Programme Specialist (Global Ocean Observing System)
Position Number: IOC 443. Grade: P-4. Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Duty Station: Paris. Job Family: Programme Coordination. Contract Type: Fixed Term, duration 2 years. Recruitment open to internal and external candidates.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) brings together countries, institutions, scientists, and ocean professionals to observe the ocean in a coordinated, sustained, and globally integrated way. GOOS is co-sponsored by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, as lead agency, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Science Council (ISC). GOOS is at the core of global efforts to observe the ocean and deliver the global infrastructure required to deliver the essential ocean variable (EOV) data needed to understand our changing ocean.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST: Under the authority of the Executive Secretary of the IOC and the general supervision of the Head of Section, the incumbent serves as Programme Specialist responsible for managing and administering GOOS operations, providing international leadership in ocean observation system coordination and its support by Member States. The incumbent also manages, advises and reports on regular and extra-budgetary programme design as well as progress, within the context of coordination with, and guidance to, Member States and the ocean observation, data, research and marine policy communities. The work is framed by UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C4s), the approved programme and budget (C5s), the IOC Medium-term strategy, and the GOOS workplan.
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Leadership and Partnerships: Working with the Head of Section, GOOS Steering Committee and Executive Secretary, support delivery of the GOOS strategy and workplan, including strengthening engagement with Member States, GOOS sponsors, GOOS components and expert groups and relevant stakeholders.
- Manage GOOS operations: Take responsibility for technical operations, engagement and reporting in collaboration with IOC, WMO and OceanOPS, GOOS expert panels and observations coordination group. Strengthen and widen relationships for delivery of the global ocean observing system and FAIR data flow for all essential ocean variables. Promote innovation, standards and best practice.
- Evolve applications focus: Enable delivery of ocean observations for applications (operational services, climate and ocean health). Support evolving system design, application requirements and development of success metrics.
- Manage budget and projects: Manage a portion of the section budget, personnel, and project tracking and execution. Lead additional regular and/or extrabudgetary work of the IOC and/or GOOS as needed.
- Advance communications: Support active internal and external communications, informing IOC Member States on progress and stimulating relevant actions at national level; increase visibility, resources and partnerships for GOOS.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in oceanography, marine science, earth system science, marine technology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
- Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience, preferably with three (3) years acquired at the international level. Proven experience in strategizing and managing large-scale projects or programmes.
- Skills: Strong understanding of ocean observing system design, data management and technologies; solid knowledge of the global ocean observing system; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions and manage risk; ability to build and maintain partnerships and coordinate/negotiate with partners and networks; ability to work in a multi-cultural team; ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver within deadlines; excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Languages: Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written).
DESIRABLE: PhD in a related field and/or equivalent professional experience; experience working within the UN system or an international organization; ability to integrate elements of multiple agendas into projects and programmes; experience in fundraising and resource mobilization; knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).
BENEFITS: UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and pension plan. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 131,965 USD.
Closing date: 07/09/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the application deadline (Midnight Paris Time, 07/09/2026). To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website: https://careers.unesco.org/talentcommunity/apply/1368246557/?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, as well as reference checks. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.