Job Description

Organizational Setting

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, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. Leaving no one behind.

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.

In the field of aquaculture, the GFCM 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture provides the tools to advance towards regional objectives. The work of the GFCM includes support to improved aquaculture governance and spatial planning, the promotion of ecosystem-based approaches, and the development of regional guidance on biosecurity and aquatic animal health. The GFCM also contributes to strengthening climate resilience and environmental monitoring in aquaculture, fostering inclusive growth in small scale and coastal aquaculture, and promoting innovation, technology transfer and capacity development through regional platforms and Aquaculture Demonstration Centres. In addition, the GFCM supports harmonized data collection and reporting systems to improve the quality of information available for decision making.

The position is located in the GFCM headquarters at Palazzo Bluminsthil (Via Vittoria Colonna 1, Rome, Italy).

Reporting Lines

The Senior Fishery Officer (Aquaculture) reports directly to the GFCM Executive Secretary, serving as a key liaison between the GFCM Secretariat, the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, and FAO Regional and Country Offices within the GFCM's area of competence.

Technical Focus

Actively contribute to the development and implementation of policies and work programs aimed at enhancing scientific advice for the GFCM on key aquaculture issues, including marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessment and monitoring, aquaculture production management, and responsible investment in aquaculture. Foster collaboration with technical experts to integrate innovative methodologies, improve the social acceptability of the sector, and strengthen data-driven decision-making. Additionally, lead capacity-building initiatives to support GFCM Members in adopting sustainable and socially responsible aquaculture practices, ensuring long-term sector resilience and stakeholder engagement. Ensure strategic coordination and engagement with GFCM Members, observers, and partner organizations, fostering collaboration, policy alignment, and the advancement of sustainable aquaculture initiatives at the regional and international levels.

Key Results

Leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development and implementation of Divisional programmes of work, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

Plans, manages or leads highly specialized or multidisciplinary teams; leads, coordinates and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups, and/or provides technical leadership/secretariat services on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
Analyses global and country specific requirements and relevant technical issues to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Framework, Programme of Work and Budget, work plans and the supporting budgets and/or resourcing strategies.
Implements and monitors programmes of work involving the development of the approach, evidence-based strategies and related tools, methodologies and the supporting system/database, monitoring and reporting frameworks.
Conducts, designs and oversees research and analysis activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovation, technical reports, publications and/or on-going programme development as well as the provision of technical and/or policy advisory services.
Provides technical and policy advice to Members and technical support to Decentralized Offices in the development and implementation of their programmes.
Leads and/or collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning and on-line tools.
Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.
Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

Leads and coordinates the work of the GFCM Aquaculture Team and Technical Advisory Groups, ensuring alignment with the Executive Secretary and other GFCM units.
Provides strategic guidance on aquaculture development and oversee expert meetings, working groups and major regional events.
Plans and guides multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective collaboration with the CAQ and ACBS on governance, economic, environmental and social aspects of aquaculture.
Oversees the preparation and implementation of work programmes under the CAQ and ACBS, ensuring the delivery of scientific and technical advice.
Ensures technical backstopping for GFCM aquaculture activities and field projects in line with the GFCM 2030 Strategy and regional priorities.
Coordinates aquaculture activities within the Aquaculture Demonstration Centres, promoting pilot actions transferable to GFCM Members.
Designs and implements capacity building programmes and technical assistance to support sustainable aquaculture development and national planning.
Provides technical leadership on marine spatial planning, environmental monitoring, responsible investment and aquaculture production management.
Prepares and reviews technical documents, guidelines, reports and recommendations, and provide policy advice at regional and national levels.
Fosters collaboration with GFCM Members, observers and partner organizations, and represent the GFCM in regional and international activities related to aquaculture.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in aquaculture, marine science, fisheries science, environmental science or another field relevant to aquaculture governance and development.
Ten years of relevant experience in aquaculture governance, policy development and strategic planning, with emphasis on marine and coastal aquaculture, hatchery systems and sustainable resource management.
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
Leading, Engaging and Empowering
Communication
Partnering and Advocating
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.
Proven expertise in regional aquaculture governance within RFMOs, particularly in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, with strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, sustainability challenges and decision-making processes.
Extensive experience in marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessment, responsible investment and approaches to enhancing the social acceptability of aquaculture.
Demonstrated leadership in coordinating regional or international aquaculture initiatives and developing policy and regulatory frameworks aligned with regional strategies and intergovernmental processes.
In-depth knowledge of aquaculture development in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, with direct experience collaborating with national authorities, scientific institutions, producer organizations and industry stakeholders.
Strong track record in supervising scientific and technical work, including guidelines, advisory frameworks and regulatory tools, and in providing technical assistance for national aquaculture strategies and governance frameworks.
Extensive experience in project evaluation, technical oversight and backstopping of aquaculture-related field activities, ensuring alignment with regional and international best practices.
Demonstrated ability to design, manage and implement capacity building programmes and field projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and fostering collaboration across institutions and expert networks.