Individual Consultant (Marine Biodiversity)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Bangkok

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31-JUL-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background and Rationale

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the United Nations body for ocean science, ocean observation, ocean services and capacity development. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity building to learn more about the nature and resources of the oceans and coastal areas, and to apply this knowledge to improve management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment and the decision-making processes of States. IOC has been designated as the coordinating agency for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (Hereafter referred to as “Ocean Decade”).

The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is the regional arm of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC) for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. The Sub-Commission carries forward the IOC’s mission in the region, advancing ocean knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and catalyzing ocean science solutions for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources.

While serving as the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission, the WESTPAC Office assumes additional function as the Decade Coordination Office responsible for coordinating Decade Actions across all Ocean Decade Challenges in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. Hosted by the Government of Thailand, the Office is situated in the Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok. It is administratively attached to the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration in achieving the objectives set forth by the IOC and UNESCO.

We are looking for a qualified consultant to fill the role of “Marine Biodiversity Programme Officer” and support a variety of tasks related to the implementation of the Ocean Decade in the region.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok), and the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/DCO, the Individual Specialist shall be responsible for the programme development and implementation pertaining to marine biodiversity and ecosystem in the framework of IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The Individual Specialist shall perform the following specific assignments:

• Lead and coordinate the development and implementation of WESTPAC marine biodiversity and ecosystem related programmes and activities;
• Identify or respond to emerging issues, and develop strategies, programmes, or activities aligned with the mission of the IOC and WESTPAC, aimed at achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly its SDG 14, and the Ocean Decade;
• Provide assistance to member states, institution and relevant networks in the region in project development, implementation and evaluation. This includes monitoring and analyzing project progress, reviewing documents, preparing reports, liaising with relevant stakeholders, and identifying and tracking follow-up actions;
• Foster partnerships and pursue fund-raising opportunities with various stakeholders, including national governmental agencies, research institutes, universities, international organizations and/or programmes, and donor communities;
• Organize workshops, meetings,  and capacity building and awareness raising activities aligned with the overall mission;
• Deliver timely information on science advances, programmatic directions, and new opportunities to diverse audiences;
• Undertake other relevant assignments as instructed by the Head of WESTPAC Office
• Submit to UNESCO the following deliverables:
  • The consultant will produce work products associated with the Specific Tasks outlined above and participate in meetings as well as provide deliverables, and regular updates on progress by the end of the month

In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the consultant is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILL REQUIRED

Education

• Advanced University Degree in the field of ocean science, environmental science, ocean management, programme development and management

Work Experience

• At least 5-7 years’ professional international experience, including demonstrated experience in marine biodiversity related programme development and management
• Fundraising, partnership development and resource mobilization experience

Skills/Competencies

• Agility and flexibility; ability to meet tight deadlines and manage changing priorities
• Highly organized, be able to work on several tasks simultaneously, be able to prioritize and to utilize efficient time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate and work in a team in a multicultural environment

Languages

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and attention to detail

Desirable Qualification

• The consultant is also expected to have a deep understanding of the United Nations system, the IOC-UNESCO and the Ocean Decade and its significance.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested individuals are invited to submit to UNESCO Bangkok Office the specific requirements through careers.unesco.org. A consortium of individuals is also permitted to apply for the consultancy.

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the document, at the end of the word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information:

• An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work with a list of past similar work or report/publication written with hyperlinks to access such paper if they are available online or samples of such papers if they are only available offline.
• A brief technical proposal (1-2 pages) discussing the approach/methodology to undertake the assignment.
• The proposed fee in US dollars to undertake the assignment. Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately.

Note:  

• Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process.
• Please submit your application through SuccessFactors. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in system, please inform us at iocwestpac@unesco.org.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice and may include a competency-based interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization best value for money.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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