Organizational Setting
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. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI) is responsible for the economic, social, institutional, governance and policy aspects of FAO's activities related to fisheries and aquaculture and their development, with particular emphasis on human well-being, food well-being of fishing communities; collection, compilation, validation, trend analysis and dissemination of the best available and up-to-date fishery statistics and for the syndication of the FAO information on all aspects of world fisheries and aquaculture. The security and poverty reduction; post-harvest utilization, marketing and trade with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the Division is also responsible for FAO's activities related to the management and conservation of the living aquatic resources used by fisheries and aquaculture, including the biodiversity and ecosystem maintenance, with particular emphasis on most vulnerable and threatened species and habitats; management of responsible fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with modern management standards and best practices; development of fisheries technology, with due regard to the protection of the environment, food security and the well-being of fishing communities, including the safety of fishers and fishing vessels.
Reporting Lines
The Blue Ports specialist (infrastructure and environment) reports to the Senior Fishery Officer (Fish Value Chain), Value Chain Development Team (NFIMV)
Technical Focusย
Strengthen the physical infrastructure of fishing ports to support sustainable, resilient, and integrated port transformation. The incumbent will design, evaluate, and guide environmentally friendly infrastructure improvements that foster smart connectivity, environmental resilience, fishing operations, city โ port integration, thereby advancing the goals of the Blue Ports Initiative and FAOโs Roadmap to a Blue Port.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Conduct comprehensive infrastructure assessments in fishing ports, evaluating terminals, landing sites, access routes, energy systems, digital connectivity, and environmental management systems to identify gaps and vulnerabilities, ensuring environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and accessibility for fishing operators.
โข ย ย Analyse the capacity of port infrastructure to support renewable energy integration, digitalization, and circular economy principles while enhancing resilience to climate change and environmental impacts.
โข ย ย Develop strategic infrastructure improvement plans tailored to the socioeconomic and environmental context of each port or landing site, ensuring alignment with sustainability and resilience objectives.
โข ย ย Integrate best practices in eco-friendly and sustainable construction, renewable energy, smart port technologies, and eco-friendly design, considering marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate adaptation measures.
โข ย ย Facilitate integrated infrastructure systems that enhance connectivity between maritime, coastal, and urban networks, optimizing intermodal logistics and supporting efficient fishing and processing operations.
โข ย ย Provide technical guidance for project proposals, feasibility studies, and concept notes focused on infrastructure upgrades under the Blue Ports Initiative.
โข ย ย Engage with port authorities, engineering teams, and stakeholdersโincluding end usersโto refine infrastructure designs, secure resources, and oversee pilot projects, ensuring gender and youth inclusion in decision-making.
โข ย ย Ensure compliance with international standards such as ISO 50001 (energy management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), MARPOL regulations, and any other sustainable maritime and port management guidelines.
โข ย ย Organize and facilitate multisectoral dialogues, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations to align environmental friendly infrastructure development with the Blue Ports Initiativeโs strategic objectives.
โข ย ย Serve as a liaison between technical teams, port authorities, government agencies, and private sector partners to foster collaboration and resource mobilization.
โข ย ย Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring frameworks to evaluate the impact of infrastructure improvements in terms of energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
โข ย ย Prepare technical reports, progress updates, and lessons learned to support continuous improvement in infrastructure planning and implementation.
โข ย ย Monitor emerging trends and innovations in sustainable port infrastructure, adapting solutions to the specific environmental and socioeconomic conditions of fishing ports.
โข ย ย Identify and recommend smart port technologies, eco-friendly construction methods, and innovative equipment that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
โข ย ย Contribute to the Blue Ports Initiative knowledge base by preparing case studies, technical briefs, and participating in relevant publications, conferences, and knowledge-sharing activities.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Advanced degree in engineering, maritime infrastructures, or related field.
โข ย ย At least 10 years (for category A), 5 years (category B) or 1 year (for category C) of relevant experience in marine infrastructures under environmentally friendly schemes.ย
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English. Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Work experience in port infrastructure assessment, development, and management, with a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in integrating renewable energy solutions, smart technologies, and eco-friendly materials into port infrastructure projects.
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in stakeholder engagement and participatory planning, particularly with port authorities, government agencies, and fishing communities.
โข ย ย Familiarity with international standards and best practices, including ISO 50001 (energy management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), MARPOL Convention, and Green Port frameworks.
โข ย ย Ability to conduct comprehensive infrastructure assessments, identifying gaps, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for improvement in fishing ports and landing sites.
โข ย ย Ability to develop feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and technical proposals for infrastructure investment and upgrade projects.
โข ย ย Experience in designing and implementing monitoring frameworks and KPIs to assess the impact of infrastructure improvements on energy efficiency, environmental performance, and operational effectiveness.
โข ย ย Strong oral and written communication skills, with the capacity to present findings and advocate for sustainable infrastructure solutions at conferences and policy forums.
โข ย ย Knowledge of Porguguese is desirable.