About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is hiring a Biodiversity and Environmental Monitoring Specialist to support the project ‘Conservation and sustainable development of the Lake Maracaibo basin, as a contribution to the improvement of the Greater Caribbean Marine Ecosystem.’ This role is part of the GEF-8 Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program (CHO IP). The specialist will provide technical support for assessing the ecological status of the basin, specifically analyzing ichthyofauna and environmental threats. Responsibilities include coordinating biomonitoring, implementing nature-based solutions (NbS), supporting institutional capacity building, and ensuring compliance with GEF-8 strategies and FAO reporting standards.
Salary and benefits
- 11-month temporary contract
- Opportunity to contribute to a major GEF-8 environmental project
- Professional experience within a United Nations specialized agency
- Engagement with local communities and institutional stakeholders
Who can apply?
- University degree in biology or related disciplines
- Postgraduate degree in ichthyology, ecology, or a related field
- At least 5 years of experience in environmental projects involving ichthyofauna analysis, biodiversity studies, and ecological assessment of watersheds
- Practical knowledge of Spanish
- Venezuelan national or resident in the country with a valid work permit
Required documents
- Online profile completed via the FAO recruitment portal
- Academic credentials from an institution listed in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-30, 23:59:00
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website
- Complete the online profile
- Submit the application through the portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The position requires exclusive dedication and immediate availability.
- Candidates must be willing to reside in the project intervention area or spend long periods in the field.
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
- FAO does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with specialized postgraduate training in ichthyology or ecology.
- Professionals with proven experience in designing and implementing community-based biomonitoring programs.
- Individuals with a strong background in nature-based solutions (NbS) for watershed conservation.
- Applicants familiar with the local dynamics of fishing communities in the Lake Maracaibo region.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a fixed-term, 11-month temporary contract, not a permanent position.
- The role requires significant field presence, which may involve extended periods away from home.
- Applicants must already possess the legal right to work in Venezuela.
- The role demands high-level technical reporting in line with UN and GEF standards.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for environmental scientists looking to apply their expertise in ichthyology and watershed management to a high-impact, multilateral project. It offers a chance to bridge the gap between technical ecological research and practical policy implementation, providing valuable experience in managing GEF-funded initiatives and working within the UN system.
Our take
This role is highly suitable for experienced environmental professionals based in or authorized to work in Venezuela who have a deep commitment to biodiversity conservation and community-based monitoring. It is less suitable for those seeking long-term permanent employment or those unable to commit to extensive field work in the Lake Maracaibo region.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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