Are you passionate about the ocean and eager to contribute to its sustainable future? The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO is seeking a dedicated Ocean Decade Operations Volunteer to support the UN’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). This part-time, remote role offers the opportunity to work with a global network of experts, contribute to ocean science-policy initiatives, and gain hands-on experience in international project coordination. Applications close 24 August 2025.

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Basic Information

• Position: Ocean Decade – Operations Volunteer
• Sector: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
• Duty Station: Remote
• Type of Contract: Volunteer (Part-time)
• Duration: 3 months (with possibility of extension)
• Application Deadline: 24 August 2025 (23:59 CEST)

Background

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), or Ocean Decade, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, aims to catalyse transformative ocean science solutions to support the sustainable development of the Ocean and reverse its declining health. Coordinated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, the Ocean Decade fosters international collaboration, innovation, and inclusion through a global network of endorsed Decade Actions.

The Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section (IOC/MPR) plays a crucial role in connecting ocean science to policy. With the aim of fostering multi-agency partnerships related to ocean and coastal matters, IOC/MPR works to promote the science-policy interface and develop and disseminate tools for effective coastal and marine management. The Decade Coordination Unit for the Ocean Decade sits within IOC/MPR.

Specific Tasks

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, and the overall supervision of the Chief of Section, the volunteer will work closely with the Operations Team and other colleagues of the Decade Coordination Unit to support a variety of tasks related to the implementation of the Ocean Decade.

In particular, the volunteer will support three main workstreams:

• The review and endorsement of Decade Activity proposals;
• The upload and curation of Ocean Decade-related publications on the AquaDocs digital repository;
• The conduct of due diligence processes for Decade Actions.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Support the overall review and endorsement process for Decade Activity submissions, including liaising with proponents, organizing review documentation, and coordinating communication of review outcomes;
• Facilitate the review of submissions by National Decade Committees (NDCs) by managing timelines, tracking responses, and ensuring adherence to review deadlines;
• Assist in the management of due diligence processes for various Decade Action proponents;
• Upload and maintain records of publications related to endorsed Decade Actions on the AquaDocs platform;
• Support the transition of the Ocean Decade Network by ensuring information is preserved;
• Organize and maintain internal documentation relevant to endorsed Decade Actions;
• Provide other support as required and agreed with the supervisor.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the volunteer period, the volunteer will:

• Understand the institutional and programmatic structure of the Ocean Decade and UNESCO-IOC’s broader work on ocean science and policy;
• Familiarize with the procedures and workflows of an international organization, particularly related to project review, endorsement, and administrative coordination;
• Develop practical skills in organizing and managing information and documentation related to ocean science initiatives;
• Develop experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and stakeholder communication in a multicultural environment.

Competencies

• Professionalism
• Planning and Organizing
• Accountability
• Communication
• Innovation
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Results Focus
• Teamwork

See the UNESCO Competency Framework for more details.

Required Qualifications

• Age: Must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.

• Academic Qualifications: Candidates must be in the final year of a Bachelor’s programme, enrolled in a Master’s programme, or have completed either degree within the past 12 months. Relevant fields include ocean science, ocean management, ocean policy, international relations, or related areas.

• Languages: Fluency in English is required (oral and written). Knowledge of French or other UN languages is an asset.

• Technical Skills: Good command of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to work with shared folders and online platforms. Familiarity with Survey Monkey will be considered an asset.

• Other requirements: Demonstrated experience or academic background related to ocean science issues; experience with operational or administrative processes; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work in a multicultural environment; willingness to learn and take initiative.

Duration and Working Hours

The volunteer assignment is initially for a duration of three months, with a part-time commitment of approximately 20 hours per week, to be carried out remotely. The assignment may be extended for an additional three months, subject to the needs of the Decade Coordination Unit.

Benefits and Entitlements

• Please note that UNESCO volunteers are not remunerated.
• Volunteers are entitled to 2.5 days of leave per month.

Application Deadline

• 24 August 2025 at 23:59 Paris time (CEST)

How to Apply

• Interested candidates are invited to send a CV and cover letter to oceandecade@unesco.org by 24 August 2025, 23:59 Paris time (CEST), with the subject line “Operations Volunteer – Ocean Decade”.