Individual Consultant (Ocean Literacy Programme Support)

JOB DETAILS Type of contract : Consultant Contract Level : Level 2 - Middle Hiring Unit : Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Duty Station : Bangkok Work location : On site Duration of contract : 11 months Hiring open to : External candidates Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 26/06/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismOVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST Background and rationaleThe ocean is fundamental to sustainable development, climate regulation, food security, and human well-being. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the United Nations body for ocean science, ocean observations, ocean services, capacity development and ocean literacy. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity building to learn more about the nature and resources of the oceans and coastal areas, and to apply this knowledge to improve management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment and the decision-making processes of States. IOC has been designated as the coordinating agency for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (Hereafter referred to as “Ocean Decade”).The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is the regional arm of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC) for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. While serving as the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission, the WESTPAC Office assumes additional function as the Decade Coordination Office (DCO) responsible for coordinating Decade Actions across all Ocean Decade Challenges in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. Hosted by the Government of Thailand, the Office is situated in the Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok. It is administratively attached to the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok), facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration in achieving the objectives set forth by the IOC and UNESCO.Ocean Literacy is defined as “an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean”. It encompasses knowledge, skills, values, and actions that enable individuals and societies to understand, engage with, and make informed decisions about the ocean and its sustainable use. Ocean literacy translates into a set of practical activity areas, including education, communication, public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and knowledge development.In line with the Ocean Decade and the outcomes of the 15th Intergovernmental Session of WESTPAC (March 2025, Tokyo), Member States in the region have emphasized the need to strengthen ocean literacy as a key enabler for informed decision-making and behavioral change.To respond to these needs, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is advancing a regional approach to ocean literacy, including the establishment of an Intersessional Task Force and the development of targeted initiatives such as Ocean Literacy for Journalists in Southeast Asia.Long Description Objective of this assignmentWe are seeking an Individual Consultant to support the development and strengthening of ocean literacy in the Western Pacific and adjacent areas.Key duties and responsibilitiesUnder the overall authority of the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok), and the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/Decade Coordination Office for the region, and in collaboration with the relevant sectors of UNESCO Bangkok, the incumbent shall perform the following duties: Provide coordination and support to the International Task Force, including planning and managing Task Force meetings, facilitating communication among members, and ensuring eff