Junior Operations Consultant

Organizational Setting

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is one of FAO's core technical divisions under the Natural Resources and Sustainable Production stream at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Division collaborates with Members and partners to promote the responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems, aiming for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. To fulfill its mandate, the Division focuses on the global development of fisheries and aquaculture through the implementation of its Blue Transformation—a strategic approach that outlines a vision for sustainable and resilient aquatic food systems. Additionally, it extends support to Members through normative instruments and collaborations with regional fishery bodies (RFBs) established within the framework of the FAO Constitution. The position is either home-based or located at FAO headquarters, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy.

Project Contexts

The FISH4ACP project (“Sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries”) is led by the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. FISH4ACP aims at improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains through five main components: (i) robust fisheries and aquaculture improvement strategies are developed and agreed with stakeholders; (ii) economic performance of MSMEs in selected value chains is improved; (iii) inclusiveness and social sustainability of selected value chains are improved; (iv) the environmental sustainability of selected value chains is enhanced; and (v) MSMEs have access to additional sources of finance and investment.

The New Aquatic Food Value Chains development project (NAVAC), also funded by the EU, aims to promote sustainable healthy diets for the most vulnerable in fragile contexts. The project will specifically focus on the development of new aquatic products that can provide key nutrients to vulnerable populations, provide livelihoods, and generate jobs through the development of sustainable aquatic food value chains.

Reporting Lines

The Junior Operations Consultant reports to the relevant NFI Programme officer (Operations) and collaborates with relevant NFI staff.

Technical Focus

Provision of support to the operational, administrative and financial implementation of both projects.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assist in the operational implementation of FISH4ACP and NAVAC project activities, including support to the preparation, processing and closure of Letters of Agreement (LoAs), MS502 contracts for goods and services, and Field Budget Authorizations (FBAs), ensuring compliance with FAO rules and procedures.
• Support day‑to‑day operational follow‑up with project recipient countries, in coordination with Operations countries focal points and under the guidance of the Programme Officer (Operations).
• Provide administrative support to project activities, including missions, workshops, training sessions, meetings, and other events in line with approved work plans.
• Contribute to budget monitoring activities, including monthly financial tracking, reviewing transactions in FAO systems, preparing routine financial reports, and supporting budget revisions and budget equalizations.
• Support the preparation of project progress reports, briefing notes, meeting minutes, and documentation for Project Steering Committee Meetings, ensuring alignment with FAO and EU requirements.
• Assist in maintaining monitoring tools, including the Human Resources Tracking Tool, non‑staff human resources timecards’ compliance checks, and other project management tools.
• Participate in project meetings and internal task force discussions, taking notes, preparing summaries and supporting follow‑up actions.
• Support the preparation, organisation and holding of value chain stakeholders workshops, including coordination and liaison with FAO‑established multi‑stakeholder partnerships.
• Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, support the preparation of Project Steering Committee meetings with external donors, including limited coordination liaison.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, International development studies or a related field. Consultants with bachelor’s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least one year of relevant experience related to project or programme management, project operations, project cycle, finance or related area. Experience with FAO or other UN agencies is preferable.
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven experience in database management is considered an asset.
• Extent and relevance of experience in Africa and Near‑East region is considered an asset.
• Ability to plan and organise own work, deliver results and meet deadlines.
• Ability to write clear and concise technical documents in English and/or French/Spanish.
• Ability to effectively support multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proven experience in translating complex data into clear visuals using PowerPoint is considered a strong asset.

Call For Expressions Of Interest – Vacancy Announcement

Job Posting: 23/Feb/2026

Closure Date: 23/May/2026, 5:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: NFI – Fisheries and Aquaculture Division

Job Type: Non‑staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: Consultant

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location: Italy–Rome

Duration: 6 months

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE

• 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 Specialized 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.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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