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DIRECTOR, UN OCEAN DECADE COORDINATION

OVERVIEW

Position Number: IOC 002

Grade: D-1

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 08/07/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the leading body within the United Nations for ocean science, including international cooperation and coordination of programmes in marine sciences, observations, ocean services and capacity development. IOC enables Member States to improve ocean understanding and management, contributing to sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda (especially SDG 14), disaster risk reduction, climate action and resilience. IOC leads the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021—2030) and works across multiple thematic areas including global ocean observing systems, tsunami early warning and ocean literacy.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary and Assistant Director-General for IOC (ADG/IOC), the incumbent plays a strategic role in optimizing collaboration across IOC sections and regional sub-commissions, including within the framework of the IOC wide strategy for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade). He/she is responsible for ensuring effective outcomes of the work of the Decade Coordination Unit (DCU) by providing strategic and operational leadership to the implementation of the Ocean Decade, and to leverage the impact of the Decade to strengthen IOC's core programmatic work. He/she will be responsible for the successful implementation of the IOC wide strategy for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management as a strategic framework for coordinated support to SOPM in Member States. An important component of the work will be to guide the implementation of regional programmes implemented through IOC Sub-Commissions, in collaboration with IOC Sections, to effectively deliver the overall IOC programme and budget, as well as liaison with UN and non-UN partners to facilitate effective collaboration across the science policy interface.

The incumbent will lead and oversee the implementation of a range of activities and projects financed by the Regular Programme (assessed contributions) and extrabudgetary funds (voluntary contributions); assessing performance and guiding horizontal workflows; developing coordinated and cross-cutting strategies in response to the evolving ocean policy landscape, approaches and frameworks; implementing and managing change; supporting the mobilization of extra-budgetary resources. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing key partnerships including with the private sector, civil society and other UN agencies and representing the IOC in high level meetings and forums.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ocean Decade coordination

Act as Director of the Decade Coordination Unit, overseeing the development and implementation of the Ocean Decade, goals and objectives, including a result-based approach, and translate the vision of the Ocean Decade into an ecosystem of Decade Actions and coordination structures that are delivering effective knowledge to inform policy and decision making to and beyond 2030;
Advising and engaging Member States in the implementation of the Decade, including through the provision of intergovernmental and strategic oversight, the establishment of national coordination mechanisms, and participation in Decade Programmes, and regular review of the Decade strategic ambitions as defined through the Vision 2030 process;
Guide the tracking of progress of the Decade through effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism and facilitate reporting to IOC and UNESCO Governing Bodies, as well as to other relevant UN entities (e.g. UN General Assembly) as well as identifying opportunities to continuously strengthen the engagement of UN entities in the Decade;
Elevate the IOC Decade coordination function and steer authoritatively the implementation of the Decade in collaboration with relevant UN entities through mechanisms such as UN-Oceans;
Enhance cooperation, and communication between stakeholders, including the private sector, as well as the development of partnerships aimed at fast-tracking the generation and application of ocean knowledge and update at policy/society level, ensuring wherever relevant optimal contributions of IOC programmes;
Develop and implement innovative approaches and tools to strengthen the uptake of science and knowledge generated through the Decade to inform policy and decision making and coordinate their replication and scaling more broadly across IOC;
Work across IOC programmes and regional sub-commissions to leverage the impact of the Decade to strengthen IOC's core programmatic work, the role of IOC within the UN system and the role of the regional sub-commissions as the leading regional ocean science coordination bodies;

Long Description

Implementation of a coordinated IOC wide approach to Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM)

Lead the work of IOC related to SOPM including coordination and tracking of the implementation of the IOC-wide strategy on SOPM. This includes working across IOC programmes and regional sub-commissions to coordinate the development of a coherent and fit for purpose ocean science value chain that builds on other initiatives such as the IOC Data Architecture to deliver relevant data, information and knowledge to support SOPM activities in Member States and by partners;
Consult with Member States, including in SIDS and LDCs, on priority needs in SOPM and develop and lead implementation of initiatives to provide technical support and capacity development. Lead resource mobilisation efforts to support these efforts;
Provide support to regional sub-commissions to effectively implement SOPM activities with Member States taking into account specific needs of SIDS and LDCs;
Liaise with UN and external partners working on SOPM to identify synergies and develop collaborations and partnerships to support IOC to achieve its mandate in relation to SOPM;
Lead outreach efforts to enhance the role of IOC as a leader of SOPM approaches within the UN system and with external partners;
Guide the implementation of the Decade SOP programme, facilitating the establishment of institutional partnerships and ensuring strong Member State buy-in the design and delivery of SOP resources at national level and leveraging the outcomes of the programme to support long-term IOC activities in SOPM;

Long Description

Regions and programmatic design

Provide strategic guidance and supervision to the heads of the regional IOC Secretariats in priority setting, work-planning, resource mobilisation and partnership development to deliver in line with the IOC Results Framework and Secretariat Implementation Plan;
Facilitate regular exchange and collaboration between heads of regional IOC secretariats, Heads of Section and other senior staff to ensure that global programmatic priority setting reflects regional priorities of Member States and continuously develop and implement measures to ensure that Member States of regional subcommissions and regional partners inform overall IOC priority setting and planning;
Monitor the effectiveness and impact of regional programmes, work with the heads of regional IOC Secretariats to adopt corrective measures as needed to ensure strong delivery, and coordinate reporting from IOC Sub-commissions to IOC governing bodies;
Support and promote the participation of IOC Sub-commissions' Secretariats in the development and implementation of extra-budgetary projects to meet identified priorities;
Steer the priority setting and work-planning of the IOC Sub-Commissions towards enhanced science/policy relevance and delivery towards relevant regional ocean policy/management frameworks;
Ensure the meaningful contribution of the IOC Sub-Commissions to the effective outcomes of the Ocean Decade through strategic guidance to regional coordination structures and catalysis of regional Decade Actions aligned with IOC's mandate;

Long Description

Policy development and Strategic issues

Identify focus areas for collaborative work between Member States aligned with the overall IOC Medium Term Strategy, IOC Results Framework and its contribution to global ocean governance processes and frameworks (Agenda 2030 /UNOC, Sendai Framework, UNFCCC, CBD Global Biodiversity Framework and UNCLOS/BBNJ) and in support of science-based approaches to the sustainable ocean economy;
Monitor technical advancements in ocean management and science-based applications, and identify marine policy requirements, particularly those emerging from UN frameworks. Establish, maintain, strengthen and expand research and policy partnerships with a high-level network of partners, including with academia, intergovernmental organizations, government bodies, the private sector, media leaders, civil society organizations, academia, UNESCO Chairs, Category 2 Centres, Decade Collaborative Centres and other relevant bodies;
In line with the IOC Results Framework, propose priorities for and coordinate the development of IOC decision support input to Member States and multilateral processes. Provide strategic input regarding ocean policy development and contributions of IOC to relevant UN inter-agency processes such as UN-Oceans, the World Ocean Assessment, the SG report on Ocean, UN-ICP and generally support higher level of visibility of IOC's work at the UN;
Recommend programme and project approaches, plans, expansions, and changes; and develop and propose policy-relevant activities, to be approved by IOC governing bodies; and
Act as focal point within IOC for ocean related activities within UNESCO sectors, and lead reporting to UNESCO Governing Bodies on relevant issues.

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Assume other duties as requested such as:

Represent IOC in high level internal and external meetings and conferences;
Participate in senior management mechanisms established within IOC and other structures of UNESCO;
Lead efforts to engage in interdisciplinary work within IOC and with UNESCO sectors.

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.ora/en and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy for 2022—2029), 43 C/5 (UNESCO's Draft Programme and Budget for 2026—2029 quadrennium) and IOC's Medium-Term Strategy for 2022—2029

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

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of Ocean sciences, Marine Sciences or a field related to the IOC programme.

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively relevant professional experience, with a focus on Marine Sciences or related fields, including at least five years at the international level.
Strong experience of trends, demands and challenges in ocean sciences and management, including in developing countries.
Proven track record of successfully establishing and maintaining partnerships at a global, local and community level.
Proven capacity to connect with leading institutions related to Marine Sciences, and a strong knowledge of state-of-the-art research in the field of Ocean strategies.
Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resource mobilization.
Strong and proven record of innovative applied research.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of, and commitment to, UNESCO’s mandate, vision, strategic direction, and priorities.
Capacity for institutional leadership, a high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, and an ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large and diverse body of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, and to oversee ongoing training and staff development.
Ability to identify key strategic issues and opportunities, and associated risks.
Demonstrated strategic planning and excellent management abilities, including a capacity to administer multiple programmes and projects, financial and human resources, while exercising appropriate supervision and controls.
Excellent organizational skills, including the capacity to establish plans, priorities, and to implement them effectively.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage relationships at all levels.
Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing; and demonstrated ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge and drafting skills of one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

Professional experience in the United Nations System and/or in the field of international multilateral setting organizations.

Long Description

LANGUAGES

Working knowledge of the Organization’s second language (English or French).
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian).

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 USD 184 832.

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.

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