The Organization may at times require the assistance of senior professionals from Member States at no cost to IMO, for periods of a limited duration. Senior Professionals provide high‑level technical expertise and/or advise in areas where the Organization lacks resources or specific knowledge.

Senior Professional positions are nominated and financed by a Member State. Only nominations submitted through the respective sponsoring Member State will be considered. No direct applications will be accepted.

Senior Professional positions are independent from, and additional to, the posts financed by the Organization's regular budget. In nominating candidates for a position in the programme, sponsoring Member States agree to bear the responsibility of all costs related to the Senior Professional.