Programme Specialist

The Programme Specialist leads, manages and administers the IOC capacity development programme, including ocean literacy. The role involves strategic planning, partner engagement, programme delivery, and coordination with IOC sections and international stakeholders to build capacity and ocean understanding in IOC Member States.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, operations, partner engagement, negotiation and delivery of the capacity development and ocean literacy programme.
• Coordinate and evolve capacity development and ocean literacy delivery in collaboration with IOC sections, Regional Sub-Commissions, OceanTeacher Global Academy, and other UN entities and stakeholders.
• Lead horizon scanning to ensure the programme is agile and scalable to meet changing needs of IOC Member States and the international community.
• Establish, maintain and widen relationships with Member States, IOC Regional Sub-Commissions, training centres, research institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, and philanthropy.
• Assist and motivate the Head of Section in managing projects, budgets and personnel to ensure effective delivery of IOC mandates and strategies.
• Draft and oversee extra-budgetary project proposals and implementation, monitor progress of temporary staff and contractors.
• Develop a coherent narrative on capacity development and ocean literacy and project it to external audiences including donors and partners.
• Develop and implement coordination mechanisms for capacity development and ocean literacy activities within IOC for efficiency and coherence.
• Independently lead and manage steering, advisory or expert groups requested by IOC Member States, ensuring delivery against Terms of Reference and reporting to governing bodies.
• Lead additional IOC work or projects as required under IOC Medium Term Strategy and implementation plan.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's equivalent) in an ocean related field or education.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in marine education, capacity development and/or ocean literacy, of which preferably 3 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in designing, implementing, managing and evaluating international multidisciplinary programs or projects.
• Demonstrated experience in partnership building, resource mobilization and collaboration with governments, and various agencies and institutions.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise and coordinate teams effectively.
• Solid knowledge of and connectivity with marine education capacity building and ocean literacy networks.
• Experience in identifying and setting strategic priorities and metrics for monitoring and evaluation.
• Very good communication skills (oral and written) with proven ability to make effective and persuasive oral presentations to both technical and general audiences.
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Desirable: Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in an ocean related field or education.
• Desirable: Experience in knowledge dissemination, advocacy, or science communication.
• Desirable: Proven track record in adapting and innovating program activities to address capacity development and ocean literacy needs and challenges.
• Desirable: Experience working in multicultural and politically sensitive environments, demonstrating judgment and cultural awareness.
• Desirable: Strong understanding and respect for due diligence, ensuring compliance, and intellectual property rights.
• Desirable: Commitment to recognizing and valuing expert contributions, particularly in capacity development and ocean literacy.
• Desirable: Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish)

Skills

• Marine Education
• Capacity Development
• Ocean Literacy Advocacy
• International Programme Management
• Project Design
• Project Implementation
• Project Evaluation
• Partnership Building
• Resource Mobilization
• Team Leadership
• Team Coordination
• Strategic Planning
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Oral Presentation
• Written Communication
• Knowledge Dissemination
• Advocacy
• Science Communication
• Compliance Management
• Intellectual Property Law

Languages

English