Programme Specialist (Global Ocean Observing System)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: IOC 443

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

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 07/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) brings together countries, institutions, scientists, and ocean professionals to observe the ocean in a coordinated, sustained, and globally integrated way. GOOS is co-sponsored by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, as lead agency, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Science Council (ISC). GOOS is at the core of global efforts to observe the ocean and deliver the global infrastructure required to deliver the essential ocean variable (EOV) data needed to understand our changing ocean.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the general supervision of the Head of Section, the incumbent serves as Programme Specialist responsible for managing and ministering GOOS operations. The post will provide international leadership in ocean observation system coordination and its support by Member States.

The incumbent also manages, advises and reports on regular and extra-budgetary programme design as well as progress within the context of coordination with, and guidance to, Member States and the ocean observation, data, research and marine policy communities.

The incumbent works within the framework of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C4s), the approved programme and budget (C5s), the IOC Medium-term strategy (and any subsequent strategies), the GOOS workplan and other relevant frameworks.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Partnerships

• Working with the Head of Section, GOOS Steering Committee and Executive Secretary, support delivery of the GOOS strategy and workplan, including strengthening engagement with Member States and GOOS sponsors, GOOS components and expert groups as well as relevant stakeholders.

Manage GOOS operations

• Take responsibility for technical operations, engagement and reporting in collaboration with IOC, WMO and OceanOPS, GOOS expert panels and observations coordination group. Strengthen and widen relationships for delivery of the global ocean observing system and FAIR data flow for all essential ocean variables. Promote innovation, standards and best practice.

Evolve applications focus

• Enable delivery of ocean observations for applications (operational services, climate and ocean health). Support evolving system design, application requirements and development of success metrics.

Long Description

Manage budget and projects

• Manage a portion of the section budget, personnel, and project tracking and execution, ensuring smooth delivery of activities in support of the IOC and GOOS mandates and workplans. Lead additional regular and/or extrabudgetary work of the IOC and/or GOOS as needed.

Advance communications

• Support active internal and external communications, informing IOC Member States on progress and stimulating relevant actions at the national level. Increase visibility, resources and partnerships for GOOS, including to advance the use and impact of ocean observations and demonstrate their benefits.

Lead additional work or projects of the IOC

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 or equivalent) in oceanography, marine science, earth system science, marine technology, environmental science, or a related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience with preferably three (3) years acquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in strategizing and managing large-scale projects or programmes.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of ocean observing system design, data management and technologies.
• Solid knowledge of the global ocean observing system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions, and manage risk.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and maintain partnerships, and to coordinate, negotiate and deal with partners and networks.
• Ability to monitor project feasibility and identify and pursue potential collaborations.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within deadlines and institutional frameworks.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to collaborate with different audiences.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• An advanced University degree (PhD) related to the field of oceanography, marine science, earth system science, marine technology, environmental science, or related discipline and/or equivalent professional experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience working within the United Nations system or an international organization.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to integrate elements of multiple agendas into relevant projects, programmes and actions.
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, 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.