Fishery Officer

Overview

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 wellbeing, food security and poverty reduction; postharvest utilization, marketing and trade with regard to environmental protection, food security and the wellbeing of fishing communities; collection, compilation, validation, trend analysis and dissemination of the best available, up-to-date fishery statistics and the syndication of 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 living aquatic resources, biodiversity, ecosystem maintenance, and responsible fisheries and aquaculture in line with modern standards and best practices, including the development of fisheries technology and safety of fishers and vessels. The position is located in FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Fishery Officer reports to the Senior Fishery Officer / Team Leader, in the Statistics and Information team (NFISI).

Technical Focus

The Fishery Officer will plan, coordinate and ensure quality assurance of fisheries and aquaculture knowledge products produced by the Division, including the FAO flagship publication State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) and other corporate publications and digital content, to support evidence-based policy dialogue, global reporting and visibility of FAO's work in fisheries and aquaculture. The position requires strong cross-cutting technical knowledge of fisheries and aquaculture and close collaboration with technical teams across the Division and FAO.

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, participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides specialized expertise in technical networks and international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, tools, systems and databases to support planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and reporting activities to support development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and policy proposals.
• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and supports field projects.
• Collaborates in and provides technical backstopping to capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations, including preparation of related information and learning materials.
• Promotes international cooperation, best practices, policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Plans, coordinates and oversees the development and dissemination of fisheries and aquaculture knowledge products produced by the NFI Division, ensuring alignment with FAO strategic priorities and corporate standards.
• Plans and leads the conceptual design of the content of NFI knowledge products, based on information requirements and user needs.
• Chairs the NFI Editorial Board and coordinates divisional publication workflows, including scheduling, clearance processes, peer review, editing and production, in collaboration with technical units and corporate services.
• Leads and coordinates the production of the FAO flagship publication SOFIA, including planning, technical coordination, editorial oversight and liaison with contributors.
• Provides technical guidance and quality assurance for divisional publications and digital knowledge products to ensure accuracy and policy relevance.
• Plans and contributes to technical meetings and workshops related to fisheries and aquaculture information and dissemination.
• Liaises with internal and external partners to support the strategic development, production and dissemination of knowledge products.
• Contributes to corporate knowledge management and publishing initiatives, as required.

Assessment and Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fisheries, aquaculture, natural resources, fishery sciences, environmental sciences, development or economics and/or related discipline.
• Seven years of relevant experience in national or international organizations in fisheries and aquaculture research or in management of fisheries and aquaculture information systems and products, including planning, coordination and production of technical or policy-oriented knowledge products.
• Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (level) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in more than one location or area of work, including field positions.
• Experience in analyzing fisheries and aquaculture data to translate technical information into policy-relevant knowledge products.
• Experience drafting high-quality written materials for diverse audiences, editing technical papers for publication and presenting, preferably in more than one FAO official language.
• Experience in planning, coordinating and quality assurance of complex knowledge products, including corporate and flagship publications.
• Experience promoting fisheries and aquaculture in international events and processes.
• Experience organizing meetings and working in multidisciplinary teams with external partners.
• Familiarity with FAO Blue Transformation programme.
• Ability to mobilize resources.
• Working knowledge of French or Spanish is a strong asset.

Job Details

Job Posting: 12/Mar/2026

Closure Date: 02/Apr/2026, 11:59 PM

Organizational Unit: NFI

Job Type: Staff position

Type of Requisition: Professional

Grade Level: P-4

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Fixed term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number:

CCOG Code: 1H05

EEO and Compliance

• FAO is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of underrepresented Members are encouraged to apply
• All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. FAO contributes to the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework to promote more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.