The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is currently accepting applications for the position of Fishery Officer (Aquaculture National Planning and Development) based in Rome, Italy. This P-3 level position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable global aquaculture development while working with an international team of experts.
Application Deadline: March 22, 2025, 4:29:00 AM
Location: FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy
Position Type: Fixed-term (two years with possibility of extension)
Job Overview
The Fishery Officer position is a critical role within FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI). Located within the National Planning and Development Support Team (NFIAN) in the Sustainable Aquaculture area, this position directly contributes to FAO’s mission of transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Fishery Officer (Aquaculture National Planning and Development) |
| Job ID | 2500608 |
| Post Number | 0405302 |
| Grade Level | P-3 |
| Duration | Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension |
| Reporting Line | Reports to the Senior Fishery Officer/NFIAN Team Leader |
| Application Opens | February 28, 2025 |
| Application Closes | March 22, 2025, 4:29:00 AM |
About the Organization
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) at FAO plays a crucial role in supporting global efforts towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. The division focuses on economic, social, institutional, governance, and policy aspects of fisheries and aquaculture activities worldwide.
The division’s responsibilities include:
- Promoting human well-being, food security, and poverty reduction through sustainable aquaculture
- Improving post-harvest utilization, marketing, and trade while protecting the environment
- Collecting, validating, and disseminating up-to-date fishery statistics
- Managing and conserving living aquatic resources
- Maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health
- Developing fisheries technology with consideration for environmental protection and community well-being
The National Planning and Development Support Team (NFIAN) within NFI specifically focuses on supporting member countries in developing sustainable aquaculture frameworks, policies, and strategies that align with global sustainability goals.
Key Responsibilities
The Fishery Officer will support the preparation and implementation of aquaculture strategies, policies, plans, and programs that maximize aquaculture’s contribution to countries’ economic, social, and environmental objectives. The role’s primary technical focus is to ensure alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while following FAO’s principles for sustainable food and agriculture.
| Key Functions | Specific Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Research and Analysis |
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| Technical Support |
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| Tool Development |
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| Collaboration |
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| Capacity Development |
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| Knowledge Sharing |
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| Resource Mobilization |
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Required Qualifications
FAO is seeking candidates with strong academic backgrounds and relevant professional experience in aquaculture development and governance. Below are the minimum requirements for the position:
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Advanced university degree in one of the following fields:
|
| Experience | Five years of relevant experience in:
|
| Language |
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Core Competencies
In addition to technical expertise, FAO seeks candidates who demonstrate the following core competencies:
- Results Focus: Taking accountability for meeting objectives and achieving results
- Teamwork: Working effectively with others to create synergies toward common goals
- Communication: Clearly expressing ideas and listening to others
- Building Effective Relationships: Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: Commitment to improving skills and sharing knowledge
Technical and Functional Skills
The ideal candidate will possess the following technical and functional skills that are crucial for success in this role:
| Technical/Functional Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Diverse Work Experience | Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions |
| Governance Framework Experience | Proven experience in planning, formulating, and implementing aquaculture governance frameworks, policies, and strategies |
| Public-Private Partnership Expertise | Expertise in promoting PPPs and facilitating aquaculture investment projects, including feasibility and viability analyses |
| Strategic Planning Capacity | Demonstrated capacity for strategic and operational planning in aquaculture, including the development of action plans and monitoring frameworks |
| Capacity Development Experience | Extensive experience in capacity development for aquaculture planning, governance, and investment |
| Global Trends Knowledge | Knowledge of global trends, research needs, and challenges in aquaculture planning, governance, and resource management |
| Technical Writing Skills | Strong technical writing skills with experience drafting governance frameworks, strategic plans, and investment proposals |
| Meeting Facilitation Ability | Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate international meetings, workshops, and training sessions focused on aquaculture planning and governance |
Compensation and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for international professionals. The organization provides comprehensive support for international staff relocating to Rome, Italy.
| Benefits and Allowances | |
|---|---|
| Salary | Competitive UN salary scale at P-3 level |
| Family Support | Dependency allowances for eligible family members |
| Housing | Rental subsidy for accommodations in Rome |
| Education | Education grant for children’s schooling |
| Leave Entitlements | 30 working days of annual leave per year and home leave travel |
| Retirement Planning | Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund |
| Health Coverage | International health insurance with optional life insurance |
| Disability Protection | Coverage for work-related disabilities |
| Work-Life Balance | Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies |
For detailed information on UN salaries, allowances, and benefits, visit the UN Common System website at: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official FAO recruitment portal before the deadline. The application process consists of several steps:
- Create an Online Profile: Visit the FAO recruitment website (Jobs at FAO) and complete your online profile with accurate and complete information including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a Motivation Letter: Candidates must attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.
- Submit Your Application: Once your profile is complete, apply for the position and submit your application before the deadline.
- Screening Process: Applications will be screened based on the information provided in the online profile.
- Verification Checks: Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization for verification checks of past and present work, education, and other relevant records.
Important Notes:
- Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- FAO only recognizes educational qualifications from institutions accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED): http://www.whed.net/
- Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline date
For application assistance, create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
Apply Now: Visit the FAO recruitment website (Jobs at FAO) to submit your application before March 22, 2025.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
FAO is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the global community it serves. The organization particularly encourages applications from:
- Qualified female applicants
- Qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Member countries
- Persons with disabilities
FAO promotes a positive workplace culture that increases inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. All staff members are expected to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the Organization.
FAQs About Working at FAO
What are FAO’s core values?
FAO staff are expected to adhere to the values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency.
What is the appointment process?
Appointments are subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit, meets accreditation requirements, and passes security clearances. Extension of fixed-term appointments is based on performance certification and available funding.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Yes, FAO provides support for international staff relocating to Rome, including benefits related to relocation and settlement.
What language requirements are there?
For this position, candidates must have working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
What career development opportunities are available?
FAO provides various professional development opportunities, including training programs, mentoring, and the possibility of assignment to different activities or offices of the Organization.
Note: FAO is a non-smoking environment.