About the opportunity
The Fishery Officer position is located in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) within the Global Processes and Institutions Team (NFIPI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Reporting to the Senior Fishery Officer, the incumbent supports the NFIPI team and NFI directorate by providing technical contributions and coordinating divisional input on UN and global policy processes. Responsibilities include supporting engagement in major UN fora, the FAO World Food Forum, youth-related initiatives, and high-level events, as well as supporting the Secretariat for the Regional Fishery Body Secretariats Network.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive UN compensation and benefits package corresponding to the P-3 grade level
- Dependency allowances and rental subsidy (subject to eligibility)
- Education grant for children and home leave travel (subject to eligibility)
- 30 working days of annual leave per year
- Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF)
- International health insurance, optional life insurance, and disability protection
- Access to family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in marine, fisheries, or aquaculture science or management, ocean governance, or related disciplines from a WHED-recognized institution
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in marine, fisheries, or aquaculture science, management, or policy, or related fields
- Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English
- Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Demonstrated core competencies in Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
- Work experience across multiple locations or field positions is desirable
- Experience in coordinating fisheries/aquaculture work, analyzing sector issues, and providing scientific and communication support is desirable
Required documents
- Completed online profile on the FAO recruitment portal (including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills)
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
- Performance assessments (may be requested during screening)
- Authorization to conduct verification checks of past employment, education, character, military, and police records
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: September 3, 2026
- Application Closure Date: September 24, 2026, at 11:59:00 PM (GMT+00:00 / personal device time)
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal at Jobs at FAO (https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en)
- Create and complete your online candidate profile with full employment, education, and language records
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online candidate profile
- Provide mandatory consent for screening, assessment tests, and background verification checks
- Submit your application through the recruitment portal prior to the deadline
Additional information
- Appointment Type: Fixed-term staff position for two years with possibility of extension based on performance certification and fund availability
- Position Number: 0531871 | CCOG Code: 1H05
- Higher educational qualifications must be recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) and align with ISCED mappings
- Selected candidates are subject to medical fitness certification, security clearances, and residency/visa requirements
- Qualified female applicants and nationals of non- and under-represented FAO Member Countries, as well as persons with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply
- Technical support inquiries can be submitted via the FAO client support portal at https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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…
- You hold an advanced degree in marine, fisheries, or aquaculture science, or a related field.
- You have at least five years of professional experience in fisheries policy, management, or scientific research.
- You have experience in coordinating complex workstreams and engaging with global policy processes or UN fora.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a two-year fixed-term appointment, which provides more stability than a one-year contract but remains a defined-term role.
- The position is based on-site in Rome, so you should be prepared for international relocation if you are not currently based in Italy.
- You must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of a second official FAO language.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is a fantastic opportunity for a mid-career professional to influence global ocean governance and aquaculture policy. It is ideal for someone looking to transition from technical research or field management into a high-level policy support role at an international organization.
Our take
Fisheries and aquaculture experts with a strong policy interest and international experience should seriously consider this position to advance their career in global governance.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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