Overview
The Director, UN Ocean Decade Coordination plays a strategic role in optimizing collaboration across IOC sections and regional sub-commissions for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for the implementation of the Ocean Decade and leverages its impact to strengthen IOC's core programmatic work.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the development and implementation of the Ocean Decade, including a result-based approach.
- Advise and engage Member States in the implementation of the Decade.
- Guide the tracking of progress of the Decade through monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
- Enhance cooperation and communication between stakeholders, including the private sector.
- Develop and implement innovative approaches and tools to strengthen the uptake of science and knowledge.
- Work across IOC programmes and regional sub-commissions to leverage the impact of the Decade.
- Lead the work of IOC related to Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM).
- Provide support to regional sub-commissions to effectively implement SOPM activities.
- Liaise with UN and external partners working on SOPM.
- Guide the implementation of the Decade SOP programme.
- Provide strategic guidance and supervision to the heads of the regional IOC Secretariats.
- Facilitate regular exchange and collaboration between heads of regional IOC secretariats, Heads of Section and other senior staff.
- Monitor the effectiveness and impact of regional programmes.
- Support and promote the participation of IOC Sub-commissions' Secretariats in the development and implementation of extra-budgetary projects.
- Steer the priority setting and work-planning of the IOC Sub-Commissions.
- Ensure the meaningful contribution of the IOC Sub-Commissions to the effective outcomes of the Ocean Decade.
- Identify focus areas for collaborative work between Member States aligned with the overall IOC Medium Term Strategy.
- Monitor technical advancements in ocean management and science-based applications.
- Establish, maintain, strengthen and expand research and policy partnerships.
- Propose priorities for and coordinate the development of IOC decision support input to Member States and multilateral processes.
- Act as focal point within IOC for ocean related activities within UNESCO sectors.
- Represent IOC in high level internal and external meetings and conferences.
- Participate in senior management mechanisms established within IOC and other structures of UNESCO.
- Lead efforts to engage in interdisciplinary work within IOC and with UNESCO sectors.
Required Experience
A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively relevant professional experience, with a focus on Marine Sciences or related fields, including at least five years at the international level. Strong experience of trends, demands and challenges in ocean sciences and management, including in developing countries. Proven track record of successfully establishing and maintaining partnerships at a global, local and community level. Proven capacity to connect with leading institutions related to Marine Sciences, and a strong knowledge of state-of-the-art research in the field of Ocean strategies. Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resource mobilization. Strong and proven record of innovative applied research. Professional experience in the United Nations System and/or in the field of international multilateral setting organizations.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of Ocean sciences, Marine Sciences or a field related to the IOC programme.
