Head, Instruments Implementation Support

  • Organization: IMO - International Maritime Organization
  • Location:
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2026-01-06

Title: Head, Instruments Implementation Support

Vacancy Reference: V.N. 25-36

Location: TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION DIVISION

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Contract Hours: Fixed Term (Professional and Higher categories)

Role: Fixed Term (Professional and Higher categories)

Salary:

US$101,540 net per annum, plus post adjustment (currently US$76,257). Salary is free of income tax in the United Kingdom

Date of Issue: 16/12/2025

Deadline for Applications: 06/01/2026

Purpose for the Post

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (TCID) and immediate supervision and direction of the Deputy Director, Sub-Division for Member State Audit and Implementation Support, TCID, the incumbent will propose related policies, as well as manage and coordinate the delivery of various aspects of instruments implementation support (IIS), through the timely management of various components of the IIS programme and related workload, as well as organize and direct the delivery of related activities under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).

The Instruments Implementation Support (IIS) section deals with cross-cutting instruments implementation support (including casualty investigation, port State control outreach/reporting, survey and certification, and compliance facilitation) and provision of related technical assistance to Member States under the IMO's integrated thematic approach.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Direct and supervise the activities of Instruments Implementation Support (IIS) and manage the human and financial resources assigned to the IIS area of work in an effective and efficient manner, including through the provision of strategic guidance for the development of the matters under the responsibility of IIS;
  2. Assist in the formulation of the IIS overall strategy and work programme on IIS and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the Deputy Director; 
  3. Manage the human and financial resources assigned to the IIS area of work, as well as assisting the Deputy Director in reporting on budget/programme performance and prepare inputs for results-based budgeting; 
  4. Formulate policies and identify, analyse, develop, monitor and coordinate responsibilities of, and opportunities for the Secretariat, related to the support to the implementation of instruments under his/her purview, as entrusted;
  5. Direct and provide supervision and coordination of the work of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III), including acting as the Secretary of the Sub-Committee;
  6. Provide direction on the provision of information to Member States, the UN and its specialized agencies, international organizations, industry, research establishments etc.; and to other divisions of the Secretariat on matters falling within the purview of Instruments Implementation Support;
  7. Provide strategic monitoring and supervision in the management of IMO number schemes;
  8. Manage the identification of trends and development of knowledge and risk-based recommendations based, in particular, on the analysis of the outcome of IMSAS; casualty investigation, port State control (PSC), survey and certification, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing-related activities data; the harmonization of PSC activities and procedures worldwide; IMO number schemes; the investigation of casualties and survey and certification-related matters;
  9. Provide leadership for relevant tasks associated with information systems and digitalisation in support of a knowledge and information-based Organization, in particular, on user-related aspects of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System;
  10. Direct and supervise outreach activities to support the implementation of IMO instruments in order to enhance transparency, understanding, adherence and compliance by Member Governments and the industry at large;
  11. Provide leadership and support the organization of IMO-sponsored meetings in relation to the harmonization of PSC activities, casualty investigation, survey and certification,  support the work related to the IUU fishing and UNLOCODES in cooperation with relevant UN agencies;
  12. Provide leadership and supervise capacity-building projects within the purview of Instruments Implementation Support, in particular, relating to the investigation of marine casualties and incidents; port State control; IUU fishing-related matters and survey and certification, within the IMO's integrated thematic approach;
  13. Represent the Organization at external conferences, seminars, symposiums, training courses, meetings and similar events; provide specific information, deliver lectures or present papers, in particular, on matters relating to implementation of instruments support; casualty investigation; survey and certification; IUU fishing and port State control; and
  14. Carry out other related duties, as and when required.

Required Competencies

  1. In-depth knowledge of IMO instruments related to safety, security and environment protection.
  2. Proven organizational skills in coordinating activities and resources, with the ability to focus on outcomes and thorough implementation of activities.
  3. Ability to provide technical and administrative oversight and ability to draft related documents and present complex issues in a clear and accurate manner.
  4. Strong leadership and decision-making skills and ability to manage and develop staff and teams, based on the ethics and integrity policy of the Organization. 
  5. Strong organizational and resource management skills, with a focus on outcomes; experienced in managing budgets and coordinating activities efficiently.
  6. Ability to engage with Member Governments and other stakeholders, negotiate and influence effectively to build consensus and achieve objectives.
  7. Strong diplomatic skills including ability to establish and maintain strategic networks and partnerships with Member States, UN agencies and other international partners.
  8. Excellent spoken, written and presentation skills, and ability to provide guidance and explain complex issues and positions to a variety of audiences.

Professional Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the maritime field of which at least five years within a line management capacity is essential. Experience in working at an international level is essential. Experience working with international maritime conventions is essential. Knowledge or experience in the United Nations common system would be an asset.

Education

Advanced university degree in the field of nautical, maritime engineering, naval architecture, maritime administration, maritime law or international transport discipline with emphasis on international regulations and their implementation is essential. Certification as an ISO 9001:2008 Auditor/Lead Auditor from an internationally recognized body will be an asset.

Language Skills

Proficiency in English (written and oral) is essential. Proficiency in another official language(s) of the United Nations would be an asset.

Other Skills

  • Solid knowledge of IMO’s regulatory framework, including the challenges and issues faced by developing countries with bearing on the maritime sector is essential. 
  • Experience in organizing and managing complex international meetings is essential.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.

Contract Information

Fixed-term for two years (first year is probationary) with the possibility of further extension, subject to satisfactory performance
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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