Director, UN Ocean Decade Coordination

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 31-OCT-2024

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

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary IOC (Assistant Director-General of UNESCO - ADG/IOC), the incumbent is responsible for the direct supervision of the Decade Coordination Unit (DCU), providing strategic and operational leadership to the implementation of the Ocean Decade. He/she will guide the implementation of regional programmes implemented through IOC Sub-Commissions, in collaboration with IOC Sections, to strengthen synergies and improve the efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of the overall IOC programme and budget. This includes leading and overseeing the implementation of activities and projects; assessing performance and guiding horizontal workflows; developing coordinated and cross-cutting strategies in response to the evolving ocean policy landscape, approaches and frameworks; implementing and managing change; directing the mobilization of extra-budgetary resources and establishing key partnerships including with the private sector, civil society and other UN agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Acting as Director of the UN Decade Coordination Unit, overseeing the development and implementation of the Ocean Decade, goals and objectives.
• Advising and engaging Member States in the implementation of the Decade.
• Guiding the tracking of progress of the Decade through effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
• Enhancing cooperation and communication between stakeholders.
• Coordinate the involvement of regions in the overall IOC programmatic design.
• Monitor the implementation of regional programmes.
• Provide strategic input regarding ocean policy development.
• Identify focus areas for collaborative work between Member States.
• Develop a resource mobilization framework and identify opportunities for resource mobilization.
• Representing UNESCO in high level internal and external meetings.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)

• Education: Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in the field of Ocean Sciences, Marine Sciences or other related fields.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 15 years of progressive relevant professional experience, with a focus on Marine Sciences or related fields, including at least five years at the international level.
• Skills and Competencies: Commitment to the Organization's mandate, capacity for institutional leadership, excellent organizational skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Languages: Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

• Work Experience: Professional experience in the United Nations System and/or in the field of international multilateral setting organisations.
• Languages: Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

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 US $.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website.

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.