The International Maritime Organization is offering a Junior Professional Officer opportunity in maritime security in London. Candidates need a relevant degree and at least two years of experience. Member State nomination deadline: 31 December 2026.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) opportunity for a Maritime Security Incident Response Officer within its Maritime Safety Division in London, United Kingdom.
The role focuses on maritime security monitoring, vessel and port data analysis, research and reporting on emerging maritime threats. The opportunity is financed through a sponsoring IMO Member State, and direct applications from individual candidates are not accepted.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | International Maritime Organization (IMO) |
| Position | Maritime Security Incident Response Officer |
| Programme | Junior Professional Officer (JPO) |
| Position number | JPO 26-03 |
| Admin number | ADMIN/26/20 |
| Division | Maritime Safety Division |
| Section | Maritime Security Section |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Contract | Initially 1 year, with possible yearly extensions |
| Maximum duration | Up to 3 years, subject to funding and satisfactory performance |
| Minimum experience | 2 years in a relevant field |
| Application route | Sponsoring Member State nomination |
| Nomination deadline | 31 December 2026 |
About the IMO JPO Opportunity
The IMO Junior Professional Officer Programme gives young professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience in international cooperation while contributing to the organisation’s work.
The Maritime Security Incident Response Officer will support the Maritime Safety Division in responding to emerging maritime security situations. The assignment combines data collection, analysis, threat monitoring and support for meetings and working groups.
The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the Maritime Safety Division, with guidance from the Head of the Maritime Security Section.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will help collect and analyse information related to maritime security and improve the Division’s awareness of developments affecting vessels and ports.
Responsibilities include:
- Collecting and analysing vessel and port data from different sources.
- Preparing concise analytical reports on collected information.
- Monitoring media reporting and emerging maritime security threats.
- Liaising with Member States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.
- Supporting meetings of the Maritime Safety Committee and Facilitation Committee.
- Providing secretariat support to working groups and correspondence groups.
- Performing other related duties assigned by the supervisor.
The position is particularly relevant to candidates with experience in maritime security, data management, research and analytical reporting.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the academic and professional requirements stated in the vacancy.
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must hold a university degree or equivalent qualification in maritime and port disciplines, data management, or a related equivalent qualification.
Professional Experience
Applicants need at least two years of demonstrated professional experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Maritime security.
- Implementation of maritime security measures adopted by IMO.
- Data analysis.
Experience in related professional activities, including other security-related fields, may also be considered.
The vacancy indicates that the ability to process, manage and analyse large quantities of data is preferred.
Technical and Professional Skills
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to prepare reports and briefing notes, conduct research and analysis, think strategically, and work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong organisational skills, initiative, discretion, accuracy and attention to detail are also important.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, particularly for preparing reports, briefs, presentations and analytical materials.
Language Requirements
An excellent command of written and spoken English is required.
Knowledge of other official IMO languages—French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian—is an advantage.
Contract Duration and Employment Conditions
The appointment is initially funded for one year, with the possibility of yearly extensions for a maximum total period of three years, subject to the sponsoring Member State’s funding and satisfactory performance.
JPOs are engaged at the P-2 level and receive substantive assignments alongside on-the-job training and familiarisation.
The position is funded by the nominating Member State, which is responsible for the associated costs under the programme’s financing arrangements.
Completion of the JPO assignment does not guarantee permanent employment with IMO.
How the Application Process Works
The IMO JPO Programme requires candidates to be nominated by a sponsoring Member State.
The organisation states that direct applications from candidates will not be accepted. Nominations must be submitted by the relevant Member State and include:
- A nomination letter from the sponsoring Member State.
- A covering letter from the candidate explaining their reasons for applying and relevant experience.
- An up-to-date IMO Personal History Form (PHF).
The sponsoring Member State must submit the nomination by email to rsd@imo.org, quoting the specific JPO position number in the subject line.
Candidates should contact the appropriate national authority to establish whether their country is willing to sponsor them and what internal selection procedure applies.
Application Deadline
The deadline for Member State nominations is:
31 December 2026
This is the deadline for nominations to reach IMO. Candidates should contact their national sponsoring authority well in advance because the authority may set an earlier deadline for receiving applications.
How to Apply
Review the official vacancy circular for the complete job description and application requirements.
Read the Official IMO JPO 26-03 Vacancy Circular
Explore the IMO Junior Professional Officer Programme
Eligible candidates should follow their sponsoring Member State’s instructions for the nomination process. Direct submissions to IMO by individual candidates will not be accepted.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to professionals with backgrounds in maritime security, maritime and port studies, data management, security analysis and international cooperation.
The role combines security monitoring with data analysis, written reporting and engagement with international stakeholders. Candidates should pay close attention to the two-year experience requirement and ensure that their academic qualifications align with the vacancy.
The sponsorship requirement is essential: candidates must secure nomination through an IMO Member State rather than applying directly to the organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMO JPO 26-03 position?
It is a Junior Professional Officer position titled Maritime Security Incident Response Officer within IMO’s Maritime Safety Division.
Where is the position based?
The position is associated with IMO’s headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants need a university degree or equivalent qualification in maritime and port disciplines, data management, or an equivalent relevant field.
How much work experience is required?
Candidates need at least two years of relevant professional experience in maritime security, implementation of IMO maritime security measures, data analysis or a related security field.
What is the contract duration?
The appointment is initially funded for one year, with possible yearly extensions up to a total of three years, subject to funding and satisfactory performance.
What is the salary?
The supplied vacancy states that JPOs are engaged at the P-2 level, but it does not specify an exact salary amount.
Can candidates apply directly to IMO?
No. Applications must be submitted through a sponsoring IMO Member State. Direct applications from individual candidates will not be accepted.
What documents are needed?
The sponsoring Member State’s nomination must include its nomination letter, the candidate’s covering letter and an up-to-date IMO Personal History Form.
When is the nomination deadline?
The deadline is 31 December 2026.
Does completing the programme guarantee a permanent IMO job?
No. IMO explicitly states that there is no expectation of permanent employment after the JPO assignment ends.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this vacancy for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the International Maritime Organization and do not recruit applicants on its behalf. Candidates should verify all requirements and nomination procedures through the official IMO vacancy circular and their relevant national authority before proceeding.
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