The implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (‘the Ocean Decade’) commenced on 1 January 2021.
In order to achieve the ambition of the Ocean Decade, significant and sustained efforts will be needed to engage diverse stakeholders leading scientific action. The Decade Action Framework has been developed to facilitate the entry of programmes, projects, activities, and contributions to the Decade via Calls for Decade Actions and on a rolling basis. This process also results in a lot of information exchange.
The Ocean Decade team within the IOC Secretariat is seeking the assistance of a junior consultant in the position of ‘Ocean Decade Operations Officer’ to support implementation activities. The individual will support the maintenance of a range of implementation tools and databases.
Objective of the Consultancy
The consultant will work closely with the Ocean Decade team to manage data and information related to Decade Actions, coordinate information flows and lead communications with Ocean Decade Action proponents.
Specific Tasks
Within the overall framework of the IOC Programmme and Budget 2022-2023 and under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, and the overall supervision of the Chief of Section for Marine Policy and Regional Coordination, the consultant will support a variety of tasks including support to the functioning of working groups, data management, and administrative support. The consultant will have the following tasks:
- Oversees the upkeep of the endorsed Decade Action contact database
- Oversees and assist the DCU Intern with Decade Activities submissions and review process
- Coordinates the process of endorsing Decade Activities
- Assistance on the Due Diligence process of Decade Actions
- Liaison with the Communications Team on Decade Actions information
- Manages the master tracking of Decade Action submissions including the Survey Monkey form.
- Assists with internal reviews of Decade Action submissions
- Administers requests for information and updates in communication with endorsed Actions
- Manages record keeping for the focal point system for Decade Actions once launched
- Implements the resource needs assessment process and analyses the results
- Manages the Expert Roster database including providing updated member lists
- Administers the Ocean Decade email inbox
- Assists with development of the SalesForce system
- Provides data and information summaries upon request and to contribute to reports
- Any other relevant task requested by the supervisor.
Duration of the Consultancy
The consultancy will be full-time for 11 months from mid-June to mid-September 2023. The consultancy will be undertaken remotely with regular phone contact with the IOC Secretariat in Paris.
Deliverables
The consultant will produce work products associated with the Specific Tasks outlined above and participate in Ocean Decade meetings as well as provide regular updates on progress and monthly activity reports.
Qualifications and Experience
The consultant will have a relevant academic qualification(s), and have significant relevant professional expertise, with at least 2 years experience in the following areas:
- Post-graduate degree and professional experience in ocean science or a related field;
- Strategic thinking and planning;
- Effective written and verbal communication with a range of stakeholders;
- Working remotely with an international team, and individually;
- Managing large quantitative and qualitative data; and
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
The consultant is also expected to have a deep understanding of the United Nations system, the IOC-UNESCO and the Ocean Decade and its significance.
Supervisory Arrangements
The consultant will be supervised by the Programme Specialist of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, and will be under the overall supervision of the Chief of Section for Marine Policy and Regional Coordination. They will work closely with other consultants within the team on a range of projects.
Facilities to be provided by UNESCO
UNESCO will provide the Consultant with all required access to working files, UNESCO network, knowledge-management systems (including institutional email and Microsoft TEAMS accounts), and temporary office space if needed on occasional presence at UNESCO Headquarters. The consultant will provide his/her own computer, telephone and have access to a reliable internet connection.
Application Deadline: May 23, 2022 (23:59 CET)
