Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok), and the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/DCO, the Individual Specialist shall be responsible for the programme development and implementation pertaining to marine biodiversity and ecosystem in the framework of IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The Individual Specialist shall perform the following specific assignments:

• Lead and coordinate the development and implementation of WESTPAC marine biodiversity and ecosystem related programmes and activities;
• Identify or respond to emerging issues, and develop strategies, programmes, or activities aligned with the mission of the IOC and WESTPAC, aimed at achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly its SDG 14, and the Ocean Decade;
• Provide assistance to member states, institution and relevant networks in the region in project development, implementation and evaluation. This includes monitoring and analyzing project progress, reviewing documents, preparing reports, liaising with relevant stakeholders, and identifying and tracking follow-up actions;
• Foster partnerships and pursue fund-raising opportunities with various stakeholders, including national governmental agencies, research institutes, universities, international organizations and/or programmes, and donor communities;
• Organize workshops, meetings, and capacity building and awareness raising activities aligned with the overall mission;
• Deliver timely information on science advances, programmatic directions, and new opportunities to diverse audiences;
• Undertake other relevant assignments as instructed by the Head of WESTPAC Office
• Submit to UNESCO the following deliverables:
  • The consultant will produce work products associated with the Specific Tasks outlined above and participate in meetings as well as provide deliverables, and regular updates on progress by the end of the month

In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the consultant is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.

Education

• Advanced University Degree in the field of ocean science, environmental science, ocean management, programme development and management

Work Experience

• At least 5-7 years’ professional international experience, including demonstrated experience in marine biodiversity related programme development and management
• Fundraising, partnership development and resource mobilization experience

Skills/Competencies

• Agility and flexibility; ability to meet tight deadlines and manage changing priorities
• Highly organized, be able to work on several tasks simultaneously, be able to prioritize and to utilize efficient time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate and work in a team in a multicultural environment

Languages

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and attention to detail

Desirable Qualification

• The consultant is also expected to have a deep understanding of the United Nations system, the IOC-UNESCO and the Ocean Decade and its significance.