Open position: Chief of Section (Ocean Observations and Services) – Deadline 20 January 2023

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is a collaborative programme, cosponsored by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Science Council (ISC). GOOS is implemented through observing networks, regional alliances and national activities, aimed at delivering data and information for climate, early warning and forecasts, and ocean health. The IOC Ocean Observations and Services Section (IOC/OOS) provides support to Member State-driven programmes to maintain, strengthen, and integrate GOOS. The section supports the work plans and panels of GOOS, implements projects related to the development and exploitation of ocean information, and engages scientific communities and partner organization to achieve IOC objectives. The section is also responsible for leading the IOC participation in the Joint WMO-IOC Collaborative Board (JCB). The section staff are located in Paris, and in Brest, France, at the Joint IOC-WMO Centre for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology in situ Observations Programmes Support (OceanOPS). The distributed GOOS Office, led by the Chief of Section, has about 15 staff working under various arrangements in international and national organizations.

Under the authority and direct supervision of the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (Assistant Director-General, UNESCO), the incumbent will:

• Lead, coordinate and organize the activities of the GOOS Office, and
• Co-lead and coordinate the activities of the JCB, from the IOC perspective.

In particular, the incumbent will:

• Be responsible for defining and following up section priorities and translating those into strategies, activities, and relevant policy; maintaining and pursuing partnerships with partner organizations, and locating and engaging resources that can further GOOS. S/he will join the management team of the IOC, collectively responsible for implementing the mission of the IOC.
• Provide leadership and guidance to ensure support to the bodies and projects of GOOS.  Support the work of the GOOS Steering Committee and the JCB. Pursue a governance reform of GOOS for its four co-sponsoring organizations. Define priorities and agenda for the staff of the section and locate and manage resources. Build strong relationships in the value chain within IOC, connecting GOOS observations with IOC International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) data, and making data relevant for tsunami early warning, marine spatial planning, sustainable ocean governance, and other relevant policy processes in which the IOC is engaged.

Long Description

• Lead communication activities promoting GOOS and its contributors, and the role of IOC in ocean observations and services. Lead advocacy within the United Nations system for sustained observations. Engage the co-sponsoring organizations of GOOS, responding to their needs. Engage users of the system to refine requirements and track impact.
• Lead resource mobilization for GOOS, engaging potential donors with project plans which could attract support.
• Supervise and motivate personnel, including those at HQ and in the distributed GOOS Office. Manage budget and ensure other administrative tasks. Contribute to the administration and governance of the IOC.
• Direct the design and implementation of the GOOS and JCB programme by monitoring and reporting on implementation, preparing input into UNESCO governance processes, maintaining transparent strategic and living implementation plans, ensuring good links between GOOS Ocean Decade programmes and the rest of GOOS, and liaising with regional bodies and national contact points.
• Assure the necessary coordination with relevant partners within and outside the UN, in particular the WMO, UNEP, and ISC. Represent the section to internal and external networks, such as universities, agencies, organizations and ministries. Influence and guide the development of concept notes, policy positions, formulation and implementation that will improve sustained and systematic ocean observations.

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COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in Oceanography, Marine Science, or related field.

Work Experience 

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively relevant experience in the field of ocean observations or services, of which preferably 5 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in coordinating, managing, and implementing projects or programmes.
• Experience in managing staff and teams.

Skills and Competencies

• Good knowledge of in situ sustained ocean observing networks and the users of these observations.
• Excellent analytic skills, including the ability to identify complex issues, and decide on ways forward respecting the constraints of the organizations involved.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and change management skills.
• Strong programme management skills.
• Very good communication skills (oral and written) with proven ability to make effective and persuasive oral presentations to both technical and general audiences.
• Proven ability to advocate and negotiate with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders at all levels, internal and external, including building and maintaining partnerships.
• Ability to lead and empower teams and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English and working knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in ocean sciences or a related field.
• Fundraising and resource mobilization experience.
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS