Programme Specialist (Global Ocean Observing System)

The Programme Specialist is responsible for managing and ministering the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) operations, providing international leadership in ocean observation system coordination and support by Member States. The role involves managing programme design, progress reporting, and coordination with Member States and ocean observation communities within UNESCO's strategic frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of the GOOS strategy and workplan, including strengthening engagement with Member States and GOOS sponsors, components, expert groups and relevant stakeholders.
• Manage GOOS operations including technical operations, engagement and reporting in collaboration with IOC, WMO, OceanOPS, GOOS expert panels and observation coordination groups.
• 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 in ocean observation.
• Enable delivery of ocean observations for applications such as operational services, climate and ocean health.
• Support evolving system design, application requirements and development of success metrics.
• Manage a portion of the section budget, personnel, and project tracking and execution to ensure smooth delivery of activities supporting IOC and GOOS mandates and workplans.
• Lead additional regular and/or extrabudgetary work of the IOC and/or GOOS as needed.
• Support active internal and external communications to inform IOC Member States on progress and stimulate relevant national actions.
• Increase visibility, resources and partnerships for GOOS to advance the use and impact of ocean observations and demonstrate their benefits.
• Lead additional work or projects of the IOC as required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in oceanography, marine science, earth system science, marine technology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience with preferably three (3) years acquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in strategizing and managing large-scale projects or programmes.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions, and manage risk.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and maintain partnerships, and to coordinate, negotiate and deal with partners and networks.
• Ability to monitor project feasibility and identify and pursue potential collaborations.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within deadlines and institutional frameworks.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to collaborate with different audiences.
• Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written).
• Desirable: An advanced University degree (PhD) related to oceanography, marine science, earth system science, marine technology, environmental science, or related discipline and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Desirable: Experience working within the United Nations system or an international organization.
• Desirable: Ability to integrate elements of multiple agendas into relevant projects, programmes and actions.
• Desirable: Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Desirable: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

Skills

• Oceanography
• Marine Sciences
• Earth System Science
• Marine Technology
• Environmental Sciences
• Project Management
• Programme Management
• Ocean Observing System Design
• Data Management
• Ocean Observing Technologies
• Global Ocean Observing System Knowledge
• Strategic Planning
• Risk Management
• Partnership Building
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Negotiation
• Project Feasibility Monitoring
• Multi-cultural Team Collaboration
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication

Languages

English