INTERNSHIP: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Organizational Context
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the United Nations body dedicated to supporting global ocean science and services. It empowers 150 Member States to collaborate on protecting ocean health through coordinated programs in areas like ocean observations, tsunami warnings, and marine spatial planning. IOC/UNESCO leads the coordination of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, focusing on critical ocean issues and fostering international cooperation.
Job Purpose
This internship offers a valuable opportunity to learn and contribute to the mission of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. Interns will gain practical experience by supporting various teams within the organization. Activities will be tailored to the specific needs of the assignment and may include programme and project support, research and knowledge management, partnership engagement, operations support, and communications assistance. The role is designed to provide hands-on learning in areas such as data analysis, project development, stakeholder engagement, and international cooperation within the field of ocean science and policy.
Responsibilities
Interns will support the overall work of the IOC/UNESCO sector, with activities varying based on assignment requirements. Key responsibilities may include collecting, organizing, and analyzing data; contributing to the preparation of documents, working papers, and conceptual frameworks; and assisting in the development of new interventions or projects. Interns might also undertake research, contribute to knowledge and communication products, and participate in meetings. Engagement with stakeholders and partners, facilitation of working groups, and providing administrative and logistical support for meetings and events are also potential duties. This includes assisting with budget preparation, project documentation, data management, and processing requests for Ocean Decade Actions, as well as supporting communication asset development.
Work Experience
No specific prior work experience is explicitly required for this internship. However, candidates are expected to possess relevant academic background and skills. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and learning opportunities in ocean science, project support, research, and international cooperation within UNESCO.
Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Candidates should be a team player, adaptable to an international environment, and possess excellent computer and office software proficiency. Key competencies include accountability, innovation, knowledge sharing, results focus, teamwork, and professionalism, as outlined in the UNESCO Competency Framework.