About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks a Fishery Officer (Climate Change) to join the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) within the Global Processes and Institutions Team (NFIPI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The incumbent will contribute to activities aimed at strengthening the climate resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, supporting the integration of climate considerations into management, policy development, programmes, and projects at global, regional, and national levels. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance, policy analysis, knowledge product development, project implementation support, and capacity-building activities, drawing on an understanding of climate change impacts on marine and inland fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic food systems.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive UN compensation and benefits package based on P-2 grade level standards
- 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 and optional life insurance
- Disability protection
- Family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in biology, fishery science, marine ecology, economics, fisheries economics, fisheries management, ocean governance, or a related field
- Three years of relevant experience in fishery and/or aquaculture research, science, management, trade, statistics and data, ocean governance, or a related field
- Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English
- Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Required documents
- Online profile containing employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 23/Oct/2026
- Closure Date and Time: 13/Nov/2026, 10:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The appointment is offered on a fixed-term basis for two years with the possibility of extension
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
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…
- Ideal for professionals holding an advanced degree in marine ecology, fisheries management, or ocean governance with at least three years of relevant technical experience.
- Strong fit for candidates seeking an international career within the United Nations system focusing on environmental sustainability and climate resilience in agrifood systems.
- Well-suited for researchers or practitioners skilled in technical data collection, policy analysis, and scientific document editing within global frameworks.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Rome, Italy, is required as the position is based at FAO headquarters.
- Proficiency in English plus an intermediate command of a second FAO official language is strictly required.
- The initial contract is fixed-term for two years, making appointment extensions subject to performance certification and funding availability.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fixed-term UN staff position offers a valuable platform to build a long-term international career in multilateral environmental governance, providing high-level exposure to global climate negotiations, policy formulation, and sustainable aquatic resource management.
Our take
Early- to mid-career researchers and policy specialists with a strong background in fisheries and climate science who meet the language and degree requirements should apply promptly before the November 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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