INTERNSHIP: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

OVERVIEW

Duty Station: Headquarters

Type of contract : Internship

Duration of contract : 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30 June 2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) is the United Nations body responsible for supporting global ocean science and services. The IOC enables its 150 Member States to work together to protect the health of our shared ocean by coordinating programmes in areas such as ocean observations, tsunami warnings and marine spatial planning. IOC/UNESCO has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to coordinate implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Areas of activity covered by IOC/UNESCO include (not exhaustive):

• Ocean science with a focus on issues including ocean acidification, blue carbon, harmful algal blooms, and marine pollution
• Ocean observations
• Ocean data, information and knowledge management
• Capacity development
• Sustainable ocean planning and marine spatial planning
• Engagement with United Nations programmes, frameworks and initiatives related to the ocean
• Strengthening of the science – policy – society interface
• Large marine ecosystems
• Ocean literacy and education
• Ocean science communications

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

The Intern will have the opportunity to learn and support the overall work of the Sector’s mission.
Activities will vary depending on the requirements of the assignment. Specific Terms of Reference and learning objectives will form part of the contract.
The work entrusted to interns falls under one or more of the following categories