Associate Project Officer (P-2)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, specifically the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe. Established to lead the Organization’s work in South-East Europe and the Mediterranean, UNESCO focuses on various sectors including Education, Natural Sciences, Culture, Ocean Literacy, and Cross-Sectoral initiatives. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting peace, sustainable development, and cultural understanding through education, science, and culture.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer (P-2) position is integral to the operational coordination of the EU4Ocean Platform, a flagship initiative launched by the European Commission aimed at mobilizing ocean literacy actors across Europe. The role involves supporting communication and visibility activities, as well as assisting in the day-to-day implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination with partners and donors. This position is crucial for fostering cooperation and strengthening collective actions in support of sustainable ocean management, contributing to the development of components such as Youth4Ocean, the Network of European Blue Schools, and the EU4Ocean Platform.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include supporting the operational coordination of the EU4Ocean Platform, which involves follow-up with Thematic Networking Groups, organizing and facilitating online meetings, trainings, and tailored presentations for Platform members, and maintaining updated records of Platform members and activities. The officer will also liaise with experts and stakeholders to support the implementation of priority ocean literacy activities. In terms of communication and visibility, the officer will contribute to the implementation of the Communication Plan, draft newsletters, web content, social media posts, and visibility materials, and support coordinated online campaigns. Additionally, the officer will assist in organizing capacity-building activities, provide logistical and substantive support for Youth4Ocean and Blue Schools-related actions, and coordinate with consultants and external contributors. Monitoring, reporting, and documentation are also key responsibilities, including collecting data related to performance indicators, drafting narrative reports for donors, and maintaining project documentation. Finally, the officer will engage with EU4Ocean stakeholders, consortium partners, and DG MARE to strengthen partnerships and outreach efforts.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Project Officer position include an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in marine science, environmental studies, sustainable development, international relations, communication, education, or a related field. Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in project coordination, communication, or stakeholder engagement, with experience in organizing events, webinars, or training activities being particularly valuable. Skills in client orientation, creativity and innovation, technological awareness, results-based management, and excellent drafting and communication skills are essential. The ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, experience with digital communication tools and online collaboration platforms, and the capacity to collect and analyze data for reporting purposes are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in fields related to marine science, environmental studies, sustainable development, international relations, communication, education, or other relevant disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of ocean literacy and sustainable management practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as project coordination, communication, or stakeholder engagement. This experience should ideally include organizing events, webinars, or training activities, demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage and execute projects effectively.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of French and other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a multilingual environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, which may be extended subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on June 4, 202

• The role offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary being USD 73,700, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks, and candidates will be informed of the outcome of their applications in due course.