PROGRAMME SPECIALIST

Under the general supervision of the Executive Secretary Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and the direct supervision of the Head of the IOC Ocean Services Section, the incumbent will proactively plan and lead implementation of IOC work plan activities on the ocean and climate change.  More particularly, s/he will\:

• Contribute to the overall leadership, development and implementation of the IOC Ocean Science Programme, including its regional and capacity development activities, in line with priorities set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the IOC governing bodies.
• Design activities on ocean acidification, Blue Carbon, deoxygenation (GO2NE), ecosystem responses and emerging issues in cooperation with scientists, relevant UN agencies, Member State and NGO partners.
• Contribute to data gathering, analysis and synthesis for the regular Global Ocean Science Report by analyzing and assessing data quality.
• Contribute to technical coordination and implementation of scientific events.
• Report to IOC Governing Bodies on the progress and the implementation of the work plan of the Ocean Science Section; develop relevant technical and outreach publications. 
• Contribute to extra-budgetary fundraising and resource mobilization for implementation of IOC Ocean Science activities.
• Act as focal point for ocean carbon sources and sinks at inter-sectoral level in IOC and UNESCO, and represent IOC-UNESCO as such at meetings organized by other regional and international organizations. 

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in oceanography or marine sciences. A first level degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in managing international research projects on ocean/marine systems within oceanography, ecosystems dynamics, climate change and variability or marine biogeochemistry, of which preferably 2 years acquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in resource mobilization.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Strong project management skills, including the writing and development of strategic and project planning documents.
• Proven analytical and organisational skills.
• Familiarity with climate related research in social and human sciences.
• Excellent inter-personal skills, including written and oral communication, with proven ability to produce high quality reports, and make presentations to both technical and general audiences.
• Capacity to build partnerships and maintain networks.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a small highly focused team to achieve desired outcomes and to provide support to multi-national and -cultural groups such as Ocean Science Section Group of Experts.
• Strong work ethic, sound judgement with capacity for initiative, and ability to work independently.
• Excellent IT skills.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English and good/fair knowledge of French.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent level) in oceanography or marine sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with international climate and development agendas such as IPCC, UNFCCC and SDG.
• Familiarity with UNESCO administrative procedures.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).