Programme Specialist (Paris, France) contract

Position Number: IOC 454

Grade: P-4

Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 06/04/2026

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

Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General of UNESCO and Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (ADG/IOC) and the general supervision of the Head of Tsunami Resilience Section, and in cooperation with the IOC programmes and sections concerned.

The incumbent will:

1. Lead, coordinate and organize the activities of the IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group forTsunami Warning and Mitigation Systems in the Pacific Ocean (ICG/PTWS) and the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG/CARIBE EWS), including required follow-up on policy development, planning and implementation of related workplan; 

2. Be responsible for and coordinate the follow up of extra budgetary contributions to the Tsunami Resilience Section programme, including the associated research and capacity building projects. The incumbent shall provide advice on, an work closely with, the IOC Operational Support Unit (IOC/EO/AO), Central Services and Field Offices involved with the administrative follow up of the Tsunami programme activities.

• Provide leadership, develop, implement, and coordinate, services, scientific and technical support tothe IOC ICG/PTWS and ICG/CARIBE EWS, herein included back-up and coordination of their Working Groups and Officers, as well as to other relevant projects and programmes carried out within the ICG/PTWS and ICG/CARIBE EWS framework included but not limited to Tsunami Information Centers (TICs).

• In the context of the IOC Tsunami programme, ensure competent, coordinated and transparent management of the resources put at the disposal of the Commission by Member States, including coordination of field missions, organization of related training activities, meetings and workshops, including provision of regular substantive implementation status reports both to donors (in cooperation with BSP) and to IOC Governing Bodies and Member States.

   

• Assist the ADG/IOC and the Head of Tsunami Resilience Section, in the implementation of the Tsunami programme by : (a) monitoring the implementation of workplans and Tsunami Warning Systems and advising of status and development; (b) preparing concept papers, aide-memoirs, memorandums and other documents; (c) compiling strategic plans and other documents; (d) liaising with Secretaries of relevant regional bodies of the Commission on TWS-related matters; (e) reviewing relevant literature and identifying emerging issues.

• To plan and support capacity development in tsunami warning systems and preparedness, as part of the cross-cutting Capacity Development programme of IOC by: (a) coordinating the contribution of Working Groups to develop guidelines and standards and transfer of knowledge through trainings, manualsand guidelines as part of the cross-cutting Capacity Development programme of IOC in close collaboration with other relevant partners and programmes within and outside UNESCO; (b) coordinating efforts for the reinforcement of capacity in Member States in the establishment of Tsunami Warning Systems as partof the cross-cutting capacity Development programme of IOC, and with national, regional and international organisations and institutions in particular the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Pacific community and regional Disaster Management and Emergency Agencies such as CDEMA and CEPREDENAC.

• Be responsible for generating and monitoring the Tsunami Resilience Section planning instruments based on the RBM concept, including Unit’s contribution to the draft IOC Programme and Budget (C5 document) as well as the results based reporting tools (C3 and EX4 documents), in cooperation withthe IOC programmes and units concerned. In particular, the incumbent will prepare, enter and monitor therelevant input concerning the establishment of Tsunami Warning systems, in particular with regard to thePacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and Adjacent Regions.

• 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)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in leading, managing and coordinating programmes and projects in the field of ocean.
• Practical familiarity with ocean observing techniques, tsunami generation, warning production and dissemination, and very good knowledge of the international arrangements for Tsunami Early Warning Systems and other ocean observations andrelated programmes.
  

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Research, analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills including the ability to draft reports in a concise style and communicate complex scientific and management issues to a broader audience.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English.  

EDUCATION

• A PhD in Ocean Sciences and/or disaster management. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in fund-raising and resource mobilisation through negotiation with financialdonors. 
• Experience working within the United Nations system or a similar international organization.
• Experience in outreach activities and partnerships/network building. 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Use of scripting languages such as Python or Javascript for software development and/or data analytics.

LANGUAGES

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

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 USD 136,689. 

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

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).

• 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.