About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is responsible for economic, social, institutional, governance, and policy aspects of FAO’s activities related to fisheries and aquaculture. The Young Professional Officer (Aquatic Value Chain) position is located in the Value Chain Development Team (NFIMV) within NFI at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The incumbent will report to the NFIMV Team Leader under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director, NFI, and will support sustainable aquaculture value chain development, policy guidelines, project proposals, technical support, and knowledge dissemination under the framework of Blue Transformation.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits package offered in accordance with UN 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 fisheries, aquaculture, food sciences, biology, management, or related disciplines
- One year of relevant experience in the aquaculture, aquatic food value chains, or trade and market sector
- 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)
- Candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application
- Targeted primarily for talented, qualified professionals who are mainly nationals of non- and under-represented countries, with priority consideration given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and developing countries in general
Required documents
- Online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 10/Aug/2026
- Closure Date: 07/Sep/2026, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile accurately and completely
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Once your profile is completed, apply and submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal
Additional information
- Post Number: 2008715
- CCOG Code: 1H05
- Organizational Unit: NFI
- Type of Requisition: Professional
- Grade Level: P-1
- Duration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
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…
- Applicants with a Master's in fisheries, aquaculture, or food sciences.
- Professionals with at least one year of experience in aquatic food value chains or trade.
- Nationals of non- and under-represented countries.
- Candidates who can demonstrate intermediate proficiency in a second FAO official language.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is on-site in Rome, requiring relocation.
- Linguistic requirements include English proficiency and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language.
- There is a strict age limit of 32 years or younger.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role fits those aiming to build expertise in sustainable aquaculture value chains and "Blue Transformation" policy within a global institutional framework.
Our take
A strong fit for young aquaculture and fisheries professionals from under-represented countries seeking a stable, two-year international experience in Rome.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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