Blue Ports Specialist (Infrastructure and environment)

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• 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 person 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 Focus

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 – port integration, thereby advancing the goals of the Blue Ports Initiative and FAO’s Roadmap to a Blue Port.

Tasks and responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Facilitate integrated infrastructure systems that enhance connectivity between maritime, coastal, and urban networks, optimizing intermodal logistics and supporting efficient fishing and processing operations.
• Provide technical guidance for project proposals, feasibility studies, and concept notes focused on infrastructure upgrades under the Blue Ports Initiative.
• Engage with port authorities, engineering teams, and stakeholders—including end users—to refine infrastructure designs, secure resources, and oversee pilot projects, ensuring gender and youth inclusion in decision-making.
• 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.
• Organize and facilitate multisectoral dialogues, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations to align environmental friendly infrastructure development with the Blue Ports Initiative’s strategic objectives.
• Serve as a liaison between technical teams, port authorities, government agencies, and private sector partners to foster collaboration and resource mobilization.
• 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.
• Prepare technical reports, progress updates, and lessons learned to support continuous improvement in infrastructure planning and implementation.
• Monitor emerging trends and innovations in sustainable port infrastructure, adapting solutions to the specific environmental and socioeconomic conditions of fishing ports.
• Identify and recommend smart port technologies, eco-friendly construction methods, and innovative equipment that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
• 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

• Advanced degree in engineering, maritime infrastructures, or related field.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of English. Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in port infrastructure assessment, development, and management, with a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
• Extent and relevance of experience in integrating renewable energy solutions, smart technologies, and eco-friendly materials into port infrastructure projects.
• Extent and relevance of experience in stakeholder engagement and participatory planning, particularly with port authorities, government agencies, and fishing communities.
• Familiarity with international standards and best practices, including ISO 50001 (energy management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), MARPOL Convention, and Green Port frameworks.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive infrastructure assessments, identifying gaps, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for improvement in fishing ports and landing sites.
• Ability to develop feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and technical proposals for infrastructure investment and upgrade projects.
• Experience in designing and implementing monitoring frameworks and KPIs to assess the impact of infrastructure improvements on energy efficiency, environmental performance, and operational effectiveness.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the capacity to present findings and advocate for sustainable infrastructure solutions at conferences and policy forums.
• Knowledge of Porguguese is desirable.

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

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
• 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.

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