The United Nations has proclaimed the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) to support efforts to reverse the decline in ocean health and to unite ocean stakeholders worldwide under a common framework. This framework aims to ensure that ocean science can fully support countries in creating improved conditions for the sustainable development of the ocean. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is leading the coordination of the Ocean Decade in line with the framework outlined in the Implementation Plan, as mandated by the UN General Assembly.

The Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section (IOC/MPR) plays a crucial role in connecting ocean science to policy. IOC/MPR promotes the science-policy interface by fostering multi-agency partnerships related to ocean and coastal matters, and it develops and disseminates tools for effective coastal and marine management. The Decade Coordination Unit for the Ocean Decade is part of IOC/MPR.

Specific Tasks
Under the overall authority of the Head of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section and the direct supervision of the Deputy Coordinator of the Decade Coordination Unit, the Junior Consultant will support IOC-UNESCO in its role as the coordinating agency for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The Junior Consultant will collaborate closely with the Decade Coordination Unit staff to carry out the following tasks:

• Support and facilitate the coordination of the development and implementation of an Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility, providing a flexible and adaptive approach to meet the capacity development needs of individuals and institutions involved in the Ocean Decade, with a focus on SIDS, LDCs, and Early Career Ocean Professionals. This includes supporting the implementation of the strategy, developing and delivering Capacity Development Initiatives, and fostering a Community of Practice on Capacity Development.
• Support the continuous development and implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for the Ocean Decade to report on progress. This includes preparing onboarding and information sessions, assisting with due diligence processes, collecting and analyzing data, preparing progress reports, and developing materials to update stakeholders.
• Support the organization of the First Ocean Decade International Cities Conference, scheduled for February 2025 in Qingdao, China.
• Contribute to initiatives that engage Small Island Developing States (SIDS) partners in the Ocean Decade. This may include organizing SIDS-targeted webinars, workshops, or training sessions; mapping SIDS stakeholders; conducting outreach to relevant organizations; developing an Ocean Decade SIDS roadmap; and supporting partnership development with SIDS stakeholders.
• Assist in developing gap analysis reports, roadmaps, mappings, briefings, publications, and other internal and external documents as required.
• Undertake any additional tasks as discussed with the supervisor.

Deliverables
The consultant will participate in Ocean Decade meetings and provide regular updates on progress, according to the deliverables listed below:

Deliverable	Estimated Duration to Complete	Review and Approval	Payment Terms
DEL1 Submission of the Summary report of activities of Capacity Development Facility in 2023/2024	One (1) month from Contract signature date	IOC Programme Specialist	16.66% of the total contract amount
DEL2 Submission of the Revised M&E Framework forms	Two (2) months from Contract signature date	IOC Programme Specialist	16.66% of the total contract amount
DEL3 Submission of the Workplan for Capacity Development Facility for 2025	Three (3) months from Contract signature date	IOC Programme Specialist	16.66% of the total contract amount
DEL4 Submission of the Report summarizing outcomes of First Ocean Decade International Cities Conference	Four (4) months from Contract signature date	IOC Programme Specialist	16.66% of the total contract amount
DEL5 Submission of the Action Plan for Cities with the Ocean Platform for 2025	Five (5) months from Contract signature date	IOC Programme Specialist	16.66% of the total contract amount
DEL6 Submission of the Final M&E Analysis for 2024/2025 period	Six (6) months from Contract signature date	IOC Programme Specialist	16.7% of the total contract amount

Qualifications and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in science or engineering.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in ocean science is preferred, with at least one year of international experience.

Competencies and Skills:

• Good organizational skills and demonstrated project management experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail
• Experience in supporting the organization of major events and understanding of the UN system and UNESCO
• Good understanding of challenges facing SIDS partners
• Agility and flexibility; ability to meet tight deadlines and manage changing priorities
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team

Language Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of English; knowledge of French is an asset.