4 Associate Project Officer Positions at UNESCO IOC – Overview and Recruitment Details

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO invites applications for the position of Associate Project Officer.

These roles provide an excellent opportunity for professionals committed to ocean science, conservation, and sustainable marine management. The posts offer project-based appointments within the Programme Coordination job family at the IOC headquarters in Paris, France.

Position Summaries

1. Associate Project Officer (General)

• Post Number: IOC/PA 037
• Grade: P-2
• Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
• Duty Station: Paris
• Job Family: Programme Coordination
• Contract Type: Project Appointment
• Duration: 1 year
• Recruitment Open to: Internal and external candidates
• Application Deadline: 13 June 2025 (Midnight Paris Time)

2. Associate Project Officer (Marine Spatial Planning)

• Post Number: IOC/PA 038
• Grade: P-2
• Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
• Duty Station: Paris
• Job Family: Programme Coordination
• Contract Type: Project Appointment
• Duration: 1 year
• Recruitment Open to: Internal and external candidates
• Application Deadline: 26 June 2025 (Midnight Paris Time)

Organizational Context

The IOC, a body under UNESCO, fosters international cooperation in marine sciences aimed at advancing the management of the world’s oceans, coasts, and marine resources. Serving 150 Member States, the IOC coordinates diverse programmes including capacity development, ocean observation and services, ocean science advancement, tsunami warning systems, and ocean literacy initiatives. Its efforts align with UNESCO’s overarching mission to promote scientific knowledge and applications that underpin peace, sustainable development, and economic progress worldwide.

Within this framework, the IOC Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section plays a critical role by engaging partners globally to develop innovative, science-based tools for sustainable ocean management. This includes efforts in marine spatial planning, large marine ecosystem management, and leading the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Both Associate Project Officer roles focus on supporting the IOC’s mission through effective programme coordination and project delivery. While the specific duties may vary slightly by position, general responsibilities include:

• Research and Documentation: Conduct comprehensive desk research on ocean conservation, climate vulnerability, and marine spatial planning practices globally.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support organization of international meetings and workshops to bring together scientific experts, indigenous knowledge holders, and decision-makers responsible for ocean and marine protected area management.
• Guidance Development: Assist in the creation of standardized step-by-step guidelines, particularly for climate vulnerability assessments and spatial planning, tailored for use by local and regional decision-makers.
• Pilot Projects: Support the testing and evaluation of newly developed methodologies or tools to ensure their applicability and effectiveness in diverse marine contexts.
• Database Management: Develop and maintain databases of key contacts including marine protected area management teams, relevant authorities, and stakeholders involved in sustainable ocean governance.
• Communication Strategy: Aid in crafting and implementing communication plans that disseminate project findings and promote awareness within the context of the UN Ocean Decade.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences, climate studies, marine conservation, or related fields, with preference for expertise in ocean planning or management.
• Experience: At least two years’ relevant professional experience working with ocean conservation, marine protected areas, climate resilience, or related scientific fields. Proven ability to identify and document recent innovations in ocean science and climate vulnerability assessment is highly valued.
• Technical Skills: Strong organizational skills, technological awareness, and familiarity with scientific methodologies related to marine and climate sciences.
• Communication: Excellent command of English (both written and spoken). Knowledge of French or another UN official language is an asset.
• Interpersonal Abilities: Ability to work efficiently under pressure and within multicultural teams, demonstrating tact, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
• Understanding of UN Systems: Familiarity with the functioning of the United Nations, the IOC, and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention is advantageous.

Contractual and Administrative Information

• Contract Duration: Each appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding availability and satisfactory performance.
• Salary: The approximate starting annual salary for P-2 grade is USD 85,557, inclusive of basic salary and applicable benefits.
• Benefits: May include 30 days annual leave, family allowances, medical insurance, pension plan, and other entitlements as detailed in the UNESCO Guide to Staff Benefits.
• Recruitment Process: Candidates must submit applications online through the UNESCO careers portal. Selection includes evaluation against vacancy criteria, potential tests, interviews via communication technologies, and reference checks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

UNESCO’s Commitment to Diversity and Integrity

UNESCO upholds core values of commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. It fosters equitable geographical representation, gender parity, and workforce diversity, encouraging applications from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. UNESCO maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is a non-smoking organization.

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Call to Action

The Associate Project Officer roles at the IOC represent strategic opportunities for individuals passionate about advancing sustainable ocean science and policy.

Based in Paris, these positions contribute directly to global efforts addressing ocean challenges through innovative science, collaboration, and effective programme management within a leading international organization.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.