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Programme Specialist (IODE/OBIS)

Unesco

Unesco

Belgium
USD 107,430-107,430 / year
Posted on Mar 3, 2026

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:

  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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:

  • 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:

  • Participate in relevant meetings of IODE mandated groups, including the OBIS steering group, as well as at other relevant events;
  • 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)

  • Communication (C)
  • Accountability (C)
  • Innovation (C)
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
  • Planning and organizing (C)
  • Results focus (C)
  • Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in information technology, computer science, environmental, marine or biological sciences, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • 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.
  • Experience in IT web-enabled scientific database development and management.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Solid understanding of the subject matter.
  • Good analytical, organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to produce accessible reports and papers on scientific, technical, and strategic issues.
  • Ability to monitor project feasibility and identify and pursue potential collaborations.
  • Excellent liaison and teamworking skills.
  • 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

  • Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

  • A PhD in in information technology, computer science, environmental, marine or biological sciences, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Experience in biodiversity informatics and/or statistical analysis of biodiversity data.
  • Experience with cloud computing platforms.
  • Experience working within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is an asset.
  • Experience in project management.
  • Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
  • Experience in outreach activities and partnerships/network building.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Use of scripting languages such as R, Python or Javascript for software development and/or data analytics.
  • Demonstrated experience with database management systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with GIS and/or geospatial data platforms.
  • Knowledge of source control systems and associated software development methodology.

LANGUAGES

  • 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.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING 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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
  • UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
  • UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
  • lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
  • All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
  • Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
  • In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
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