Director of the Decade Coordination Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on ocean science and its applications. Established in 1960, the IOC aims to promote international cooperation and coordination in marine science, observations, and capacity development. The organization plays a crucial role in enhancing the understanding and management of ocean resources, contributing to sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which focuses on life below water. The IOC operates globally, engaging with member states to improve ocean governance and management, and it is involved in various initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

Job Overview:
The Director of the Decade Coordination Unit will play a pivotal role in leading the implementation of the Ocean Decade, ensuring that its goals and objectives are met through effective collaboration across various IOC sections and regional sub-commissions. This position requires strategic and operational leadership to optimize the impact of the Decade on IOC's core programmatic work. The incumbent will oversee the Decade Coordination Unit, guiding the implementation of the IOC-wide strategy for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM). The role involves engaging with member states, facilitating partnerships, and ensuring that the Decade's initiatives are effectively integrated into regional and global ocean governance frameworks. The Director will also be responsible for mobilizing resources and establishing key partnerships with various stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to enhance the effectiveness of ocean science and management initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the Director of the Decade Coordination Unit, overseeing the development and implementation of the Ocean Decade, ensuring alignment with its goals and objectives.
• Advise and engage member states in the Decade's implementation, establishing national coordination mechanisms and facilitating participation in Decade Programmes.
• Guide the tracking of progress through effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, facilitating reporting to IOC and UNESCO governing bodies.
• Elevate the IOC Decade coordination function, enhancing cooperation and communication between stakeholders, including the private sector.
• Develop and implement innovative approaches to strengthen the uptake of science and knowledge generated through the Decade.
• Lead the work related to Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management, coordinating the development of a coherent ocean science value chain.
• Consult with member states on priority needs in SOPM and lead resource mobilization efforts.
• Provide strategic guidance to regional IOC Secretariats, ensuring alignment with IOC's Results Framework.
• Monitor the effectiveness of regional programmes and coordinate reporting from IOC Sub-commissions. 1
• Identify focus areas for collaborative work between member states and propose priorities for IOC decision support input. 1
• Represent IOC in high-level meetings and conferences, engaging in interdisciplinary work within IOC and UNESCO sectors.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Ocean sciences, Marine Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively relevant professional experience, with a focus on Marine Sciences or related fields.
• At least five years of experience at the international level.
• Strong experience in ocean sciences and management, particularly in developing countries.
• Proven track record of establishing and maintaining partnerships at various levels.
• Demonstrated capacity to connect with leading institutions in Marine Sciences and knowledge of state-of-the-art research in ocean strategies.
• Experience in advocacy and resource mobilization, with a strong record of innovative applied research.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Ocean sciences or Marine Sciences. This educational background is essential to ensure that the incumbent has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively lead initiatives related to ocean science and management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively relevant professional experience, with a significant focus on Marine Sciences or related fields. Candidates should have at least five years of experience working at the international level, demonstrating a strong understanding of the trends, demands, and challenges in ocean sciences and management, particularly in the context of developing countries. Proven experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships at various levels is crucial, as is a strong track record in advocacy and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French) are mandatory. A working knowledge of the Organization’s second language is desirable. Additionally, knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian) would be an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is USD 184,832, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are required to complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may include various assessments and interviews. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.