Associate Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITIOC0003PA

Grade: P-2

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Venice

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 06/04/2026

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

The UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe leads the Organization’s work in South-East Europe and the Mediterranean across Education, Natural Sciences, Culture, Ocean Literacy, and Cross-Sectoral initiatives. Under the overall supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe (Venice), and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, IOC, the incumbent will work to achieve their responsibilities in close collaboration with other Regional Bureau teams, liaising as needed with IOC colleagues and relevant UNESCO units for technical and operational matters.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The European Commission launched the EU4Ocean Coalition as a flagship initiative to mobilize ocean literacy actors across Europe, foster cooperation, and strengthen collective actions in support of sustainable ocean management. Within this framework, UNESCO provides support to the EU4Ocean Coalition by leveraging its global mandate, expertise, and networks, and by contributing to the development of the Coalition’s three components: Youth4Ocean, the Network of European Blue Schools, and the EU4Ocean Platform.

The Associate Project Officer (P-2) will support the operational coordination of the EU4Ocean Platform, contribute to communication and visibility activities, and assist in the day-to-day implementation, monitoring and reporting of project activities, ensuring smooth coordination with partners, stakeholders and the donor.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EU4Ocean Platform Management
- Support the operational coordination of the EU4Ocean Platform, including follow-up with Thematic Networking Groups;
- Organize and facilitate online meetings, trainings and tailored presentations for Platform members
- Maintain updated records of Platform members and activities;
- Liaise with experts and stakeholders to support the implementation of priority OL activities.

Long Description

Communication and Visibility
- Contribute to the implementation of the Communication Plan
- Draft newsletters, web content, social media posts and visibility materials;
- Support coordinated online campaigns (including NEBS campaigns and EU4Ocean promotion);
- Ensure alignment with UNESCO communication guidelines.

Long Description

Support to Project Implementation
- Contribute to the organization of capacity-building activities (webinars, trainings, workshops);
- Provide logistical and substantive support for Youth4Ocean and Blue Schools-related actions when required;
- Coordinate with consultants and external contributors.

Long Description

Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation
- Collect data related to performance indicators (participants, outreach, outputs) in line with the M&E Framework
- Contribute to drafting narrative reports to the donor;
- Maintain project documentation and ensure proper record-keeping.

Partnership and  Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain regular communication with EU4Ocean stakeholders, consortium partners and DG MARE;
- Support outreach to new members and partner organizations;
- Contribute to strengthening synergies with Ocean Decade initiatives and relevant UNESCO networks.

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)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in marine science, environmental studies, sustainable development, international relations, communication, education, or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in project coordination, communication, or stakeholder engagement;
• Experience in organizing events, webinars or training activities.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Client orientation;
• Creativity and innovation;
• Technological awareness;
• Results-based management;
• Excellent drafting and communication skills;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines;
• Experience with digital communication tools and online collaboration platforms;
• Ability to collect and analyze data for reporting purposes.

LANGUAGES

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

Long Description

LANGUAGES

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 73,700.  

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.