagship publications, talking points, etc.) to highlight FAO priorities in sustainable aquaculture.
Initiates and manages proposals to mobilize extra-budgetary resources.
Performs other duties as appropriate.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in aquaculture or relevant fields (biology, zoology, ecology, marine science, agricultural science, political science, international relations, or related disciplines).
Ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture development including international governance of aquaculture or related fields.
Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Technical/Functional Skills:

Work experience in more than one location/area of work, especially field positions.
Experience in leadership, project coordination and management with national/regional authorities.
Experience in international aquaculture affairs, development of technical standards and international instruments.
Strong academic background relevant to aquaculture; depth of knowledge of aquaculture issues.
Experience in organizing international meetings and drafting meeting reports.
Strong oral and written communication and negotiation skills.
Experience in establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, donors, and governments.
Ability to mobilize resources and conduct analytical/technical writing.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values: Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

Extension of fixed-term appointments is based on performance and funding.
FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Appointment is subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For UN salary information, see the provided reference. 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, and disability protection.
FAO promotes a positive workplace culture and inclusivity, including family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and standards of conduct.
HOW TO APPLY

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Attach a letter of motivation to your profile. Apply and submit your application.
Only applications through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Profile must be accurate and complete, including employment records, qualifications, and language skills.
Higher educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Performance assessments and background checks may be requested.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may be asked to share information with FAO or affiliates for screening and verification.
Submission well before the deadline is encouraged.

For help or inquiries, please contact FAO support: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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