Position Number: 1BEIOC0101RP | Grade: P-4 | Parent Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) | Duty Station: Ostende, Belgium | Job Family: Programme Coordination | Contract Type: Fixed Term, 2 years | Recruitment open to internal and external candidates.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: The International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO was established in 1961. Its purpose is to enhance marine research, exploitation and development by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information between participating Member States, and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST: Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of IOC and direct supervision of the Head of Section, the incumbent serves as a Programme Specialist responsible for managing and administering the work of the IODE. The post will provide international leadership in delivering the IOC data architecture, data standards, management and exchange in collaboration with relevant internal and external stakeholders and in support of Member States. The incumbent manages, advises and reports on the subsection's regular and extra-budgetary programme design, guidelines, resources and progress.
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead strategic planning, operations, partner engagement, negotiation and delivery of the IOC data architecture and associated IODE data and information systems, coordinating FAIR data management delivery with Committee members, other IOC sections, the Global Ocean Observing System, WMO and other UN entities.
- Strengthen the data management capacity of IOC Member States by developing outreach materials and relationships with National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODCs), Associate Data Units (ADUs) and other national, regional and global institutions.
- Manage the subsection's budget, personnel, and project tracking and execution.
- Draft and oversee extra-budgetary project proposals and the technical/scientific implementation of approved projects.
- Manage IODE committee meetings and expert/steering groups, and report on IODE workplans to IOC governing body meetings.
- Support internal and external communications, increasing visibility, resources and partnerships.
- Conduct horizon scanning to keep IOC data systems agile, scalable and interoperable.
- Represent the Executive Secretary and Head of Section as Head of the Project Office at Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ) and run day-to-day operations at the IODE office.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in data science, information management, computer science, environmental science, oceanography, marine science, geosciences or a related field. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in marine sciences or a related field, preferably including three (3) years at the international level. Experience managing international programmes or projects related to data interoperability, ocean observing and/or data policy development, including stakeholder engagement. Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization. Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
DESIRABLE: PhD in a related field; experience within the UN system or an international organization; experience coordinating large-scale or distributed data infrastructures; knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).
BENEFITS: UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and pension plan. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 125,169 USD.
Closing date: 07/09/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the application deadline (Midnight Paris Time, 07/09/2026). To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Brussels-Programme-Specialist-%28IOC-Data-and-Information-Exchange%29/1368246457/. 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. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.