1. Introduction

The vision of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is the ‘science we need for the ocean we want’. To achieve the transformative revolution in ocean science generation and uptake that is envisaged by the Ocean Decade, it is essential that all actors – regardless of geography, gender or generation – can actively participate in and benefit from the Decade.

In preparation for the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, the Decade Coordination Unit is launching the Vision 2030 process to set a strategic ambition, with corresponding milestones and indicators, for the achievement of the ten Ocean Decade Challenges. This process will be carried out over the next 12 months and the results will be presented at the Conference in April 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

IOC-UNESCO is now looking for a consultant to work within the Decade Coordination Unit fill the role of Junior Science Officer to support the Vision 2030 process and to support a range of other tasks for the Ocean Decade.

3. Specific Tasks

The consultant will carry out the following tasks:

  • Support the implementation of the Vision 2030 process of strategic ambition setting for Ocean Decade Challenges including liaison with Decade Actions, decentralised coordination structures, and other external and internal partners. This process will require the facilitation of expert working groups and contribution to documents and publications related to the process.
  • Support preparation of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, particularly in relation to the design and planning of sessions related to the presentation of the results of the Vision 2030 process.
  • Support scientific aspects of the scoping and the analyses of results of Calls for Decade Actions including contribution to documentation for the Decade Advisory Board, and recommendations for the IOC Executive Secretary.
  • Support development of selected policy briefs, discussion papers, and publications related to the Ocean Decade.
  • Support communication and collaboration with Ocean Decade partners working in the Arctic region, including support to the process of establishing a Decade Collaborative Centre for the Arctic.
  • Carry out other tasks related to implementation of the Ocean Decade as requested by the supervisor

The consultant will work as part of the Decade Coordination Unit under the direct supervision of the Ocean Decade Science Officer. This is an 11-month, full-time consultancy with the possibility for renewal. The position is home-based.

4. Deliverables

The consultant will produce work products associated with the Specific Tasks outlined above and participate in Ocean Decade meetings as well as provide regular updates on progress and monthly activity reports.

5. 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 1 year including demonstrated experience project and programme development and management
  • Experience liaising with and organizing scientific meetings and events
  • Agility and flexibility; ability to meet tight deadlines and manage changing priorities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and French and attention to detail
  • Ability to work within a small, multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team

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.

6. Supervisory arrangements

The consultant will be supervised by the Science Officer of the Decade Coordination Unite and will liaise closely with the Programme Specialist of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section. The supervisor will brief the Consultant at the start of the contract, and a series of meetings will be organized to get the Consultant acquainted with the work of the Ocean
Decade and the IOC Secretariat.

7. Facilities to be provided by UNESCO

UNESCO will provide the Consultant with all required access to working files, UNESCO network, knowledge-management systems (including institutional email and Microsoft TEAMS accounts), and temporary office space if needed on occasional presence at UNESCO Headquarters.

8. Taxes

UNESCO will not reimburse any taxes, duties or other contributions for which individuals may be liable in respect of any payments made to them under the terms of their contract.

9. Insurance

Individuals issued with a contract for individual consultants or other specialists are covered by UNESCO’s insurance policy for work-related illness, injury, accidents or death whilst performing their official duties or travelling on behalf of the Organization. The insurance premium for the coverage, as determined by Pension and Insurance Section (HRM/SPI), must be included in the financial commitment for the contract.

10. Social Benefits

Individual consultants and other specialists shall be responsible for arranging, at their own expense, any medical insurance that they consider necessary during the contract period. Unless they are affiliated by virtue of their status as former staff members, they cannot be enrolled in the UNESCO’s Medical Benefit Fund or United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund. Individual consultants and other specialists are not entitled to paid annual or sick leave.

Your written proposal should comprise:

(a) A Technical Proposal consisting of

  • an up to date curriculum vitae including the contact details of three professional references, and
  • an approach and methodology for the assignment, a workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference if any (max. 2 pages).

(b) The total amount to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in US dollars or in euros only and should indicate the consultant’s monthly rate.
Please show any travel costs separately

Your proposal and any supporting documents must be in either English or French. Documents should as far as possible be consolidated into a single document and all file names should include the family name of the applicant.

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation best value for money.

Your proposal should be submitted by e-mail to m.begmatova@unesco.org no later than end of the day (23:59 CET) 30 April 2023. E-mail proposals should not exceed 5MB.

It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that his/her proposal is received by the deadline.

Thank you for your interest in this UNESCO assignment; and we look forward to receiving your proposal.

For more information click here.

via UNESCO
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