Job Description

2602121

Fishery Officer (Data Coordination)

Job Posting

: 13/Oct/2026

Closure Date

: 03/Nov/2026, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: NFI

Job Type

: Staff position

Type of Requisition: Professional Project

Grade Level: P-3

Primary Location

: Italy-Rome

Duration: Fixed-term: one year with possibility of extension

Post Number: 2003454

CCOG Code: 1H05

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture

• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.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, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. Organizational Setting FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) works with Members and partners to transform aquatic systems and promote the responsible and sustainable management of aquatic food systems. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) established under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. Its main objective is to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best use of living marine resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.To this end, the GFCM formulates and recommends appropriate measures and ensures these recommendations are implemented; coordinates efforts by countries to effectively manage fisheries and aquaculture; monitors the status of fishery resources and carries out scientific work to support advice and decision-making; coordinates and benefits from the support of projects and programmes at the regional and subregional levels to enhance scientific cooperation and capacity-building among its contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties. Data and information are at the core of the GFCM's mandate to support the conservation, management and sustainable use of marine living resources and the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Reliable, timely and harmonized data underpin scientific assessments, management advice, monitoring of fisheries and aquaculture activities, and the evaluation of conservation and management measures. In this context, the Data Team is pivotal within the GFCM Secretariat, ensuring the effective collection, validation, quality assurance and control, integration, analysis, management and dissemination of data and information from across the region, for both fisheries and aquaculture. By strengthening data management, quality, analysis and accessibility, the Data Team enhances the GFCM's capacity to provide robust scientific evidence and advice, supporting informed and evidence-based decision-making, facilitating regional cooperation, transparency in data and information exchange and ultimately contributing to the achievement of the GFCM's strategic objectives.The position is located in the GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Blumenstihl (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, Rome, Italy). Reporting LinesThe Fishery Officer (Data coordination) reports and operates under the general supervision of the GFCM Executive Secretary, and in close collaboration with the technical staff of the GFCM Secretariat, both at GFCM headquarters and in the subregional technical units, transversally. She/he supervises a team of specialists dedicated to the implementation of the workplan related to the management, analysis, use and dissemination of fisheries and aquaculture data and information. Technical Focus Support the effective implementation and delivery of the GFCM mandate by leading the development, coordination and continuous improvement of fisheries and aquaculture data management systems and processes, by ensuring the timely collection, integration, quality assurance, analysis, use and dissemination of relevant data and information, as per GFCM requirements in place and in line with established priorities and adopted workplans. This includes providing technical leadership on data governance, supporting evidence-based decision-making, enhancing data interoperability and innovation, fostering collaboration with Members, partners and relevant organizations, and promoting data quality, harmonization, accessibility and transparency in support of GFCM scientific, management and compliance-related processes. Key Results Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services. Key Functions • Researches, analyses and provides access to fisheries and aquaculture technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related data, and information and/or related policy issues to support the delivery of fisheries and aquaculture programmes, projects, products, publications and services.• Produces a variety of technical data, statistics, information and reports, as well as input for technical documents and web pages.• Provides technical, statistical, and/or analytical services on various studies, projects and initiatives, and/or assessments; provides technical backstopping to field projects.• Participates in the development of improved/updated technical, statistical and/or analytical tools, methodologies, systems, databases and/or key social/economic/environmental/ nutritional and/or early warning indicators, etc.• Participates in multidisciplinary teams and/or leads working groups/teams; collaborates with other Divisions/Offices/Centres on work groups and committees and promotes best practices.• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development activities within Members, such as organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools.• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.• Supports resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework. Specific Functions • Underpins the work of the GFCM by overseeing data processes, conducting data analysis and producing statistical outputs, indicators and data products to support scientific advice, policy-making and programme implementation, fostering collaboration and maintaining effective working relationships with Members, partners, other RFMOs and relevant institutions on data issues.• Contributes to evidence-based decision-making through the provision of high-quality data, analyses and information products• Manages the GFCM Data Collection Reference Framework (DCRF) and the GFCM System for the Promotion of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean (SIPAM), supporting the work of the GFCM scientific advisory committees and compliance committee as well as contributing to capacity development efforts.• Supports the team within the GFCM Secretariat in charge of overseeing the collection, transmission, management, analysis and dissemination of relevant data and information, including by providing advice to the Executive Secretary and reporting to the GFCM membership.• Reinforces data workflows, standards, protocols and tools to support the full data lifecycle, including data validation, storage, processing, dissemination and use and ensure proper documentation of data systems, processes and metadata to support transparency, reproducibility and institutional knowledge.• Coordinates within the Secretariat the specification, testing and continuous improvement of data and information platforms, digital services, and data collection systems and methodologies, ensuring harmonization of data calls, alignment with their intended management and use, and promoting interoperability across GFCM systems and data sources.• Informs the development, enhancement and maintenance of relevant fisheries and aquaculture data management systems, databases and associated tools, ensuring they are robust, efficient, secure and fit for purpose.• Applies and further develops data quality assurance and quality control procedures, including automated validation and cross-checking mechanisms, and coordinates the integration and curation of fisheries and aquaculture data from Members and other sources, ensuring timeliness, completeness and consistency.• Facilitates data access, exchange and dissemination in line with institutional policies, coordinates responses to internal and external data requests, and provides technical advice, analytical support and guidance within the Secretariat, subsidiary bodies and Members to strengthen data use, interpretation and national data collection and management systems, including by preparing and disseminating technical and policy documents, including working papers, reports, and knowledge products.• Promotes best practices, innovation and harmonization in fisheries and aquaculture data management; contributes to strategic planning related to data assets, systems and innovation within the Secretariat.• Supports the implementation of GFCM data governance frameworks, including data standards, access rules and confidentiality provisions.• Designs and delivers trainings, workshops and materials on data standards, tools, systems and methodologies.• Assists in resource mobilization and project development aspects related to data systems, digital innovation and analytics. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fishery science, statistics, development economics, sustainable agriculture (including fisheries) or a related field.• Five years of relevant experience in fisheries or bio-statistics, with a focus on data processes, including the collection and management at national, regional or international level of data and information.• 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). Competencies • Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building effective relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.• Extent and relevance of experience in fisheries and/or aquaculture statistics as well as in supporting sound data collection management, analysis and dissemination for decision-making.• Extent and relevance of experience in designing and implementing data quality assurance and quality control frameworks, including automated validation and verification procedures.• Extent and relevance of experience in data analytics, statistical modelling, indicator development, data visualization and the production of evidence-based information products.• Extent of expertise in diverse data management systems, databases and other tools.• Extent and relevance of experience in the provision of technical assistance to varied recipients on relevant data processes, including data and information management, data analysis and data quality.• Demonstrated ability to liaise with governments and organizations, including through the provision of technical support and advice on data and related institutional issues.• Extent and relevance of experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and provide advice to senior officials, including on resource management aspects.• Familiarity with the role played by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations in the collection, management and reporting of relevant data and information. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

GENERAL INFORMATION• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp

Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

• 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; optional life insurance
• Disability protectionFAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO APPLY• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills;

• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile;
• Once your profile is completed, please apply and submit your application;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications;
• Incomplete applications will not be considered;
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT