Individual Consultant (Ocean Literacy Programme Support)

Overview

The ocean is fundamental to sustainable development, climate regulation, food security, and human well-being. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is the United Nations body for ocean science, ocean observations, ocean services, capacity development and ocean literacy. The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) serves as the IOC Regional Secretariat and 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 Bangkok and is administratively attached to the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok.

Ocean Literacy is defined as "an understanding of the ocean's influence on you and your influence on the ocean". It encompasses knowledge, skills, values, and actions that enable individuals and societies to understand, engage with, and make informed decisions about the ocean and its sustainable use. In line with the Ocean Decade and the outcomes of the 15th Intergovernmental Session of WESTPAC (March 2025, Tokyo), Member States in the region have emphasized the need to strengthen ocean literacy as a key enabler for informed decision-making and behavioral change.

Objective

We are seeking an Individual Consultant to support the development and strengthening of ocean literacy in the Western Pacific and adjacent areas.

Key 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, and in collaboration with the relevant sectors of UNESCO Bangkok, the incumbent shall perform the following duties:

• Provide coordination and support to the International Task Force, including planning and managing Task Force meetings, facilitating communication among members, and ensuring efficient and effective delivery
• Conduct analytical research on ocean literacy, including reviewing existing frameworks, tools, and initiatives; identifying gaps and regional needs; and provide inputs to align ocean literacy efforts with relevant global frameworks (e.g., UN Ocean Decade, SDGs), in consultation with relevant sectors of UNESCO Bangkok
• Develop, coordinate, and implement targeted ocean literacy activities in the region, including 'Ocean Literacy for Journalists in Southeast Asia', ensuring alignment with the needs of Member States and the UN Ocean Decade goals
• Identify opportunities and lead the development of new ocean literacy initiatives and project proposals, including concept notes and funding submissions, to mobilize external resources and strengthen strategic partnerships
• Identify, engage, and maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including governmental, non-governmental, academic, and private sector partners, to foster collaboration and commitment to ocean literacy initiatives
• Develop knowledge products, communication and outreach materials, including case studies, best practices, news coverages, web contents, booklets, and brochures, to document achievements and enhance the visibility and impact of ocean literacy activities
• Organize meetings, workshops, and awareness raising activities, and engage stakeholders in the development and implementation of ocean literacy initiatives

Additional Information

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.

Type of contract: Consultant Contract
Level: Level 2 - Middle
Duration: 11 months
Duty Station: Bangkok
Work location: On site

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