DIRECTOR, UN OCEAN DECADE COORDINATION

OVERVIEW Position Number: IOC 002 Grade: D-1 Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: Programme Coordination Contract Type: Fixed Term Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 08/08/2026 (Extended) UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the leading body within the United Nations for ocean science, including international cooperation and coordination of programmes in marine sciences, observations, ocean services and capacity development. IOC enables Member States to improve ocean understanding and management, contributing to sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda (especially SDG 14), disaster risk reduction, climate action and resilience. IOC leads the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021—2030) and works across multiple thematic areas including global ocean observing systems, tsunami early warning and ocean literacy.OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary and Assistant Director-General for IOC (ADG/IOC), the incumbent plays a strategic role in optimizing collaboration across IOC sections and regional sub-commissions, including within the framework of the IOC wide strategy for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade). He/she is responsible for ensuring effective outcomes of the work of the Decade Coordination Unit (DCU) by providing strategic and operational leadership to the implementation of the Ocean Decade, and to leverage the impact of the Decade to strengthen IOC's core programmatic work. He/she will be responsible for the successful implementation of the IOC wide strategy for Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management as a strategic framework for coordinated support to SOPM in Member States. An important component of the work will be to guide the implementation of regional programmes implemented through IOC Sub-Commissions, in collaboration with IOC Sections, to effectively deliver the overall IOC programme and budget, as well as liaison with UN and non-UN partners to facilitate effective collaboration across the science policy interface. The incumbent will lead and oversee the implementation of a range of activities and projects financed by the Regular Programme (assessed contributions) and extrabudgetary funds (voluntary contributions); assessing performance and guiding horizontal workflows; developing coordinated and cross-cutting strategies in response to the evolving ocean policy landscape, approaches and frameworks; implementing and managing change; supporting the mobilization of extra-budgetary resources. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing key partnerships including with the private sector, civil society and other UN agencies and representing the IOC in high level meetings and forums.KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Ocean Decade coordination Act as Director of the Decade Coordination Unit, overseeing the development and implementation of the Ocean Decade, goals and objectives, including a result-based approach, and translate the vision of the Ocean Decade into an ecosystem of Decade Actions and coordination structures that are delivering effective knowledge to inform policy and decision making to and beyond 2030; Advising and engaging Member States in the implementation of the Decade, including through the provision of intergovernmental and strategic oversight, the establishment of national coordination mechanisms, and participation in Decade Programmes, and regular review of the Decade strategic ambitions as defined through the Vision 2030 process; Guide the tracking of progress of the Decade through effective monitorin