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Individual Consultant (Marine Spatial Planning)
Unesco
Bangkok, Thailand
Posted on Mar 25, 2026
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Duty Station: Bangkok
Job Family: Natural Sciences
Type of contract : Affiliated personnel
Duration of contract : 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 08-APR-2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Background and rationale
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the United Nations body for ocean science, ocean observation, ocean services and capacity development. Its mission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity building to learn more about the nature and resources of the oceans and coastal areas, and to apply this knowledge to improve management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment and the decision-making processes of States. IOC has been designated as the coordinating agency for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (Hereafter referred to as “Ocean Decade”).
The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is the regional body of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC) for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. Its mission is to advance ocean knowledge and cooperation through ocean research, ocean observations and services, and capacity development, in order to assist Member States in the conservation and sustainable development of ocean, seas and marine resources.
While serving as the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission, the WESTPAC Office assumes additional function as the Decade Coordination Office (DCO) 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 respond to the needs of countries in the region, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) initiated and officially registered an UN Ocean Decade Project UN21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific. This Ocean Decade Project aims to support member states in achieving an ecosystem-based approach to the management of marine space and resources, thereby contributing to a sustainable blue economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Among key achievements, the Action Framework for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning (2025-2030) has been developed and adopted by all Member States in the region.
We are seeking a Marine Spatial Planning Officer will support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the Action Framework for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning (2025–2030) and associated MSP activities in the Western Pacific and adjacent areas, including those under UN Ocean Decade Action UN21.
Long Description
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), and the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/Decade Coordination Office for the region, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:
- Support implementation of the MSP Action Framework (2025–2030).
- Assist in translating the Action Framework into concrete regional, national and site level activities, and support their planning, implementation, and reporting.
- Assist in the development and implementation of the UN Decade Action 21: Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific.
- Provide administrative and technical support for the development and application of MSP tools, methodologies, and best practices, including ecosystem-based management and cross-sectoral coordination.
- Support the design and delivery of regional and national MSP capacity-building activities, including workshops, training courses, technical exchanges, in alignment with the Action Framework.
- Prepare MSP-related guidance documents, technical briefs, communication materials, event reports and the regular reporting of MSP activities, including those related to the UN Decade Action 21.
- Draft MSP-related project proposals and concept notes for external funding and donor engagement.
- Liaise with relevant stakeholders, Member State focal points, experts, and implementing partners to facilitate coordination and collaboration.
- Perform other functions as requested by the Head of the WESTPAC Office to facilitate programme delivery, knowledge dissemination, and stakeholder engagement.
Location and Travel
To ensure the effective delivery of technical and operational 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 versus payment schedule
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:
- Monthly progress reports outlining completed coordination tasks, progress toward agreed milestones, and actions taken to support the implementation of the Action Framework;
- Event documentation packages for meetings and activities organized by the WESTPAC Office, including summary reports and essential video-based documentation, prepared, organized, and disseminated under the supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/Decade Coordination Office;
- A consolidated and regularly updated digital archive of programme and activity information, documents, and communication materials, ensuring systematic organization and easy retrieval for the Office.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Planning and organizing (C)
Innovation (C)
Results focus (C)
Accountability (C)
Teamwork (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Communication (C)
Professionalism (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced University Degree (or equivalent experience) in the field of ocean science, environmental sciences, ocean management or equivalent.
Work Experience
- At least 5 years relevant experience in projects related to marine spatial planning, coastal zone management and ocean economy (preferable at international level)
- Proven experience in the organization of international events, and development of technical reports on marine spatial planning
Skills and Competencies
- Sound knowledge of marine spatial planning, coastal zone management, and sustainable ocean economy.
- Good understanding of environmental, social and economic development in the region.
- Strong initiative and ability to manage competing priorities, organize and prioritize heavy workloads, and meet established deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize scientific, technical, or programme information into accessible communication materials for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public
- Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences and support science–policy dialogue.
- Proactive, diligent, responsible, and willing to learn, with a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate and work effectively in a multicultural environment and maintain productive coordination with Member States, experts, and institutional partners.
Languages
- Excellent command of written and spoken English is required.
Long Description
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- 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 upload the following documents as a single PDF document in place of the Employment History Form.
Before uploading the file, please order the documents in following order:
- A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.
- Written technical and financial proposals (in English):
- Approach and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum 800 words) and comments on the Terms of Reference, in brief, if any, and
- The proposed monthly rates or the amount/budget to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD. Travel expenses should be drawn up separately as part of the financial proposal.
- Employment History Form
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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.
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.
Note:
- Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process.
- Please submit your application through SuccessFactors. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in the system, please inform us at iocwestpac@unesco.org
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
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