UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is now looking for a consultant to fill the role of ‘Ocean Decade Network and Community Manager’ and support a variety of tasks related to the implementation of the Ocean Decade.

The role specifically focuses on the coordination of key partners via Decade Coordination Offices, Decade Collaborative Centres and Decade Implementing Partners, and to support the strategic development and administration of the Ocean Decade Network (formerly the Global Stakeholder Forum, which acts as the key platform for people to actively engage with the Decade).

The position is an 11-month consultancy. The position can be carried out remotely.

Specific Tasks

The consultant will carry out the following tasks in line with the 2023-2024 Ocean Decade Network Strategic Plan and other relevant Ocean Decade strategies and plans:

• Liaison and Coordination with Decade Coordination Offices, Decade Collaborative Centres and Decade Implementing Partners
• Act as the central focal point and coordinator for Decade Coordination Offices, Decade Collaborative Centres and Decade Implementing Partners
• Develop and implement a strategic approach and detailed action plans to engage and optimise the role of Decade Coordination Offices, Decade Collaborative Centres and Decade Implementing Partners in the Ocean Decade in line with their agreed mandates
• Actively pursue partnerships to increase the number of Decade Coordination Offices, Decade Collaborative Centres and Decade Implementing Partners in the Ocean Decade and support the review and evaluation process for new applicants
• Support Decade Actions, Decade Coordination Offices, Decade Collaborative Centres and Decade Implementing Partners to establish and facilitate Communities of Practice on the Ocean Decade Network
• Carry out (daily, weekly, and monthly) administrative and technical tasks to maintain and grow active participation by users of the Decade’s online platform, the Ocean Decade Network
• Supervise and mentor the Ocean Decade Network intern

Qualifications and Experience

The consultant will have a relevant academic qualification(s), and have significant relevant professional expertise, with experience in the following areas:

• At least a Masters degree in a relevant ocean science discipline
• Professional experience in a regional or international organization of at least 5 – 7 years including demonstrated experience in project and programme development and management and experience in coordinating groups and networks of diverse stakeholders
• Experience in strategic planning and online network facilitation. Experience with Hivebrite or a similar online platform is an advantage.
• Fundraising, partnership development and resource mobilisation experience
• Agility and flexibility; ability to meet tight deadlines and manage changing priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work within a small, multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task. The consultant is also expected to have a deep understanding of the United Nations system, the IOC-UNESCO and the Ocean Decade and its significance.