Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Biosecurity)

Job Posting Organization:
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to addressing the economic, social, institutional, governance, and policy aspects of fisheries and aquaculture. Established to enhance human well-being, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and poverty reduction, the division emphasizes sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture. It operates globally, focusing on the protection of the environment and the well-being of fishing communities. The division is responsible for collecting and disseminating fishery statistics and managing the conservation of aquatic resources, ensuring biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance. The NFI is committed to developing fisheries technology while adhering to modern management standards and best practices, with a particular focus on vulnerable species and habitats. The division is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and plays a crucial role in global fisheries and aquaculture development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture Biosecurity) will provide technical support in aquatic health management, biosecurity, and disease control, particularly in relation to the Blue Transformation Roadmap (2022-2030) and the FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture. This role is essential for ensuring that aquaculture development aligns with food security, nutrition, food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability. The officer will guide countries on aquatic organism health management and aquaculture biosecurity systems, contributing to the overall mission of the FAO to enhance food security and sustainable practices in aquaculture. The position requires leadership and technical policy expertise for planning, developing, and implementing divisional programs and projects in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Fishery Officer will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading specialized teams, participating in cross-divisional committees, and providing technical leadership on international policy and standard-setting bodies. The officer will analyze global and country-specific requirements to inform the FAO Strategic Framework and develop evidence-based strategies and tools. Responsibilities include conducting research and analysis to support technical standards and policy advisory services, leading capacity development activities, and representing the organization at international meetings. The officer will also lead the design and execution of programs on aquatic organism health management and biosecurity, organize fact-finding missions, investigate aquatic disease outbreaks, and develop proactive disease prevention methodologies. Additionally, the officer will produce technical papers and reports, manage resource mobilization activities, and maintain partnerships with academic and policy institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in aquaculture sciences, fishery sciences, bioscience/biotechnology, animal health, natural resource economics, applied developmental studies, veterinary sciences, or related disciplines. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture project development and planning, particularly in biosecurity and disease control, is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting feasibility analyses of aquaculture projects and analyzing national aquaculture development policies. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as aquaculture sciences, fishery sciences, bioscience/biotechnology, animal health, natural resource economics, applied developmental studies, or veterinary sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of aquaculture and fisheries management, as well as the scientific principles underlying aquatic health and biosecurity.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in the aquaculture sector, particularly in project development and planning related to biosecurity and disease control. Experience in conducting feasibility analyses and evaluating national aquaculture policies is crucial. The role demands a strong background in providing scientific support to aquaculture management bodies and developing governance frameworks for sustainable aquaculture practices.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. It is a full-time role that may involve international travel for field missions and meetings. The Senior Fishery Officer will engage in resource mobilization activities and is expected to maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including national and international partners. The role is critical for advancing the FAO's mission in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management.