Programme Specialist (IOC Data and Information Exchange)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1BEIOC0101RP

Grade: P-4

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Ostende, Belgium

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years

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 International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO was established in 1961. Its purpose is to enhance marine research, exploitation and development, by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information between participating Member States, and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products. The IODE recognizes the importance of including the ocean research and observation community as key stakeholders and the importance of providing societal benefits through appropriate data services and products.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of IOC, direct supervision from the Head of Section, the incumbent serves as a Programme Specialist responsible for managing and ministering the work of the IODE. The post will provide international leadership in delivering the IOC data architecture, data standards, management and exchange in collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders and in support of Member States.

The incumbent manages, advises and reports on the subsection’s regular and extra-budgetary programme design, guidelines and resources and progress within the context of coordination with and guidance to Member States and all relevant data user communities.

The incumbent works within the framework of UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C.4s), the approved programme and budget (C5s), the IOC Medium-term strategy (and any subsequent strategies) and other relevant frameworks.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Working with the Head of Section and Executive Secretary, lead strategic planning, operations, partner engagement, negotiation and delivery of the IOC data architecture and associated IODE data and information systems: coordinating and evolving FAIR data management delivery for IODE with its Committee members, other IOC sections, the Global Ocean Observing System, the WMO and other relevant UN entities and stakeholders.
• Strengthen the data management capacity of IOC Member States by establishing, developing, and maintaining effective outreach materials and relationships with National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODCs), Associate Data Units (ADUs), and other relevant national, regional and global institutions.
• Manage the subsection’s budget, personnel, and project tracking and execution, ensuring smooth delivery of activities in support of the IOC and IODE mandates, IOC medium term strategy and workplan.
• Draft and oversee extra-budgetary project proposals, as well as the technical and scientific implementation of approved extra-budgetary projects.
• Manage IODE committee meetings and relevant expert and steering groups, as well as reporting on IODE workplans and progress made to the IOC governing body meetings.
• Support active internal and external communications, informing IOC Member States on progress and stimulating relevant actions at the national level, and thus increasing visibility, resources and partnerships.
• Conduct horizon scanning and identify emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities to ensure that IOC data systems remain agile, scalable, interoperable, and responsive to evolving IOC mandates and international requirements.
• Provide support, assistance and advice to the Head of Section and wider IOC on matters relating to data standards, management and delivery of data exchange.
• Represent the Executive Secretary and Head of Section as Head of the Project Office at Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ). Effectively run day-to-day operations at the IODE office, VLIZ. As an international leader in data delivery, participate in appropriate meetings and forums to represent IODE and IOC.

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 or equivalent) in data science, information management, computer science, environmental science, oceanography, marine science geosciences, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in marine sciences or a related field, of which preferably three (3) years of experience acquired at the international level.
• Experience managing international programmes or projects related to data interoperability, ocean observing and/or data policy development, including stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, feasibility, opportunities and risks.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and maintain partnerships and collaborations, and to coordinate, negotiate and deal with partners and networks.
• Awareness of politics, emerging needs, trends and conflicting agendas and ways to address and integrate elements of multiple agendas into relevant projects, programmes and actions.
• Ability to manage a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
• Ability to take initiative and to manage competing deadlines within a tight timeframe, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (PhD) in data science, information management, computer science, environmental science, oceanography, marine science geosciences, or a related field, and/or equivalent professional experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience working within the United Nations system or an international organization.
• Experience with coordinating large-scale or distributed data infrastructures.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset

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 125 169 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.