Programme Specialist

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

• Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of IOC, the direct supervision of the Head of Section for Marine Policy and Regional Coordination (IOC/MPR), the incumbent is responsible for the development and coordination of the Ocean Decade Programme on Sustainable Ocean Planning (SOP) and supports the development and implementation of the IOC wide-strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management, and in particular providing recommendations and expertise on structural programme development, as well as identifying potential collaborations and ensuring regular communication and exchange amongst teams, colleagues, peers and stakeholders.

The incumbent’s main responsibilities are:

• Identify and map existing needs of Member States and other relevant stakeholders for science-based sustainable ocean plans that are resilient to climate change and biodiversity-responsive through survey, information collection to inform programme development and roll-out of activities; and set up co-design mechanisms to receive feedback from SOP end-users on the relevance and utility of the Decade programme.
• Advise and guide on the further development of structural elements such as outputs and activities to be delivered by the Decade Programme and the IOC-wide Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management,  including support to be delivered with a focus on the application of ocean science to SOP approaches, the integration and use of data-driven approach to inform SOP processes, the development of inclusive participatory process /conflict resolution tools; and the fostering on cross-sectoral and transboundary approach to SOP; and provide strategic advice and oversight for programme development and initial roll-out.
• Work through the Decade Programme Advisory Group and other relevant mechanisms, strengthen coalition of international partners to support the implententation of the Ocean Decade programme through technical and financial support for actions and coordination aspects; Identify resource mobilisation opportunities and mobilise extra-budgetary resources through outreach, engagement, and dialogue.
• Work with the Decade Coordination Unit in mainstreaming the SOP concept within the Decade ecosystem (Programmes, projects, coordination, and engagement mechanisms) and advise on the development of specific Call for Decade Actions based on needs assessment and gaps identification.
• Identify through structured dialogue with relevant IOC programmes, technical contribution to the design and implementation of the Decade SOP Programme, including opportunities for creating partnerships with public and private stakeholders in science-based delivery and services in support of the sustainable ocean economy.
• Work with Decade regional, thematic coordination structures and IOC Sub-Commissions in the development of regional strategies to further develop tailored technical assistance and capacity development interventions to national and regional practionners, including though the leveraging of National Decade Committees.
• Support the work of the IOC Working Group on IOC Working Group on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (WG-SOPM).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in marine science, oceanography, environmental sciences or related field.
• Additional certifications or specialized training related to marine spatial planning, resource management would be an asset.

Work experience 

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant professional experience in the field of environmental and/or ocean research, management and capacity development, of which preferably 4 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in coordinating, managing, and implementing international projects or programmes.

Languages 

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English and working knowledge of French or Spanish.

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-Programme-Specialist-(Ocean-Decade)/798739002/