Internship: IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

OVERVIEW

Grade : N/A

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Bangkok

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

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

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

Programme background

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the United Nations body for ocean science, ocean observation, ocean services and capacity development. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity building to learn more about the nature and resources of the oceans and coastal areas, and to apply this knowledge to improved management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment and the decision-making processes of States. IOC has been designated as the coordinating agency for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (Hereafter referred to as “Ocean Decade”).

The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is the regional arm of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC) for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. The Sub-Commission carries forward the IOC’s mission in the region, advancing ocean knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and catalyzing ocean science solutions for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources.

While serving as the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission, the WESTPAC Office assumes additional function as the Decade Coordination Office responsible for coordinating Decade Actions across all Ocean Decade Challenges in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. Hosted by the Government of Thailand, the Office is situated in the Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok. It is administratively attached to the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration in achieving the objectives set forth by the IOC and UNESCO.

Long Description

Main tasks and assignments

During the internship, the Intern will have the opportunity to learn and support the overall work of the Sub-Commission and the UN Ocean Decade in the region. The Intern will be called on to (not exhaustive):

• Assist in the coordination, development and implementation of international projects and activities, including preparation and review of project concept notes, progress report and relevant documents, research and collection of data for specific purposes.
• Provide administrative and logistical support in the planning and organization of relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences, including preparation of meeting documents, coordination with participants and partners.
• Assist in the development and implementation of regional activities for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
• Contribute to the Sub-Commission’s communication and visibility through the updating of the relevant webpage, the design and dissemination of communication material to improve visibility and mobilization of resources.
• Undertake other relevant tasks assigned.

Duration of Internship : 6 months.

Long Description

Learning objectives

It is expected that the assignment will provide the intern with the opportunity to develop an understanding and skills in some of the following areas,

• Understand the overall work of the Sub-Commission, UN Ocean Decade, and international cooperation in the region.
• Understand the approach to developing and managing diverse projects related to ocean and coastal issues.
• Understand multilateral processes.
• Build skills in data analyses and management.
• Build skills in partnership development and management.
• Gain insight into development and implementation of ocean science communication and information project.

Long Description

• Understand the context of global, regional and national policy related to the ocean including role of international organizations through their work in setting standards, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing policy advice, enhancing human and institutional capacities and facilitating cooperation.
• Understand international project management through learning-by-doing approaches.
• Acquire and strengthen skills in research, writing and communication.
• Develop soft skills such as stakeholder management, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills and work ethic.

The intern will also gain an understanding of the overall work of UNESCO and be given an opportunity to develop soft skills of the UNESCO Competency Framework, in particular teamwork, flexibility, communication and client-focus.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Required qualifications

Age

You must be at least 20 years old to apply.

Academic qualifications

• Studies in the field of ocean, earth or environmental sciences, communication and media, program development and management.

At the time of your application to the internship programme:

• You are currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent, second university degree or higher).
• You have recently graduated with a Master’s degree or PhD (or second degree as defined above), 12 months prior to the start of the internship.
• Please note that candidates who have completed their full-time university studies but are not enrolled in a graduate programme are not eligible to apply.

Languages

• Proficient in English with effective written and oral communication skills

Team player

• You should be able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment.

Communication skills

• You should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Benefits and entitlements

UNESCO does not remunerate interns. There is no compensation, financial or otherwise for internship assignments.

Interns are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month during their internship.

How to apply

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the document, at the end of the word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information:

• A cover letter
• An up-to-date CV

Only if you are unable to attach requirements in system, please inform us at iocwestpac@unesco.org with subject: Application for Ref. HWT/WESTPAC/2024-08

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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