The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) continues to play a leading role in shaping sustainable food systems and safeguarding natural resources worldwide. As part of its mission to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, FAO is currently inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of Fishery Officer (Fisheries Management), P-3 level, based at its headquarters in Rome, Italy.
This opportunity is ideal for experienced fisheries professionals who are passionate about sustainability, food security, and equitable development, particularly in developing country contexts.
About FAO and Its Global Mission
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Through its Strategic Framework, FAO supports the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, ensuring better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, while leaving no one behind.
Environmental sustainability, diversity, equity, and integrity are core values at FAO. The organization actively encourages applications from qualified women, nationals of underrepresented countries, and persons with disabilities, reinforcing its commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Position Overview: Fishery Officer (Fisheries Management)
- Job Title: Fishery Officer (Fisheries Management)
- Job ID: 2600002
- Grade Level: P-3 (Professional level)
- Organizational Unit: Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI)
- Duty Station: Rome, Italy
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (two years, with possibility of extension)
- Job Posting Date: 02 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 24 January 2026
This staff position is part of FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI), which is responsible for advancing policies, governance, management, and technical innovation across global fisheries and aquaculture systems. The post is located within the Assessment and Management Team (NFIFM), which focuses on evidence-based fisheries management and the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF).
Organizational Context
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division addresses a wide range of issues, including fisheries governance, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem maintenance, post-harvest utilization, trade, and the socio-economic well-being of fishing communities. A strong emphasis is placed on small-scale fisheries, vulnerable ecosystems, and threatened species, ensuring that sustainability and human well-being go hand in hand.
The Fishery Officer will report to the Team Leader (NFIFM) and the Senior Fisheries Officer (Fisheries Management), contributing to FAO’s global, regional, and national fisheries management initiatives.
Technical Focus and Strategic Contribution
The Fishery Officer (Fisheries Management) plays a key role in supporting FAO’s Programme Priority Areas, including:
- Blue Transformation
- Small-Scale Producers’ Equitable Access to Resources
- Bioeconomy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture
- Nutrition for the Most Vulnerable
- Resilient Agrifood Systems
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing fisheries management plans and measures that ensure the sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources for food security, economic growth, and social development. A strong emphasis is placed on the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) and the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF).
Key Results and Responsibilities
The Fishery Officer will deliver research, technical analysis, and project-related services that support FAO’s programmes and field projects. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting research and analysis of fisheries and aquaculture data across technical, social, economic, environmental, and institutional dimensions.
- Producing technical reports, statistics, guidance materials, and contributions to FAO publications and web content.
- Providing technical backstopping and analytical support to fisheries management projects at global, regional, and national levels.
Also Read:
- Supporting the development of methodologies, tools, databases, and indicators relevant to fisheries management and policy advice.
- Participating in multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with FAO divisions, regional offices, and external partners.
- Promoting knowledge sharing and best practices through international meetings, conferences, and stakeholder consultations.
- Supporting resource mobilization efforts in alignment with FAO’s Strategic Framework.
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Specific Functions of the Role
In this position, the Fishery Officer will:
- Conduct reviews of fisheries management systems to identify key trends and challenges in global fisheries management.
- Contribute to or lead the development of EAF-compatible fisheries management plans that integrate ecological, economic, and social objectives.
- Plan and implement capacity development programmes and field projects to strengthen fisheries management in FAO Member Countries.
- Support regional and international collaboration, particularly with Regional Fisheries Bodies and global fisheries processes.
- Assist Member Countries in stakeholder engagement and participatory fisheries management approaches.
- Collaborate closely with FAO decentralized offices and national fisheries institutions, especially in implementing the CCRF, EAF, and Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines.
- Provide technical supervision to consultants and contribute to FAO’s fisheries management reference documents and committee outputs.
Candidate Profile and Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fisheries management, aquatic sciences, natural resource economics, natural resource management, or a related field.
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in fisheries management, governance, or policy-making, including field experience in developing countries.
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Core Competencies:
- Results focus
- Teamwork
- Effective communication
- Building strong professional relationships
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
Technical and Functional Skills:
FAO is seeking candidates with strong analytical and technical writing skills, hands-on experience in data-poor fisheries contexts, familiarity with participatory management approaches, and the ability to work in multicultural and multilingual environments. Experience in training delivery, stakeholder mediation, and collaboration with international and regional organizations is highly valued. Working knowledge of French is considered a strong asset.
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Conditions of Service and Benefits
FAO offers a competitive international compensation and benefits package, including:
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant for eligible children
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave
- UN Joint Staff Pension Fund participation
- International health insurance and optional life insurance
- Disability protection
FAO also promotes a positive and inclusive workplace culture, offering flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies where applicable.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal. Applicants are required to complete an online profile and attach a letter of motivation. Only applications submitted through the FAO system will be considered, and early submission is strongly encouraged.
