but in the UK and Ireland becomming an AFISO is works along the same lines as becomming a controller - you don't go and get a licence off your own back and then job hunt with it; it's always done through the airport that needs the AFISO.
NOT SO! I recently obtained a FISO licence off my own back and work on a part time basis as a FISO at my local aerodrome. My main career is not in aviation and there wasnt a urge for me to obtain a licence but I decided that I wanted to get one and the aerodrome are now happy for me to train there.
Despite a previous career as an airline pilot I beleive one still needs to study and pass the 2 papers in Law & Procedures and Nav & Met held quarterly at SRG Gatwick each year as I did.