Call for Applications – IOC Ocean Traineeships 2026 – Deadline 05 July 2026

Are you passionate about ocean science and looking to gain hands-on experience with leading institutions around the world? The UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the IOC Ocean Traineeships programme!

This unique initiative offers early career professionals the opportunity to upskill and contribute to the IOC mandate through a three-month placement at one of eight esteemed host institutions specializing in priority ocean science areas. The traineeship will begin between September and December 2026.

Host Institutions & Focus Areas

This year, eight host institutions are welcoming trainees:

1. Phycology Division, Natural Sciences Facility, National University of La Plata, Argentina. Languages: Spanish or English. Trainsheep focus: Ocean Science, Harmful Algae Bloom
2. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil. Languages: Portuguese or English. Trainsheep focus: Biodiversity Data Management
3. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, India. Language: English. Trainsheep focus: Ocean Observation System
4. Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Spain. Languages: Spanish or English. Trainsheep focus: Oceanographic Data Management
5. National Hydrographic Agency, Nigeria. Language: English. Trainsheep focus: Ocean Observation System.
6. Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, China. Language: English. Trainsheep focus: Early Warning Systems, Coastal Resilience, Data Management
7. Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics, Indonesia. Language: English. Trainsheep Focus: Early Warning & Hazards.
8. The Pacific Community, Fiji. Language: English. Trainsheep focus: Marine Spatial Planning

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to early career professionals who:

• Are citizens of IOC Member States;
• Are employed by government institutions, with a guarantee to remain employed for at least one year after the traineeship;
• Are engaged in activities supporting work plans adopted by IOC Regional Sub-Commissions and the IOC mandate;
• Can provide a supporting document from their institution or supervisor;
• Can upload their CV as part of the application.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application form .  Deadline to apply: 05 July 2026 (23:59 CEST). 

For more information about the traineeship programme, host institutions, and insights from previous cohorts, visit the IOC Ocean Capacity Building page.

Find out more and apply here.