Chief of Section (Tsunami Resilience)
Position Number: IOC 396. Grade: P-5. Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Duty Station: Paris. Job Family: Natural Sciences. Contract Type: Fixed Term, 2 years renewable. Recruitment open to internal and external candidates.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: The Tsunami Resilience Section (IOC/TSR) coordinates the four regional end-to-end tsunami warning and mitigation systems (Pacific, Indian Ocean, Caribbean, North Europe Atlantic and Mediterranean and connected seas) on an intergovernmental level. Staff at Headquarters and in field locations of Perth, Fiji, Jakarta and Barbados support and implement projects that enhance preparedness and awareness of tsunamis and other coastal disasters, and enable observation, research and policy developments leading to improved early warning systems and preparedness.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST: Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General and Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (ADG/IOC), the incumbent will: (1) Lead, coordinate and organize the activities of the IOC Tsunami Programme; (2) Coordinate the 'Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS)' programme and liaise with relevant national and international sea level centres and the international Tsunami sea level monitoring network. The Chief of Section defines Section priorities with senior programme staff and translates these into programmatic and thematic strategies, activities and policy development, and maintains partnerships and mobilizes resources.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve Member States by leading the consolidation and development of the global tsunami early warning and readiness system and supporting the evolution of multi-hazard early warning. Provide guidance on development, implementation and coordination of services and scientific and secretariat support for the four Intergovernmental Coordination Groups (ICGs), including their Working Groups and Officers. Direct design and implementation of the Tsunami and GLOSS programmes: monitoring work plans and extra-budgetary projects; determining C/5 items and preparing reports, policies, guidelines and technical products; compiling strategic plans; liaising with IOC regional subsidiary bodies; reviewing literature and identifying emerging issues. Organise capacity development in tsunami warning systems and preparedness as part of IOC's 10% cross-cutting capacity development strategy, including guidelines, standards, training and manuals, and reinforcing Member State capacity. Ensure coordination with partners within and outside the UN, particularly WMO, UNDP, UNDRR, CTBTO and IHO, and represent the Section to universities, agencies, organisations and ministries. Seek resource mobilization opportunities, engage donors, supervise the funding process including proposal writing and progress reporting. Supervise and motivate staff, manage the budget and administrative tasks.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in earth or ocean sciences or related field. Work experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in management and coordination of research and/or project work in marine sciences, preferably 5 years at international level; solid experience with tsunami warning and/or coastal hazard early warning systems; experience working with the scientific community and government representatives; proven experience managing staff and teams. Skills: demonstrated ability to lead and motivate multicultural teams; partnership building; excellent oral and written communication; good understanding of international organizations and/or the UN system; ability to manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure. Languages: excellent knowledge of English.
DESIRABLE: PhD in oceanography, geophysics, marine science or disaster risk reduction; experience with ocean/geophysical observing programs, hazard forecasting, communication and warning services; experience in disaster management, community safety awareness and/or development planning; experience with the UN system; knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).
BENEFITS: Approximate annual starting salary 158,255 USD, plus benefits which may include 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and pension plan. Geographical mobility is required for staff appointed to UNESCO's international posts.
Closing date: 07/09/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the deadline (Midnight Paris Time, 07/09/2026). To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website: https://careers.unesco.org/talentcommunity/apply/1368242357/?locale=en_GB. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, and reference checks. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.