Individual Consultant (Ocean Literacy Programme Support)

JOB DETAILS

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

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.

Long Description

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:

• Provide coordination and support to the International Task Force, including planning and managing Task Force meetings, facilitating communication among members, and ensuring efficient and effective delivery.
• Conduct analytical research on ocean literacy, including reviewing existing frameworks, tools, and initiatives; identifying gaps and regional needs; and provide inputs to align ocean literacy efforts with relevant global frameworks (e.g., UN Ocean Decade, SDGs), in consultation with relevant sectors of UNESCO Bangkok, such as Education.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement targeted ocean literacy activities in the region, including ‘Ocean Literacy for Journalists in Southeast Asia’, ensuring alignment with the needs of Member States and the UN Ocean Decade goals, and in collaboration with CI sector at UNESCO Bangkok.
• Identify opportunities and lead the development of new ocean literacy initiatives and project proposals, including concept notes and funding submissions, to mobilize external resources and strengthen strategic partnerships.
• Identify, engage, and maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including governmental, non-governmental, academic, and private sector partners, to foster collaboration and commitment to ocean literacy initiatives.
• Develop knowledge products, communication and outreach materials, including case studies, best practices, news coverages, web contents, booklets, and brochures, to document achievements and enhance the visibility and impact of ocean literacy activities.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and awareness raising activities, and engage stakeholders in the development and implementation of ocean literacy initiatives.

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.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• Monthly progress reports detailing activities undertaken, milestones reached, and upcoming tasks.
• Summary reports of task force meetings and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Recommendations for a sustainable ocean literacy program that tailored to the Western Pacific region.
• Documentation of ocean literacy activities.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) required in the diverse and relevant disciplines to ocean literacy, such as education, ocean and environmental science and governance, communication, and policy analysis.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in the relevant field of ocean literacy, ocean education, ocean science and governance, communication and policy analysis, preferably with at minimum two (2) years acquired at the international level.

Skills and competencies

• Initiative-taking and ability to manage competing priorities, organize and prioritize heavy workloads to meet established deadlines, with a strong capacity for accuracy, close attention to detail, and quality of work.
• Excellent drafting skills and ability to draft legal advice on complex and sensitive questions.
• Ability to interact efficiently with a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside the Organization.
• Excellent analytical, diplomacy, and advocacy skills, including the ability to collect, synthesize, and analyze complex information from various sources and convey messages.
• Proven ability to maintain effective working relations in a multicultural environment.
• Good IT skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).

Languages

• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Working experience with Journalists and Medias is an asset.
• Previous experience with UN agencies or international organizations would be an asset.

Languages

• Knowledge of relevant local language of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines or Thailand is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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:

1. A cover letter outlining how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.
2. A written technical and financial proposal (in English), including:
   • A brief description of the approach and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum 5 pages), as well as any comments on the Terms of Reference, if applicable.
   • The proposed monthly rate or total budget for the assignment, quoted in USD. Travel costs should be presented separately as part of the financial proposal.
   • An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).

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

• Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered.
• Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Note:

• Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process.
• Please submit your application through SuccessFactors. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in the system, please inform us at iocwestpac@unesco.org

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT 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 personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.