Programme Specialist

OVERVIEW

Position Number: IOC 312

Grade: P-4

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): 31/08/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General of UNESCO and Executive Secretary of IOC, and direct supervision from the Head of the Ocean Science Section, the incumbent serves as a Programme Specialist responsible for leading, managing and administering the IOC capacity development programme, including ocean literacy. As a cross-cutting programme, the capacity development and ocean literacy programme delivers across all sections and value chains of the IOC.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The incumbent will be driven by the priorities and directions set by IOC governing bodies and will provide international leadership in activities focused on building capacity and ocean literacy in IOC Member States across the IOC mandate including generating ocean understanding, application of tools and products for building understanding and managing ocean-based human activities, strengthening community resilience and meeting multi-lateral obligations.

The incumbent manages, advises and reports on regular and extra-budgetary programme design, guidelines, resources and progress that delivers to Member States, the capacity development and ocean literacy communities and the broader ocean observation, data, research and marine policy communities.

The incumbent works within the framework of UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved programme and budget (C/5s), the IOC Medium-term strategy (and any subsequent strategies), the IOC Capacity Development Strategy (2023-2030) and other relevant frameworks.

Long Description

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Head of Section and Executive Secretary, lead strategic planning, operations, partner engagement, negotiation and delivery of the capacity development and ocean literacy programme. The incumbent will coordinate and evolve capacity development and ocean literacy delivery in collaboration and coordination with other components of the programme, including the OceanTeacher Global Academy as well as with IOC sections, the IOC Regional Sub-Commissions and other relevant UN entities and stakeholders. The incumbent will lead horizon scanning and ensure the programme is agile and scalable to meet the changing needs of the IOC Member States and wider international community and to ensure efficiency of operations.

• Establish, maintain and widen relationships with Member States, particularly through the IOC Regional Sub-Commissions and their relevant capacity development and ocean literacy task teams as well as through OceanTeacher Global Academy Regional Training Centres and Specialist Training Centres, relevant programmes and projects in the international community, including research and operational institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations and philanthropy.

• Assist and motivate the Head of Section in managing projects and associated budgets and personnel ensuring effective and efficient delivery of activities in support of the IOC mandates, IOC Medium Term Strategy (2022-2029), the IOC capacity Development Strategy (2023-2030) and associated workplans. In collaboration with other members of the capacity development and ocean literacy programme and other programmes of the IOC, draft and oversee extra-budgetary project proposals, as well as the implementation of approved extra-budgetary projects. Provide terms of reference for, and monitor/evaluate progress of, temporary staff and contractors hired to provide project support. Inspire, engage and motivate staff in the programme to support a cohesive work environment.

• Develop a coherent narrative on an integrated approach to capacity development and ocean literacy and help project this narrative to external audiences including bilateral donors, other UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organization and the private sector. The incumbent will work across the various components of the IOC to develop and implement effective coordination mechanisms for capacity development and ocean literacy activities to create efficiencies and coherence in the way in which IOC delivers these activities, particularly within the context of the IOC Medium Term Strategy (2022-2029), the IOC capacity Development Strategy (2023-2030) and decisions made by the IOC Member States.

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• Independently lead and manage relevant steering, advisory or expert groups requested by the IOC Member States such as Groups of Experts, ensuring that associated Terms of Reference are delivered against and reported to IOC governing body meetings and the Executive Secretary and their Management Team where required.

• Lead additional work or projects of the IOC, including support to IOC Member States, as required under the IOC Medium Term Strategy (2022-2029) and its implementation plan, as guided by the Head of Section and/or the Executive Secretary.

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)
• 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 equivalent) in an ocean related field or education.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in marine education, capacity development and/or ocean literacy, of which preferably 3 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in designing, implementing, managing and evaluating international multidisciplinary programs or projects.
• Demonstrated experience in partnership building, resource mobilization and collaboration with governments, and various agencies and institutions.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise and coordinate teams effectively.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Solid knowledge of and connectivity with marine education capacity building and ocean literacy networks.
• Experience in identifying and setting strategic priorities and metrics for monitoring and evaluation.
• Very good communication skills (oral and written) with proven ability to make effective and persuasive oral presentations to both technical and general audiences.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in an ocean related field or education.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in knowledge dissemination, advocacy, or science communication.
• Proven track record in adapting and innovating program activities to address capacity development and ocean literacy needs and challenges.
• Experience working in multicultural and politically sensitive environments, demonstrating judgment and cultural awareness.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding and respect for due diligence, ensuring compliance, and intellectual property rights.
• Commitment to recognizing and valuing expert contributions, particularly in capacity development and ocean literacy.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish)

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 131,965 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.