Job Description

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) : 05/10/2026

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background and rationale

The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is the regional arm of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. The Sub-Commission carries forward the IOC’s mission in the region, advancing ocean knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and catalyzing ocean science solutions for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources.

To meet the demands of countries in the region, the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) organizes the International Marine Science Conference (IMSC) on a triennial basis to advance ocean science, foster multi- and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and generate ocean knowledge for informed policy and management. Over the past decade, the Conference has grown into one of the largest regional gatherings for marine research communities and ocean stakeholders from diverse sectors.

Hosted by the Government of the Philippines, the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference will be held in Manila, the Philippines, on 20–23 April 2027. The Conference will bring together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and partners across the Western Pacific and beyond to promote knowledge exchange, foster partnerships, and catalyze Decade Actions.

While serving as the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission, the WESTPAC Office assumes additional function as the Decade Coordination Office 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, facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration in achieving the objectives set forth by the IOC and UNESCO.

Long Description

Objective of this assignment

To support the technical planning, scientific coordination, and implementation of the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (IMSC-12) and the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) seeks to engage an individual consultant as Technical Coordinator.

The incumbent will provide technical and programmatic coordination for the Conference and its associated activities, including scientific programme development, stakeholder coordination, conference system management, communications, and implementation support.

The position is expected to contribute to ensuring the scientific quality, strategic coherence, inclusivity, and effective delivery of the Conference in alignment with the priorities of IOC/UNESCO, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and regional ocean science and governance frameworks.

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), the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/Decade Coordination Office for the region, and in close coordination with host country focal points and the International Steering Committee, the incumbent shall undertake the following duties:

A. Technical Coordination and Overall Planning

• Support the overall technical coordination, planning, and implementation of the IMSC and associated events (e.g., Scientific Session, Decade Action Workshops, Decade Action Incubators, and side events).
• Contribute to the development of the Conference overall framework, technical agenda, and programme structure to ensure scientific coherence and strategic alignment with regional priorities.
• Coordinate and support the operation of the International Steering Committee (ISC) and other.
• Facilitate technical coordination and communication among organizers, partners, and host country counterparts.
• Monitor progress of conference preparations and support the identification and mitigation of operational and programmatic risks.

B. Scientific Programme Development and Technical Review

• Coordinate the preparation and dissemination of calls for scientific session proposals, workshops, incubators, and submission of abstracts.
• Support technical review and selection processes for scientific sessions, workshops, and incubators.
• Liaise with session/workshop/incubator conveners and speakers to ensure coherence and quality.
• Ensure effective integration of cross-cutting themes and emerging priorities, including: ocean science-policy interface, ocean literacy and capacity development, ocean technology development, marine spatial planning, climate change and ecosystem resilience

C. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Support engagement and coordination with Member States, UN agencies, regional organizations, scientific institutions and networks, Decade Actions, civil society organizations, and Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs).
• Facilitate collaboration among regional and international initiatives relevant to the Conference themes and technical priorities.
• Contribute to partnership development and resource mobilization efforts, including engagement with sponsors, supporting institutions, and strategic partners.
• Promote inclusivity, diversity, gender balance, and equitable regional representation in conference participation and programme development.

Long Description

D. Communications, Outreach, and Knowledge Management

• Support the development and dissemination of communication and outreach materials, including announcements, concept notes, website content, social media materials, press releases, and promotional products.
• Contribute to strengthening the visibility and strategic messaging of the Conference and associated UN Ocean Decade Actions.
• Support documentation and knowledge management processes, including synthesis of conference outcomes, session highlights, recommendations, and technical inputs.
• Coordinate with associated communication teams and partners to enhance outreach, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of conference outcomes.

E. Conference Delivery and Follow-up

• Provide on-site/virtual technical coordination during the Conference.
• Ensure smooth implementation of scientific sessions, workshops, incubators, and side events.
• Support preparation of: Conference summary report, key outcomes and recommendations, follow-up actions and partnership initiatives

Location and Travel

To ensure the effective delivery of technical 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.

Delivery

The consultant will be responsible for delivering monthly progress reports, which will include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Detailed Conference workplan and timeline
• Coordinated call for proposals for scientific sessions, Decade Workshops, and Incubators
• List of finalized scientific sessions, workshops, and incubators, including detailed descriptions for each, and co-converners.
• Communication materials and updates
• Final Conference programme
• Conference report and outcome document

Long Description

Long Description

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 in international cooperation, marine science, ocean policy, environmental management, or related fields.

Work Experience

• At least 5–7 years of relevant experience in international project development and coordination; conference/event programme development and implementation, and ocean-related international programmes.
• Proven experience working with international organizations, preferably within the UN system.
• Strong understanding of ocean issues in the Western Pacific, the UN Ocean Decade, and the WESTPAC programmes
• Excellent coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong drafting and reporting skills in English.

Skills and competencies

• Strong initiative and proven ability to manage competing priorities, organize and prioritize workloads, and meet established deadlines with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and quality of work.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, diplomatic, and advocacy skills, with demonstrated 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 in developing and running international conference programme
• Previous experience with UN agencies or international organizations would be an asset.

Languages

• Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information one combined file:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience including prior experience of similar
2. a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment;
3. Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to the consultancy (maximum 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives and/or deliverables shall be addressed, detailing progress, and timeline.
4. Financial proposal in US dollars with a budget breakdown.

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.

Application should be done through careers.unesco.org only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, please inform us at iocwestpac@unesco.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

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).