OVERVIEW
Position Number: 1BEIOC0003RP
Grade: P-3
Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Duty Station: Ostend, Belgium
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): 02/04/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of IOC, direct supervision from the Head of Section and/or Head of the IOC Project Office for the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE), the incumbent is responsible for the technical and scientific coordination, implementation and maintenance of the IOC data and information exchange system, particularly the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and support to related activities.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The incumbent works within the framework of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C/4), the approved programme and budget (C/5), the IOC Medium-term strategy (and any subsequent strategies) and other relevant frameworks. The incumbent will work in close consultation with the OBIS Programme Specialist who leads the OBIS work plan implementation. The post is based at the IOC Project Office for IODE, Ostend.
The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:
Long Description
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Programme Coordination and Management:
1. In close collaboration with the Head of Section and/or Head of the IOC Project Office the OBIS programme specialist and the wider team at the IOC, establish technical programme goals, plan of activities, budget proposals, and performance measures - in accordance with technical guidance from the IOC, IODE Committee and OBIS coordination and steering groups;
2. Coordinate and provide technical maintenance and further development of the OBIS technology stack and infrastructure; Manage the technical implementation of the OBIS work plan; Manage and provide support to the OBIS technical and scientific working groups;
3. Collaborate closely with the wider IODE/IOC teams and support other related activities, including the IOC data architecture and the Ocean Data Information System, to ensure interoperability with OBIS, and provide guidance and support;
4. Develop, as needed, tools and standards, as well as trouble shooting solutions, for users including Member State representatives related to biological and ecosystem data and metadata;
5. Assist with technical support of IODE databases and other IT services of, or hosted by, the IOC Project Office for IODE.
Long Description
2. Resource mobilization and contractor engagement:
6. Manage the drafting of technical and scientific aspects of extra-budgetary project proposals, as well as the technical and scientific implementation of approved extra-budgetary projects. Provide terms of reference for, and monitor/evaluate progress of, contractors hired to provide technical support.
Long Description
3. Networking and Outreach:
7. Participate in relevant meetings of IODE mandated groups, including the OBIS steering group, as well as at other relevant events;
8. Assist with the promotion and communication of OBIS, synergized with wider IOC communications;
Support additional work of the IOC and IODE, including support to Member States, as required under the IOC strategy and its implementation plan, as guided by the Head of Section.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
9. Communication (C)
10. Accountability (C)
11. Innovation (C)
12. Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
13. Planning and organizing (C)
14. Results focus (C)
15. Teamwork (C)
Short Description
For detailed information, please consult the .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
16. Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in information technology, computer science, environmental, marine or biological sciences, or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
17. A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in data informatics, or a related area, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level.
18. Experience in IT web-enabled scientific database development and management.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
19. Solid understanding of the subject matter.
20. Good analytical, organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to produce accessible reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues.
21. Ability to monitor project feasibility and identify and pursue potential collaborations.
22. Excellent liaison and teamworking skills.
23. Awareness of emerging needs, trends and conflicting agendas and ways to address and integrate elements of multiple agendas into relevant projects, programmes and actions.
LANGUAGES
24. Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
25. A PhD in in information technology, computer science, environmental, marine or biological sciences, or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
26. Experience in biodiversity informatics and/or statistical analysis of biodiversity data.
27. Experience with cloud computing platforms.
28. Experience working within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is an asset.
29. Experience in project management.
30. Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
31. Experience in outreach activities and partnerships/network building.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
32. Use of scripting languages such as R, Python or Javascript for software development and/or data analytics.
33. Demonstrated experience with database management systems.
34. Demonstrated experience with GIS and/or geospatial data platforms.
35. Knowledge of source control systems and associated software development methodology.
LANGUAGES
36. 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 USD 107, 430.