DIRECTOR, UN OCEAN DECADE COORDINATION

Organizational Context

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the UN's leading body for ocean science, fostering international cooperation in marine sciences, observations, services, and capacity development. IOC empowers Member States to enhance ocean understanding and management, contributing to sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda (SDG 14), disaster risk reduction, climate action, and resilience. It spearheads the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and engages in diverse areas like global ocean observing systems, tsunami early warning, and ocean literacy.

Job Purpose

The Director, UN Ocean Decade Coordination, under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary and Assistant Director-General for IOC, will provide strategic and operational leadership for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade). This role is crucial for optimizing collaboration across IOC sections and regional sub-commissions, ensuring effective outcomes from the Decade Coordination Unit. The incumbent will drive the implementation of the IOC-wide strategy for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM), leveraging the Decade's impact to strengthen IOC's core programmatic work. Responsibilities include guiding regional programs, liaising with UN and non-UN partners for science-policy interface collaboration, overseeing projects funded by regular and extrabudgetary resources, developing cross-cutting strategies, managing change, and mobilizing resources. The role also involves establishing key partnerships and representing IOC in high-level forums.

Responsibilities

As Director of the Decade Coordination Unit, the role involves overseeing the development and implementation of the Ocean Decade's goals and objectives, translating its vision into effective coordination structures and Decade Actions that inform policy and decision-making. This includes advising and engaging Member States, establishing national coordination mechanisms, and reviewing strategic ambitions. The Director will guide progress tracking through monitoring and evaluation, facilitate reporting to governing bodies, and strengthen UN entity engagement in the Decade. Key responsibilities include elevating the IOC's coordination function, steering Decade implementation with UN entities, enhancing stakeholder cooperation and partnerships for rapid knowledge generation and application, and developing innovative tools for science uptake. The role also entails working across IOC programs and regional sub-commissions to leverage the Decade's impact. Furthermore, the Director will lead the IOC's work on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM), coordinating its strategy implementation, developing a coherent ocean science value chain, and providing technical support and capacity development to Member States, particularly SIDS and LDCs. This includes resource mobilization, liaising with partners, and leading outreach efforts. Strategic guidance will be provided to regional IOC Secretariats for priority setting, work-planning, resource mobilization, and partnership development, ensuring global priorities reflect regional needs and facilitating collaboration. The effectiveness and impact of regional programs will be monitored, with corrective measures adopted as needed. The Director will also steer priority setting and work-planning of IOC Sub-Commissions towards enhanced science/policy relevance and ensure their meaningful contribution to the Ocean Decade.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressive professional experience in Marine Sciences or related fields, with at least five years at the international level. This includes strong experience with ocean science and management trends, challenges, and developing countries. Proven track record in establishing global and local partnerships, connecting with leading marine science institutions, and demonstrating experience in advocacy and resource mobilization is essential.

Skills

Demonstrated institutional leadership, objectivity, integrity, diplomacy, and political acumen. Ability to provide intellectual leadership, build trust, and manage diverse teams in a multicultural environment. Strong strategic planning, excellent management skills for programs, finances, and human resources. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills for effective relationship management. Proficient communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage high-level partners.

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