Head of the UNESCO-IOC Secretariat for the ICG/IOTWMS

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 4AUIOC0006PA

Grade: P-4

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Perth

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 28/09/2026

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

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General and Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (ADG/IOC), and the supervision of the Head of Tsunami Resilience Section (TRS), the incumbent will provide Secretariat support for the effective functioning of the UNESCO-IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS).

There are four intergovernmental tsunami warning and mitigation systems that work under the governance of the UNESCO-IOC Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards related to sea level Warning and mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG). The ICG/IOTWMS consists of 25 active Member States. Secretariat support is provided by two full-time staff based at Regional Office of Australian Bureau of Meteorology in Perth, Australia

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

For donors, stakeholders, and partners the incumbent will provide a reliable source of authoritative knowledge on the status of tsunami warning and mitigation systems and be recognised as a team leader capable of integrating the resources required towards maintaining and developing these systems and the capacity of Member States.   

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Head of Tsunami Resilience Section (TRS):

1.         Provide leadership in Secretariat support to help develop, implement, and coordinate services, scientific and technical work programmes of the diverse and multi-cultural ICG/IOTWMS, including support and coordination of its Officers and Working Groups and Task Teams, as well as other relevant projects and programmes carried out, convening all-inclusive meetings and workshops as required within the ICG/IOTWMS framework.

2.         Support the implementation of the ICG/IOTWMS work programme by:

(a) monitoring the implementation of work plans and related extra-budgetary projects and advising of status and development; (b) preparing reports, memoranda and other substantive documents; (c) developing strategic plans to translate strategy into priorities and action; (d) liaising with relevant regional subsidiary bodies of the IOC on ICG/IOTWMS related matters; (e) reviewing relevant literature and identifying emerging issues; (f) identifying and managing risks associated with implementing agreed outcomes; and (g) ensuring conformity and compliance of administrative actions with UNESCO rules and regulations, policies, project and communication strategies and, as applicable, Office procedures and practice.

3.         Ensure effective, coordinated and transparent management of the resources put at the disposal of the IOC by Member States, including coordination of field missions, organisation of training activities, meetings and workshops, as well as provision of regular substantive implementation status reports both to donors and to IOC Governing Bodies and Member States.

4.         Undertake capacity development in tsunami warning systems and preparedness by: (a) supporting and coordinating efforts for the reinforcement of capacity in Member States in the establishment of Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Systems as part of the cross-cutting Capacity Development Programme of IOC, and with national, regional and international organisations and institutions, in particular the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the UN Development Programme Asia Pacific Regional Centre (UNDP APRC); (b) coordinating and advising the contribution of Working Groups and Task Teams in developing guidelines and standards and transfer of knowledge through training, preparation of manuals and guides in close collaboration with other relevant partners and programmes within and outside UNESCO.

5.         Support the harmonisation of the Global Tsunami Early Warning System by providing secretariat support to UNESCO-IOC TOWS-WG and its task teams, and through collaboration with other members of the Tsunami Resilient Section supproting the ICGs of other regions. 

6.      Manage the staff of the ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat in Perth, Western Australia, conducting mid-term and final staff assessments by the stipulated deadlines, as well as manage external consultants contracted to support work programme related activities.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing and coordinating research and/or project work and/or operational services in the field of coastal hazards or disaster risk reduction, with minimum of three (3) years experience at the international level, including experience within the United Nations system.
• Experience working with the scientific and/or disaster management community, and with government representatives and officials in diverse cultural environments.
• Research or operational experience in Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Systems.
• Experience in advocacy, resource and partnership mobilization.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and expertise in ocean observing techniques, tsunami generation, tsunami warning production and dissemination, tsunami disaster management and preparedness.Good understanding of relevant intergovernmental cooperation and frameworks.
• Proven ability to plan strategically and translate strategy into priorities and action.
• Good research, analytical and problem solving ability, and in the application of sound and good judgement.
• Project management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Ability to draft reports in a concise style and communicate complex scientific and disaster management issues to a broader audience including Government authorities and national national representatives, highlighting achievements, challenges and risks, preparing informal briefings, updates and other related documents.
• Proven capacity in writing funding proposals and good record of achievements in this area.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations within a multi-cultural environment; ability to work collaboratively to achieve organisational goals.
•  Ability to effectively lead and supervise a team in a focused manner to provide support services to the diverse and multi-cultural ICG/IOTWMS.
• Ability to plan own work and to manage work of staff and consultants with minimum direct supervision. Flexible and the ability to manage conflicting priorities and to work under pressure.

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of English (verbal and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Long Description

LANGUAGES

•    Working knowledge of French language.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 120 265 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.