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Last checked: 1 hour ago
Closing date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Country: Thailand
Duty station: Bangkok, Thailand
Contract type: Consultant Contract
Grade: Level 2 - Middle
Applicant eligibility: Not explicit in source
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Type of contract : Consultant Contract
Level : Level 2 - Middle
Hiring Unit : Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Duty Station : Bangkok
Work location : On site
Duration of contract : 11 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 26/06/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Background and rationale
The ocean is fundamental to sustainable development, climate regulation, food security, and human well-being. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the United Nations body for ocean science, ocean observations, ocean services, capacity development and ocean literacy. 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 “Ocean Decade”).
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. 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 and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok), facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration in achieving the objectives set forth by the IOC and UNESCO.
Ocean Literacy is defined as “an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean”. It encompasses knowledge, skills, values, and actions that enable individuals and societies to understand, engage with, and make informed decisions about the ocean and its sustainable use. Ocean literacy translates into a set of practical activity areas, including education, communication, public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and knowledge development.
In line with the Ocean Decade and the outcomes of the 15th Intergovernmental Session of WESTPAC (March 2025, Tokyo), Member States in the region have emphasized the need to strengthen ocean literacy as a key enabler for informed decision-making and behavioral change.
To respond to these needs, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is advancing a regional approach to ocean literacy, including the establishment of an Intersessional Task Force and the development of targeted initiatives such as Ocean Literacy for Journalists in Southeast Asia.
Objective of this assignment
We are seeking an Individual Consultant to support the development and strengthening of ocean literacy in the Western Pacific and adjacent areas.
Key duties and responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok), and the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/Decade Coordination Office for the region, and in collaboration with the relevant sectors of UNESCO Bangkok, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:
Location and Travel
To ensure the effective delivery of technical and operational support, the consultant will be based in Bangkok, Thailand and undertake the assignment in person at the WESTPAC Office.
The Consultant may be required to travel on missions directly related to projects and implementation during the assignment. The Consultant should travel economy class and receive DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Consultant is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties. The Consultant is responsible for obtaining UNDSS security clearance prior to each approved mission.
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
Education
Work Experience
Skills and competencies
Languages
Work Experience
Languages
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) available under ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. At the end of the completed Employment History Form, insert additional pages with the following documents:
Please upload the combined documents as a single PDF file instead of the Employment History Form alone. Applications that do not include all the above documents will not be considered.
UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization the best value for money.
Assessment
Note:
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).
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