Head of the IOCAFRICA Secretariat at UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

• Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the direct supervision of the Head, IOC Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section (IOC/MPR), and the administrative supervision of the Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa (Nairobi), the incumbent is responsible for leading the Secretariat for the IOC Sub-Commission for Africa & the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA).
• These activities operate through the advice and actions of numerous expert teams, inputs across IOC programmes related to Ocean Science, Ocean Observation and Services, Tsunami Early Warning, Capacity Development, and Marine Policy - a complex landscape requiring excellent skills in team building, programme development, coordination, cooperation and internal and external communication.
• The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C5s), the IOC Medium Term Strategy, IOC Assembly and Executive Council decisions/resolutions, the IOCAFRICA Biannual Workplan, and other international/UNGA resolutions as well as global development plans relevant to the ocean such as Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the SAMOA SIDS Pathway, UNFCCC Paris Agreement and overall UNCLOS provision relevant to the mandate of the IOC.

In particular, the incumbent will: 

Long Description

• Advance the work of IOC and engage current and potential members and partners in the region within the framework of the IOC. Lead, coordinate, and facilitate the development and implementation of IOC Medium-Term Strategy and Programme and Budget, and global programmes related to ocean research, sustained ocean observations and services, the development of science/policy interface, the generation of scientific knowledge to support sustainable ocean management and capacity development in the region. 
• Exercise leadership and strategic thinking in developing, planning and implementing IOC programmes/activities responding to the existing and emerging priority needs and specific interests of Member States in the region and support the implementation of IOCAFRICA workplan as defined by the Sub-Commission. 
• Pursue partnerships and resource mobilization opportunities with governments, other UN agencies, the research, development and donor communities, with a view to implementing IOC Medium-Term Strategy, the IOC Capacity Development Strategy and programmes in the region and contributing to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
• Facilitate the coordination of regional activities in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development focusing on engagement of ocean stakeholders from science, policy, private sector and civil society, the convening of regional task groups, supporting the design of Decade Actions, and identification of capacity development needs.
• Ensure the smooth functioning of the Regional Secretariat, oversee the Secretariat’s human resources and their performance, prepare and monitor the budget for the Sub-Commission including extrabudgetary contributions, in line with UNESCO’s policies and procedures and Represent IOC, the Sub-Commission and UNESCO at the UN and other partner organizations’ intergovernmental and technical meetings, as appropriate. 

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (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)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in Marine sciences, environmental sciences or related field. 
Work Experience 

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant professional experience in the field of environmental and/or ocean research, management and capacity development, of which preferably 4 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in coordinating, managing, and implementing international projects or programmes.
• Experience in managing staff and teams.

Skills and Competencies

• Good understanding of ocean affairs, ocean science and capacity development in the region.
• Excellent analytical 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 development and management skills.
• Proven resource mobilization skills and experience.
• 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 of English (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• Ph.D. in Oceanography, Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field.

Skills and Competencies

• Experience at the international level (in the United Nations (UN) system or other international Organisations/bodies).

Languages

• Working knowledge of French (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).