PROGRAMME SPECIALIST (IOCARIBE) - #7498271

Under the overall authority of the Director-General and under the supervision of the Assistant Director-General for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (ADG/IOC) and the direct supervision of the head of the IOCARIBE Sub-Commission Secretariat, the incumbent will:

• Support the Ocean Decade Coordination Office (DCO) for the Tropical Americas and Caribbean Region and coordinating the implementation of Ocean Decade activities.
• Lead the coordination of the IOCARIBE capacity development program.
• Support the Regional Coordinator/Head of IOCARIBE in the management of the Secretariat.
• Assist with resource mobilization for the 18 endorsed projects of the DCO.
• Encourage capacity development through the supervision of work of interns

1. Support the Decade Coordination Office (DCO) function of the IOCARIBE Secretariat by coordinating the implementation of Ocean Decade activities, and in particular

• Facilitate regional priority setting and gap analyses,
• Facilitate implementation of endorsed Decade Actions and projects,
• Support the work of the Regional Decade Task Force,
• Catalyse new Decade Actions,
• Identify capacity development needs,
• Engage in existing regional policy and governance processes, establish linkages and synergies with projects.

2. Lead the coordination of the Capacity Development program in accordance with overall IOC CD strategy, and in particular:

• Establish Capacity Development Working Group and Ocean Literacy Task Team
• Support a co-designed and inclusive process of capacity development in the region.
• Link with other working group coordinators to include key ocean science capacity requirements into working group discussions.
• Partner with universities and research institutions to influence their research to fill regional gaps.

3. Support the Regional Coordinator/Head of IOCARIBE in the management of the Secretariat, including by providing substantial inputs for the preparation of contracts, partner agreements, organization of meetings, and contributions to development and implementation of the Sub-commission workplans and budget. Contribute to strengthening relationships with relevant regional UNESCO offices and CLME Ocean Governance Coordination Mechanism members to advance IOCARIBE implementation. Draft technical, financial, and administrative briefs, documents, and presentations as necessary.

4. Support the implementation of decisions made by Member States; contribute to reporting requirements and meetings of the IOCARIBE Board of Officers, monitoring, and evaluation of activities towards agreed decisions, including the use of innovative monitoring and evaluation tools as appropriate. Support engagement of Member States not participating in IOCARIBE programs.

5. Assist with the resource mobilization of the IOCARIBE Office and DCO by catalyzing new partnerships including with private sector, NGOs, civil society, and identifying new partners and funding for implementing IOCARIBE programs and related capacity development activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in marine science, oceanography, ocean governance or marine resource management.

Work Experience

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience of which preferably 2 years acquired at the international level.

Skills and competencies

• Excellent drafting skills and ability to produce reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues.
• Ability to quickly understand new ideas and practices concerning ocean science and management.
• Capacity for multitasking to implement multiple initiatives and projects while maintaining sustainable communication with partners.
• Ability to provide technical and thematic contributions to scientific meetings, training courses and workshops on ocean science and sustainable development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and foster team cooperation.
• Ability to take initiative and manage competing priorities, with a strong focus on accuracy, attention to detail, and quality of work.

Language

• Excellent knowledge of English or Spanish (written and spoken) and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or research institutions in the field of oceanography is desirable.

Skill and competencies

• Good knowledge of the regional geopolitical context, challenges, and priorities, and international ocean science and policy landscape.
• Proficiency in IT skills (database systems, mapping, and web pages).

Languages

• Knowledge of French.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 26-MAY-2024 (Midnight Paris Time)