Associate Project Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: EJFRUNESCO/1905/2025803

Associate Project Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: EJFRUNESCO/1905/2025803

JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts, and marine resources. The IOC enables its 150 Member States to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science, tsunami warning and ocean literacy.

The work of the IOC contributes to the mission of UNESCO to promote the advancement of science and its applications to develop knowledge and capacity, key to economic and social progress, the basis of peace and sustainable development. The IOC is also charged with the coordination of the United Nations Decade of Ocean science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (The UN Ocean Decade).

The IOC Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section of the IOC engages with diverse partners to develop science-based tools and approaches for sustainable ocean management, from marine spatial planning to sustainable ocean planning and management and the management of large marine ecosystems. It also leads the coordination of the UN Ocean Decade. The incumbent will be working under the general supervision of the Head of the IOC Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section.

Long Description
Under the supervision of the Head of the IOC Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, and guided by the Section’s Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management team, in close, continuous collaboration with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s Natural Heritage Unit, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

Document, through desk research, existing good practices in evidence-based rapid climate vulnerability assessments in ocean areas from around the world.
Support the organization of an international working meeting bringing together the latest scientific and indigenous knowledge innovations in climate vulnerability assessments with decision makers responsible for ocean management and marine protected areas.

Support the development of a step-by-step guidance for a standardized approach toward rapid climate vulnerability assessment suitable to local decision-makers responsible for ocean management and marine protected areas, including marine areas listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Support the organization of a test pilot of the step-by-step climate vulnerability assessment guidance, including the identification of priority climate resilient measures.
Support the design and publication of a user-friendly, online platform to host the step-by-step climate vulnerability assessment guidance.

Develop and continuously update a database of contacts of key local marine protected area management teams and relevant authorities and decision-makers responsible for sustainable ocean planning and management.
Assist with the development of a comprehensive communication strategy to disseminate the project results in the context of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in environmental or climate studies, preferably with a focus on ocean conservation, planning and/or management.
Experience

A minimum of 2 years of working experience in the field of ocean conservation, climate and the ocean, marine protected area management with good understanding of the scientific basics for climate resilience.
Ability and experience in identifying and documenting latest innovations in ocean science and climate vulnerability assessments
Competencies

Understanding of the functioning of the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
Excellent innovation and technological awareness skills.
Efficient organizational skills.
Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, under supervision, and to sustain periods with workload peaks.

Ability to work efficiently and tactfully in a multicultural team with staff members of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written). Knowledge of French or another official UN language would be an asset.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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.

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