Chief of Section (Tsunami Resilience)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: IOC 396

Grade: P-5

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 07/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Tsunami Resilience Section (IOC/TSR) coordinates the four regional end-to-end tsunami warning and mitigation systems (Pacific, Indian Ocean, Caribbean, North Europe Atlantic and Mediterranean and connected seas) on an intergovernmental level. Staff at the Headquarters and in the field locations of Perth, Fiji, Jakarta and Barbados support and implement projects that enhance preparedness and awareness of tsunamis and other coastal disasters, and enable observation, research and policy developments that can lead to improved early warning systems and preparedness.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General and Executive Secretary of ‎Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (ADG/IOC), the incumbent will:

‎1.‎ Lead, coordinate and organize the activities of the IOC Tsunami Programme.

‎2.‎ Coordinate the 'Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS)' programme and liaise with ‎relevant national and international sea level centers and the international Tsunami sea ‎level monitoring network.

The Chief of Section is responsible for defining Section priorities in conjunction with senior programme staff and translating these into programmatic and thematic strategies, activities and relevant policy development. S/he is also responsible for maintaining and pursuing partnerships with organisations and locating and engaging resources that can further enhance the aforementioned programmes.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision:

Serve Member States by leading the consolidation and development of the global tsunami early warning and readiness system, and by supporting the evolution of multi-hazard early warning.

Programme Design and Management:

Provide guidance to ensure the development, implementation and coordination of services and scientific and secretariat support for the four Intergovernmental Groups (ICGs), including backup and coordination of their Working Groups and Officers, as well as other relevant projects and programmes carried out within the ICGs' framework. Define programmatic priorities of the Section, including resource mobilization strategy. ‎

Direct the design and implementation of the Tsunami and GLOSS programmes by:

(a) monitoring the implementation of work plans and related extra-budgetary projects, and advising on their status and development;
(b) determining C/5 items and preparing reports, memoranda, policies, guidelines, technical products, and other substantive documents;
(c) compiling strategic plans and other documents necessary for the implementation of the work plans;
(d) liaising with relevant regional subsidiary bodies of the IOC on tsunami- and sea-level-related matters;
(e) reviewing relevant literature and identifying emergency issues.

Capacity Development and Knowledge Exchange:

Organise the delivery of capacity development in tsunami warning systems and preparedness as part of the IOC's 10% cross-cutting capacity development strategy by:

(a) coordinating the contribution of working groups to develop guidelines and standards, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge through training, manuals and guidelines, in close collaboration with other relevant partners and programmes within and outside UNESCO; and
(b) supporting and coordinating efforts to reinforce capacity in Member States in establishing Tsunami Warning Systems as part of the IOC's cross-cutting Capacity Development programme, in collaboration with national, regional and international organisations and institutions.

Representation and Policy Advice:‎

Ensure the necessary coordination with relevant partners within and outside the UN, particularly the WMO, UNDP, UNDRR, CTBTO and IHO, who contribute to the various components of the end-to-end tsunami early warning system. Represent the Section to internal and external networks, such as universities, agencies, organisations and ministries. Influence and guide the development of concept notes, policy positions and formulation and implementation to improve performance.

Resource Mobilization:

Seek and explore opportunities for mobilising resources for relevant programmatic and thematic areas, including engaging potential donors with project plans that could attract support. Supervise the entire funding process, including developing and writing proposals, validating progress reports, and ensuring the timely implementation and completion of project/programme activities.

Staff and Administration Management:

Supervise and motivate staff. Monitor their progress and development, providing regular feedback in line with the performance management cycle. Manage the budget and complete other administrative tasks, such as overseeing documents in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in earth or ocean ‎sciences, or related field.‎

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant professional ‎experience in management and coordination of research and/or project work in the ‎field of marine sciences, of which preferably 5 years acquired at international level.‎
• Solid experience with tsunami warning and/or coastal hazard early warning systems.‎
• Experience working with the scientific community and government representatives ‎and officials.‎
• Proven experience in managing staff and teams.‎

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and motivate staff and teams and to maintain ‎effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.‎
• Capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external ‎stakeholders.‎
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven ability to prepare high quality ‎documents and reports.‎
• Good understanding of the work and general functioning of international organization ‎and/or knowledge of the United Nations System.‎
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and to work under pressure.‎

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• PhD in oceanography, geophysics, marine science or disaster risk reduction.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience with ocean/geophysical observing programs, hazard forecasting, communication and warning services.
• Experience in disaster management, community safety awareness and/or development planning.
• Experience with the UN system.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 158,255 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.