On 5 December 2017, the United Nations proclaimed the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, to be held from 2021 to 2030 (‘the Ocean Decade’). The Ocean Decade, which started on 1 January 2020, will provide a common framework to ensure that ocean science can fully support actions to sustainably manage the ocean and contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development.
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), as the agency tasked with coordinating the preparation of the Ocean Decade, is now looking for a Science Outreach Manager to oversee the development and implementation of a communications and outreach strategy for the Ocean Decade.
This position is a 12-month service contract with the possibility of renewal for 12 months based on performance. The position is based in UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France. The consultant will work closely with the Ocean Decade team and staff within the IOC to development, implement a communications, and outreach strategy for the Ocean Decade.
Within the overall framework of the IOC Programme and Budget and the IOC communications strategy, the incumbent would work in close collaboration with the IOC Associate Communication Officer, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist, Marine Policy and Regional Coordination, and the overall supervision of the Chief of Section for Marine Policy and Regional Coordination.
- Develop and maintain a strategic vision of communications needs for the Ocean Decade to maximize engagement and reach
- Lead development, operationalization and regular review of Decade communications strategy
- Oversee development and upgrading of Ocean Decade website and Global Stakeholder Forum to meet user needs as resources become available
- Conceptualise and oversee the development of communications tools required by Ocean Decade partners including proponents of Decade Actions, National Decade Committees or decentralized coordination structures
- Develop partnerships and mobilise resources to support communications activities
- Oversee strategic development and roll out of Generation Ocean communications campaign in close collaboration with the IOC Associate Communications Officer to ensure coherence and strategic alignment with overall IOC communications and messaging
- Lead conceptualization of strategic vision and development of content for Ocean Decade communications assets
- Contribute to strategic planning and oversees organization of communications aspects of Ocean Decade events
- Develop and oversee implementation of systems to monitor the effectiveness of Ocean Decade communications activities
- Coordinate organization of meetings of Communications Advisory Group
- Collaborate closely with the IOC-UNESCO communications team to ensure consistency in messaging and approaches
- Build and maintain partnerships and with collaboration with communications teams in other sectors of UNESCO and within partner UN agencies to develop and implement joint communications products and campaigns
- Work with consultant writers, web designers, graphic designers, videographers and social media experts as necessary to fulfill communications needs
- Oversee communications team and provides mentoring, support and supervision
- Any other relevant task requested by the supervisor
Qualifications and Experience
The Science Outreach Manager will have a relevant academic qualification(s), and have significant relevant professional expertise and will be able to demonstrate fulfilment of the following criteria:
i. At least a Masters degree in communications, marketing or relevant discipline
ii. At least 7 – 10 years experience in communications, marketing or relevant field, including experience in an international setting
iii. Experience in development and implementation of communications strategies and campaigns for major ocean or environment related initiatives
iv. Experience in social media engagement strategies
v. Technical proficiency and understanding of website design and maintenance
vi. Experience in developing and maintaining partnerships and resource mobilisation
vii. Excellent written and verbal communications skills
viii. Native level proficiency in English or French and well developed language skills in the other language. Knowledge of an additional UN language will be an advantage.
ix. Experience in managing a small team
The consultant is expected to have a deep understanding of the United Nations system, the IOC-UNESCO and the
Ocean Decade and its significance.
How to Apply
Please submit a full CV (using the UNESCO template here), a motivation letter and three references that may be contacted, to: a.clausen@unesco.org, by 10 January 2022 (Midnight, Paris time). Please use the subject line “Science Outreach Manager for the Ocean Decade” in the email. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Please note: The tasks or services performed by locally-recruited individuals on Service contracts (SC) correspond to temporary activities or workloads which cannot be covered in the normal course of duty by regular staff members. SC can be granted at Headquarters, in Field Offices and Category 1 Institutes. Service contract holders are neither staff members under the UNESCO Staff Regulations and Staff Rules nor officials under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies (21 November 1947). The relationship between SC contract holders and the Organization are solely governed by the provisions of Human Resources Manual Item 13.9 and of their contract, such provisions determining the legal status and the general terms and conditions of service of SC contract holders.
SC are initially granted to locally recruited individuals for a minimum period of 1 month and a maximum period of 12 months. Subsequently, they may be extended for periods of up to twelve months at a time, subject to a continuing need for the SC function, satisfactory performance and budgetary coverage. At Headquarters, successive contracts shall not exceed 24 months in any period of 36 consecutive months.
For further information on the application process, click here.