PROGRAMME SPECIALIST

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is a collaborative system implemented through observing networks, regional alliances and national activities, aimed at delivering data and information for climate, operational ocean services, and ocean health.

Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (Assistant Director-General, UNESCO), the direct supervision of the Head of the IOC Ocean Observations and Services Section, and within the framework of IOC's Medium-Term Strategy, the incumbent will manage, advise and report on programme design, guidelines, resources and progress, within the context of guidance from Member States and the ocean observing scientific community. S/he will advocate for organizational involvement and participation in ocean observation and services activities and fundraise for projects. The incumbent will join a distributed secretariat supporting GOOS. More specifically, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties\:

• Take responsibility for delivery of work plans for the Joint IOC-WMO Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) Observation Programme Area expert teams (Observations Coordination Group, Data Buoy Cooperation Panel, and Ship Observations Team); develop and track outputs; coordinate national action within networks; ensure common standards and promote best practices; improve readiness and capacity for sustained observations, and ensure adequate interoperable data streams.

• Maintain active internal and external communications, informing expert teams, the ocean observing community and IOC Member States on progress and stimulating relevant actions at the national level, and thus increasing visibility, resources and partnerships.

• Coordinate and expand expert networks, organize regional capacity development workshops, and promote knowledge sharing.

• Identify focus areas for collaborative work, and recommend programme and project approaches.

• Manage budget, personnel, project tracking and execution for major portions of the GOOS and JCOMM work plan.

• Develop effective measures of the status, challenges and opportunities for the ocean observing system.

• Initiate technical advice and the creation of standards and best practices documents, and develop a knowledge base, ensuring dissemination and exchange of information among all stakeholders.

• Further resource mobilization and develop alternative funding mechanisms for GOOS and JCOMM projects and by developing concepts and project proposals for improved readiness and development of capacity.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in Oceanography, Marine Science, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in the field of ocean observations or services, of which at least 3 years acquired at the international level.

• Experience in coordinating, managing and implementing projects or programmes.

• Experience in managing staff and teams.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Good knowledge of in situ sustained ocean observing networks.

• Excellent analytical skills, including ability to identify complex issues, and advise on ways forward respecting the constraints of the organizations involved.

• Strong project or programme management skills.

• Very good communication skills (oral and written) with proven ability to make effective and persuasive oral presentations to both technical and general audiences.

• Proven ability to advocate and negotiate with colleagues, staff and stakeholders at all levels, internal and external, including building and maintaining partnerships.

• Ability to lead and motivate teams and maintain effective working relationship in a multi-cultural environment.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English or French.

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Oceanography, Marine Science or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience with international organizations and/or United Nations agencies.

LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of the other UNESCO working language (English or French).

• Knowledge of other official IOC languages (Russian or Spanish).