Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Technology)

Job Description - Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Technology) )

Job Posting

28/Apr/2026

Closure Date

19/May/2026, 9:59:00 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:

CCOG Code: 1H05

Diversity and Inclusion

• 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 staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its 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 particular emphasis on human well‑being, food security and poverty reduction. The Division is also responsible for FAO’s activities to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance.

The position is located in the Aquaculture Technology, Production and Health Team of NFI at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Technology) reports to the Deputy Director, NFI.

Technical Focus

Lead and implement policies and programmes of work that seek to maximize the impacts of aquaculture on countries’ economic, social and environmental objectives. The programme of work and activities should follow the FAO Code of Conduct on Responsible Fisheries to mitigate the impacts on aquaculture of climate change, while at the same time reducing vulnerability of the sector to climate change and other external stressors.

Key Results

Leadership and technical policy expertise for the 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, and/or provides technical leadership/secretariat services on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard‑setting bodies.
• Analyses global and country‑specific requirements and relevant technical issues to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Framework, Programme of Work and Budget, work plans and the supporting budgets and/or resourcing strategies.
• Implements and monitors programmes of work involving the development of the approach, evidence‑based strategies and related tools, methodologies and the supporting system/database, monitoring and reporting frameworks.
• Conducts, designs and oversees research and analysis activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovation, technical reports, publications and/or ongoing programme development as well as the provision of technical and/or policy advisory services.
• Provides technical and policy advice to Members and technical support to Decentralized Offices in the development and implementation of their programmes.
• Leads and/or collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning and online tools.
• Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.
• Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Develops and leads a programme of work on marine, brackish and freshwater aquaculture designed to improve resource use efficiency and minimize environmental impacts, especially greenhouse gas emissions per unit production, while at the same time reducing vulnerability to climate extremes and other external stressors.
• Leads the implementation of the Blue Transformation Roadmap at regional/national level and supports aquaculture development globally but specifically in Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other priority areas, as required.
• Leads aquaculture technology innovations, digitalization, and smart technologies in the integration of these into existing aquaculture practices or newly established applications.
• Leads the development of the multidisciplinary programme on aquaculture and associated knowledge products on aquaculture technology and innovations.
• Contributes to NFI’s cross‑cutting initiatives on SDGs, climate change, biodiversity, food security and nutrition, as required.
• Secures extra‑budgetary funds to support NFI’s growing programme of work, especially in relation to the Global Environment Fund and the Green Climate Fund.

Candidate Assessment

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biology, aquaculture, aquatic sciences, environmental sciences, fisheries/ aquaculture economics or related discipline.
• Ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture research, aquaculture extension and development, aquatic environmental research and/or management, aquaculture economics or related field.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Results Focus

Leading, Engaging and Empowering

Communication

Partnering and Advocating

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.
• Extent and relevance of experience or knowledge of and in provision of scientific support and advice to national, regional and international aquaculture network in both developed and developing countries.
• Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementation of research and/or development programmes in aquaculture or aquatic ecosystem management.
• Demonstrated results‑based management capabilities with an ability to manage programmes, budgets and human resources efficiently under shifting priorities.
• Depth of knowledge of current global issues, trends, constraints, and research needs related to sustainable aquaculture governance, policy, science and innovation.
• Extent and relevance of experience in different countries and regions, especially in developing countries and countries in transition.
• Ability to mobilize resources.
• Extent and relevance of experience in organizing international meetings, seminars and training courses.

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

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 for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Conditions of Service

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

• 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

FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:

• Elements of family‑friendly policies
• Flexible working arrangements
• Standards of conduct