OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Field Office
Duty Station: Bangkok
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-May-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background and Rationale
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the United Nations body for ocean science, ocean observation, ocean services and capacity development. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity building to learn more about the nature and resources of the oceans and coastal areas, and to apply this knowledge to improve management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment and the decision-making processes of States. IOC has been designated as the coordinating agency for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (Hereafter referred to as โOcean Decadeโ).
The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is the regional arm of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC) for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. The Sub-Commission carries forward the IOCโs mission in the region, advancing ocean knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and catalyzing ocean science solutions for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources.
While serving as the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission, the WESTPAC Office assumes additional function as the Decade Coordination Office (DCO) responsible for coordinating Decade Actions across all Ocean Decade Challenges in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. Hosted by the Government of Thailand, the Office is situated in the Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok. It is administratively attached to the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration in achieving the objectives set forth by the IOC and UNESCO.
Objective of this assignment
Ocean Literacy is defined as โan understanding of the oceanโs influence on you and your influence on the oceanโ. Ocean Literacy has been gaining increasing popularity since 2000s, as it provides a fundamental approach to enhance ocean knowledge, increase public awareness, and more importantly, to empower citizens and stakeholders to act in a more responsible manner for our ocean and its resources.
The scope of Ocean Literacy covers programmes and activities in both formal and non-formal education, public awareness campaigns and communication. In the Western Pacific region, Ocean Literacy, including ocean education and awareness raising activities, has been conducted widely at different levels, but yet fragmentally, lacking a strategic and holistic approach to its development in the region towards the achievement of โleaving no one behindโ.\\
To promote ocean literacy in the Western Pacific region, an Intersessional Task Force on Ocean Literacy will be formed by the Sub-Commission to drive the development of ocean literacy in the Western Pacific and adjacent areas. Please refer to the Terms of Reference of the International Task Force.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok), and the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/DCO, the Individual Consultant shall assist in the establishment of the International Task Force, provide technical and operational support to the Task Force, and develop, coordinate and execute ocean literacy related activities for the Western Pacific and adjacent areas. The consultant will work closely with the task force members to facilitate communication, coordination, and the delivery of key outputs.
The Individual Consultant shall perform the following specific tasks:
- Assist in the establishment of the International Task Force, including supporting the initial setup and collection of recommendations and relevant information.
- Provide day-to-day support for the Task Forceโs operation, including planning and managing Task Force meetings, facilitating communication among members, and ensuring efficient and effective delivery of the Task Force.
- Conduct research on ocean literacy, review existing frameworks, tools, and initiatives, and analyze gaps in current ocean literacy efforts.
- Develop, coordinate and implement ocean literacy activities in the region in close communication with the Task Force, ensuring alignment with the needs of Member States and aligned with the UN Ocean Decade goals.
- Identify and engage with relevant stakeholders, including governmental, non-governmental, academic, and private sector partners, to foster collaboration and commitment to ocean literacy initiatives.
- Organize meetings, workshops, and awareness raising activities that serve the objectives of the Intersessional Task Force and engage stakeholders in the development of ocean literacy initiatives.
- Produce knowledge products and communication materials, including progress reports, news coverages, webpage contents, booklets and brochures, summarizing achievements, and enhancing the visibility of ocean literacy related activities.
To ensure the effective delivery of technical and operational support, it is preferred that the consultant carries out the assignment in person at the office. However, remote work arrangements may be considered, depending on the nature of the tasks and in consultation with the supervisor.
Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:
- Monthly progress reports detailing activities undertaken, milestones reached, and upcoming tasks;
- Summary reports of task force meetings and stakeholder engagement efforts;
- A comprehensive ocean literacy strategy document at regional level, including stakeholder mapping and action recommendations;
- Recommendations for a sustainable ocean literacy program that tailored to the Western Pacific region;
- Documentation of ocean literacy activities.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILL REQUIRED
Education
Advanced university degree (masterโs or equivalent) required in the diverse and relevant disciplines to ocean literacy, such as education, ocean and environmental science and governance, communication, and policy analysis.
Work Experience