Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture)

Job Posting Organization:
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is dedicated to transforming aquatic systems and promoting responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems. The organization aims to enhance production, nutrition, environmental health, and overall quality of life while ensuring inclusivity and leaving no one behind. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), a regional fisheries management organization established under the FAO Constitution, focuses on the development, conservation, and rational management of living marine resources, as well as sustainable aquaculture development in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. The GFCM formulates recommendations, coordinates management efforts, monitors fishery resources, and supports scientific cooperation and capacity-building initiatives among its members and partners. The GFCM's 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture outlines tools for achieving regional objectives, including improved governance, ecosystem-based approaches, and innovation in aquaculture practices. The organization is headquartered at Palazzo Bluminsthil in Rome, Italy.

Job Overview:
The Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture) plays a crucial role in enhancing scientific advice for the GFCM on key aquaculture issues. This includes marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessments, aquaculture production management, and responsible investment in aquaculture. The officer will collaborate with technical experts to integrate innovative methodologies, improve social acceptability, and strengthen data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the role involves leading capacity-building initiatives to support GFCM Members in adopting sustainable aquaculture practices, ensuring long-term resilience and stakeholder engagement. The position requires strategic coordination with GFCM Members, observers, and partner organizations to foster collaboration and advance sustainable aquaculture initiatives at both regional and international levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Fishery Officer will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading specialized or multidisciplinary teams. This includes participating in organization-wide committees, project teams, and providing technical leadership on international policy and standard-setting bodies. The officer will analyze global and country-specific requirements to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Framework and Programme of Work. Responsibilities also include implementing and monitoring work programmes, conducting research and analysis to support technical standards and policy advisory services, and providing technical support to decentralized offices. The officer will represent the organization at international meetings, advocate for best practices, and develop strategic partnerships. Specific functions include leading the GFCM Aquaculture Team, providing strategic guidance on aquaculture development, overseeing expert meetings, and ensuring alignment with regional priorities. The officer will also coordinate aquaculture activities within Aquaculture Demonstration Centres and design capacity-building programmes to support sustainable aquaculture development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in aquaculture, marine science, fisheries science, environmental science, or a related field relevant to aquaculture governance and development. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture governance, policy development, and strategic planning is required, with a focus on marine and coastal aquaculture, hatchery systems, and sustainable resource management. 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, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields such as aquaculture, marine science, fisheries science, environmental science, or other relevant disciplines that pertain to aquaculture governance and development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture governance, policy development, and strategic planning. This experience should emphasize marine and coastal aquaculture, hatchery systems, and sustainable resource management. Work experience in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, is essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish being advantageous.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify a deadline for applications, nor does it mention contract duration, seniority level, or whether the position is full-time or part-time. It is implied that the role involves international collaboration, and candidates may be assessed based on their ability to engage with various stakeholders in the aquaculture sector.