DIRECTEUR/DIRECTRICE, COORDINATION DE LA DECENNIE DES NATIONS UNIES POUR LES SCIENCES OCEANIQUES

Organizational Context

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the leading UN body for ocean science, fostering international cooperation and coordinating programs in marine science, ocean observations, services, and capacity building. IOC empowers Member States to enhance their understanding and management of oceans, contributing to sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda (SDG 14), disaster risk reduction, climate action, and resilience. The Commission leads the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

Job Purpose

The Director, Coordination of the UN Decade of Ocean Science, under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary and Assistant Director-General for IOC, plays a strategic role in optimizing collaboration across IOC sections and regional sub-commissions. This role is crucial for the IOC-wide strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science. The incumbent ensures the effectiveness of the Decade Coordination Unit by defining strategic and operational direction for the Decade's implementation, leveraging its impact to strengthen IOC's core programs. They are responsible for the successful execution of the IOC-wide SOPM strategy, providing coordinated support to Member States. A significant part of this work involves guiding regional program implementation in collaboration with IOC sections, ensuring the effective execution of the IOC Programme and Budget, and liaising with partners within and outside the UN system to facilitate science-policy interface collaboration.

Responsibilities

The Director leads and supervises the implementation of various activities and projects funded by the Regular Programme and extrabudgetary funds. They evaluate performance, guide horizontal workflows, and develop coordinated, cross-cutting strategies to address the evolving landscape of ocean policy and partnerships. This includes fostering collaboration with external partners to identify synergies and establish partnerships that support IOC's mandate in SOPM. The Director is responsible for leading outreach activities to enhance IOC's prominent role in SOPM approaches within the UN system and with external partners. They guide the implementation of the Decade program for sustainable ocean planning, facilitating institutional partnerships and ensuring Member States' full engagement in resource development at the national level. Strategic direction is provided to heads of IOC regional secretariats, overseeing their prioritization, work planning, resource mobilization, and partnership development to align with IOC's results framework. Collaboration and regular exchanges among regional secretariat heads, section chiefs, and other managers are facilitated to ensure global program priorities reflect Member States' regional needs. The effectiveness and impact of regional programs are monitored, with corrective actions taken as necessary. The Director also promotes the participation of regional sub-commission secretariats in extrabudgetary project development and execution, aligning with defined priorities. They steer prioritization and work planning for IOC sub-commissions to enhance science-policy coherence and establish effective regional ocean policy/management frameworks. Ensuring significant contributions to the tangible outcomes of the Ocean Decade is a key responsibility, providing strategic guidance to regional coordination structures.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience at increasing levels of responsibility, focused on marine sciences or related fields, with at least five years at the international level. Proven experience with trends, requirements, and challenges in ocean science and management, including in developing countries. Demonstrated ability to successfully establish and maintain partnerships at global, local, and community levels.

Skills

Institutional leadership, objectivity, professional integrity, tact, diplomacy, and political acumen. Intellectual leadership to guide staff, fostering trust and managing diverse staff in a multicultural environment. Strategic planning and excellent management skills, including managing multiple programs, projects, financial, and human resources. Strong organizational skills for effective planning and prioritization. Excellent interpersonal skills for managing relationships at all levels. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to engage with diverse high-level partners.

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