Head of ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4AUIOC0006PA

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Australia, Perth

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funds availability.

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19-FEB-2024

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General and Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (ADG/IOC), and the supervision of the Head of Tsunami Resilience Section (TRS), the incumbent will provide Secretariat support for the effective functioning of the UNESCO-IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS).

 

There are four intergovernmental tsunami warning and mitigation systems that work under the governance of the UNESCO-IOC Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards related to sea level Warning and mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG). The ICG/IOTWMS consists of 25 active Member States. Secretariat support is provided by two full-time staff based at Regional Office of Australian Bureau of Meteorology in Perth, Australia. 

 

The Head of the UNESCO-IOC Secretariat for the ICG/IOTWMS will:
1. Lead, coordinate and organise the Secretariat activities in support of the IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS) under the intergovernmental framework, including policy development, planning and implementation of related work plans and activities.
2. Be responsible for, and coordinate implementation of extra-budgetary contributions to the ICG/IOTWMS programme, including associated research and capacity building projects.
3. Support and help coordinate harmonisation and implementation of the Global Tsunami Early Warning System to help ensure at-risk coastal communities are prepared and resilient to the tsunami threat.

Long Description

Under the supervision of the Head of Tsunami Resilience Section (TRS):

1.    Provide leadership in Secretariat support to help develop, implement, and coordinate services, scientific and technical work programmes of the diverse and multi-cultural ICG/IOTWMS, including support and coordination of its Officers and Working Groups and Task Teams, as well as other relevant projects and programmes carried out, convening all-inclusive meetings and workshops as required within the ICG/IOTWMS framework.

2.    Support the implementation of the ICG/IOTWMS work programme by: (a) monitoring the implementation of work plans and related extra-budgetary projects and advising of status and development;  (b) preparing reports, memoranda and other substantive documents; (c) developing strategic plans to translate strategy into priorities and action; (d) liaising with relevant regional subsidiary bodies of the IOC on ICG/IOTWMS related matters; (e) reviewing relevant literature and identifying emerging issues; (f) identifying and managing risks associated with implementing agreed outcomes; and (g) ensuring conformity and compliance of administrative actions with UNESCO rules and regulations, policies, project and communication strategies and, as applicable, Office procedures and practice.

3.    Ensure effective, coordinated and transparent management of the resources put at the disposal of the IOC by Member States, including coordination of field missions, organisation of training activities, meetings and workshops, as well as provision of regular substantive implementation status reports both to donors and to IOC Governing Bodies and Member States.

4.    Undertake capacity development in tsunami warning systems and preparedness by: (a) supporting and coordinating efforts for the reinforcement of capacity in Member States in the establishment of Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Systems as part of the cross-cutting Capacity Development Programme of IOC, and with national, regional and international organisations and institutions, in particular the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the UN Development Programme Asia Pacific Regional Centre (UNDP APRC); (b) coordinating and advising the contribution of Working Groups and Task Teams in developing guidelines and standards and transfer of knowledge through training, preparation of manuals and guides in close collaboration with other relevant partners and programmes within and outside UNESCO;

5.    Support the harmonisation of the Global Tsunami Early Warning System by providing secretariat support to UNESCO-IOC TOWS-WG and its task teams, and through collaboration with other members of the Tsunami Resilient Section supproting the ICGs of other regions.

6.    Manage the staff of the ICG/IOTWMS Secretariat in Perth, Western Australia, conducting mid-term and final staff assessments by the stipulated deadlines, as well as manage external consultants contracted to support work programme related activities.

Long Description

The incumbent will contribute substantially to improve the sustainability, performance and operations of Tsunami Early Warning Systems in the Indian Ocean region and globally.  He/she will facilitate the implementation of actions agreed by the ICG/IOTWMS within an intergovernmental and all-inclusive multi-cultural framework to deliver the required outcomes. Due to his/her actions UNESCO and IOC will be widely recognised in the Indian Ocean region by the capacity of the organisation to coordinate the provision of standards, references and norms setting for tsunami and other coastal hazards warning and mitigation systems. For donors, stakeholders, and partners the incumbent will provide a reliable source of authoritative knowledge on the status of tsunami warning and mitigation systems and be recognised as a team leader capable of integrating the resources required towards maintaining and developing these systems and the capacity of Member States.

 

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) Building partnerships (M) Driving and managing change (M) Strategic thinking (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Advanced university degree in either earth sciences, ocean sciences, disaster management, or related fields.

 

Work Experience:  

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing and coordinating research and/or project work and/or operational services in the field of coastal hazards or disaster risk reduction, with minimum of three years experience at the international level, including experience within the United Nations system.  
• Experience working with the scientific and/or disaster management community, and with government representatives and officials in diverse cultural environments.  
• Research or operational experience in Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Systems.
• Experience in advocacy, resource and partnership mobilization.

 

Job-related knowledge and skills:  

• Knowledge and expertise in ocean observing techniques, tsunami generation, tsunami warning production and dissemination, tsunami disaster management and preparedness.Good understanding of relevant intergovernmental cooperation and frameworks.  
• Proven ability to plan strategically and translate strategy into priorities and action.  
• Good research, analytical and problem solving ability, and in the application of sound and good judgement.
• Project management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Ability to draft reports in a concise style and communicate complex scientific and disaster management issues to a broader audience including Government authorities and national national representatives, highlighting achievements, challenges and risks, preparing informal briefings, updates and other related documents.  
• Proven capacity in writing funding proposals and good record of achievements in this area.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations within a multi-cultural environment; ability to work collaboratively to achieve organisational goals.
• Ability to effectively lead and supervise a team in a focused manner to provide support services to the diverse and multi-cultural ICG/IOTWMS.
• Ability to plan own work and to manage work of staff and consultants with minimum direct supervision.  Flexible and the ability to manage conflicting priorities and to work under pressure.

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in either earth sciences, ocean sciences, disaster management, or related fields.
• Working knowledge of French.

 

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 US $ 112,663.

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

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 a competency-based 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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