INTERNSHIP: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
at UNESCO, Multiple, XX
- Contract
- Internship
- Closing date
- 24 November 2026
- Listed
- 23 May 2026, from UNESCO
The advert
OVERVIEW Type of contract : Internship Duty Station : Headquarters, Field Offices, and Institutes Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months Application deadline : 31 December 2026 (Midnight) UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) is the United Nations body responsible for supporting global ocean science and services. The IOC enables its 150 Member States to work together to protect the health of our shared ocean by coordinating programmes in areas such as ocean observations, tsunami warnings and marine spatial planning. IOC/UNESCO has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to coordinate implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Areas of activity covered by IOC/UNESCO include (not exhaustive):. Ocean science with a focus on issues including ocean acidification, blue carbon, harmful algal blooms, and marine pollution Ocean observations Ocean data, information and knowledge management Capacity development Sustainable ocean planning and marine spatial planning Engagement with United Nations programmes, frameworks and initiatives related to the ocean Strengthening of the science – policy – society interface Large marine ecosystems Ocean literacy and education Ocean science communications OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION The Intern will have the opportunity to learn and support the overall work of the Sector’s mission. Activities will vary depending on the requirements of the assignment. Specific Terms of Reference and learning objectives will form part of the contract. The work entrusted to interns falls under one or more of the following categories as per the requirements/needs of each team.Programme and Project Support: Collect, organize and analyze data Contribute to the production/preparation of documents, working papers, and conceptual framework/concept notes Assist in the development of technical support in the development of new interventions or projects. Research and Knowledge Management: Undertake specific research and reviews to produce well defined aspects or segments of work products, including publications, documents and project proposals. Contribute to the preparation of knowledge and communication products, materials for advocacy and outreach, related to area of work. Participate in meetings and seminars. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: Analyze and compile background data for potential partnerships and resource mobilisation initiatives. Support engagement of stakeholders and partners in IOC activities e.g. through the Ocean Decade Network Support to facilitation of scientific and non-scientific working groups and partner networks Operations Support: Provide administrative and logistical support in the planning and organization of meetings, events, workshops, and conferences in coordination with other staff. Support the preparation of specific budgets, financial and accounting documents, and project documentation and evaluation. Support the management of data and contacts related to the Ocean Decade and the ecosystem of endorsed Ocean Decade Actions. Support processing of requests for endorsement of Decade Actions. Communications Support Support to drafting, preparation and dissemination of communications assets LEARNING OBJECTIVES It is expected that the assignment will provide the intern with the opportunity to develop skills in some of the following areas, depending on the needs of the team during the time of the internship: Understand the approach to developing and managing diverse projects related to ocean and coastal issues. Understand multilateral processes. Build skills in data analyses and management. Build skills in partnership development and management. Gain insight into development and implementation of ocean science communication and information projects Understand the context of global, regional an