Fishing Technology and Operations Specialist

Organizational Setting

International specialists represent an important source of expertise for FAO, making their specialist contributions across the globe towards the achievement of the Organization’s strategic framework to support the 2030 Agenda through 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. For FAO to be able to attract and employ the best possible experts in the wide range of technical areas of its mandate, a competitive selection process has been introduced. This process is intended to create a pool of candidates which can be called upon when their expertise is required, ensuring a transparent and rigorous selection process.

The FAO Fisheries Division (NFI) promotes policies and strategies aiming at sustainable and responsible development of fisheries and aquaculture in inland and marine waters. The Fishing Operations and Technology stream, within the PSMA, Fisheries Operations and Compliance Team (NFIFP) of NFI assists FAO Members in building the technical and operational capacities of their fishing industry, through increasing access to better fishing vessel and gear technologies, financial and insurance services, responsible investments, safety measures and through innovative practices that promote sustainable fisheries and minimise pollution from fishing operations.

The objectives of NFIFP include: 1) Support the development of an efficient, innovative, safe and socio‑economically sound fishing industry; 2) Support responsible practices for sustainable fisheries and reduction of impacts of fishing operations on ecosystems; 3) Reduce the pollution from fishing operations (gears and vessels) and fishing harbours; 4) Enhance the knowledge, skills and competencies of fishing vessel personnel; and 5) Increase the access of the fisheries industry to financial and insurance services and investment opportunities.

Assignment Locations

Assignments pursuant to this Call for Expression of Interest may be at the Organization’s headquarters in Rome (Italy), home‑based, or on field missions, as required.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of a Senior Fishery Officer of NFIFP and the direct supervision of a technical officer of NFIFP.

Technical Focus

NFIFP’s work includes the implementation of the GloLitter Partnerships, RegLitter, PROSEAS, REBYC III and other projects. The Team is currently seeking consultants to assist in the implementation of a range of fishing operations related activities at national and regional level with the following technical expertise:

• Law of the Sea – experts on fishing regulations and environmental law focusing on prevention and reduction of pollution from ships.
• Fishing gear technology – experts who support fishing gear modifications including fish‑aggregating devices (FADs).
• Gear marking – experts with experience in prevention and reduction of gear loss and ghost fishing.
• Waste management – experts focusing on plastic litter produced by the fishing sector, including abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears (ALDFG).
• Fisheries infrastructure – engineers and architects.
• Naval architecture and boat building – experience in fishing vessel design and construction.
• Occupational safety and health (OSH) – experts with training development and implementation experience.
• Remote sensing, GIS and AI tools – specialists.
• Fisheries economists – experience in financial and economic analyses of fishing operations or fisheries credit and insurance programme development.
• Fisheries emergencies and disaster risk management – specialists.
• Data analysts.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities of each selected COF.REG or PSA.SBS will be defined in the Terms of Reference for the specific assignment. In general, depending on the specific assignment, designated tasks will normally include:

• Support project formulation in accordance with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the FAO project cycle.
• Carry out coordination, implementation and administration of assigned activities in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and systems, and donor requirements.
• Support implementation of the above‑mentioned projects and other projects.
• Provide substantive technical inputs to relevant activities and projects, including studies, publications, analyses, knowledge products and dissemination materials related to NFIFP’s areas of work.
• Collect, manage and analyse data to inform and guide the team’s technical and policy work.
• Perform outreach and communication‑related activities.
• Any other duties related to NFIFP’s areas of work.

Consultant–Specific Tasks

• Organise and participate in external events (including field missions) in support of NFIFP’s programme of work.
• Collaborate with other FAO divisions, UN agencies, intergovernmental organisations, NGOs and other partners.
• Contribute to NFIFP’s work related to resource mobilisation, monitoring of programme expenses and organisation of international meetings.
• Assist beneficiary countries in policy and legislative revisions for the adoption and effective implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Marking of Fishing Gear, FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and complementary international instruments.
• Represent NFIFP at internal and external meetings.
• Prepare and organise consultations, workshops and technical meetings.
• Collaborate with relevant institutions, networks and platforms to advance global dialogue on NFIFP’s programme of work.

FAO Standards and Guidelines

Liaison with the Office of the Chief Coordinator (OCC) will be maintained to ensure compliance with OCC standards, review and clearance processes.

• All communication materials will comply with FAO clearance processes and standards.
• FAO Strategic Framework 2022‑31:
• FAO social media policy and guidelines:
• Social Media Branding Guidelines:
• FAOSTYLE:
• FAO terminology:
• FAO Names Of Countries:
• Story guidelines, story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (advanced for COF.REG) recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Fisheries, Biology, Veterinary, Environmental Studies, Marine Engineering, Architecture, Development Studies, Economics, Occupational Health and Safety, Political Sciences, Law, Business Administration, International Relations or any other discipline relevant to FAO’s work. Consultants with a bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• PSAs: University degree in the above areas. A technical diploma plus at least five years of relevant professional experience may be accepted.
• Relevant experience in one or more areas such as fishing operations, vessel design, technology, gear selectivity, environmental impacts, pollution reduction, waste management, fisheries infrastructure, microbi‑finance, insurance, investments, emergency response, safety at sea, and programme formulation and implementation.

Years of Relevant Experience

• COF.REG level C: 2–4 years.
• PSA level C: 1–4 years.
• COF.REG/PSA level B: at least 5 years.
• COF.REG/PSA level A: at least 10 years.
• Working knowledge of English (level C) and limited knowledge of one of the other languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) (level B). For PSA only one language level C may be required.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or above‑mentioned areas of work, particularly in developing countries.
• Extent and relevance of field experience in a technical area of assignment.
• Experience in providing technical advice at local, national, regional and global levels.
• Knowledge of FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and related guidelines.
• Experience in project/programme formulation and implementation.
• Understanding of work of international organisations, regional entities and national governments.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary cross‑cultural team.
• Experience in monitoring, knowledge management and information dissemination.
• Experience with capacity development and knowledge sharing activities.

Vacancy Announcement

Job Posting: 16 Feb 2026
Closure Date: 16 May 2026, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: NFIFP
Job Type: Non‑staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Italy – Rome
Duration: From one to eleven months
Post Number: N/A

Equal Opportunity Statement

• 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 specialised 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.