IODE Communication Consultant

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is inviting applications from qualified professionals for the position of IODE Communication Consultant. The successful consultant will support the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE), the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and the new MOZAIEK project.

Key Responsibilities:
• IODE Communications: Conduct a communication gap and needs analysis across IODE and develop an IODE Communication Plan. Implement the plan, maintain a consolidated editorial calendar, and ensure communication products comply with IOC branding, editorial, accessibility and inclusiveness guidance.
• OBIS Communications: Implement the priority actions of the OBIS Communication Strategy and Communication Plan 2026–2027. Coordinate the production and publication of the OBIS Annual Impact Report. Produce the OBIS Pulse newsletter. Provide communication and meeting support to the OBIS Coordination Groups and Steering Group.
• MOZAIEK Project: Develop the MOZAIEK identity package and detailed communication plan. Maintain communication activity records and monitoring indicators. Support the international co-design workshop planned for May 2027. Prepare communication materials for stakeholder engagement and project events. Engage OBIS Nodes and other IODE community members.

VacancyGap tips:
• You must have a University degree (at least Bachelor level) in marine or environmental sciences, science communication, media/communication studies or public relations. A Master degree is an asset.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the international level in communication, outreach and community engagement is required.
• Proven experience in communication on marine biodiversity or ocean science is essential.
• You need knowledge of or experience with marine biodiversity information systems (e.g. OBIS, GBIF) and biodiversity data standards.
• Experience in organising international online and in-person meetings and workshops is required.
• You must submit a Technical Proposal (CV, motivation letter, proposed approach, workplan) AND a Financial Proposal (amount to be charged in USD or EUR).
• CRITICAL: Email submissions must not exceed 5 MB. Submissions through Google Drive, WeTransfer or other cloud-storage links will NOT be accepted.

Qualifications

• University degree (at least Bachelor level) in marine or environmental sciences, science communication, media/communication studies or public relations. A Master degree is an asset
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the international level in communication, outreach and community engagement
• Proven experience in communication on marine biodiversity or ocean science
• Knowledge of or experience with marine biodiversity information systems (e.g. OBIS, GBIF) and biodiversity data standards
• Experience in citizen science, education or the development of training materials
• Experience in organising international online and in-person meetings and workshops
• Experience in drafting and managing partnership agreements and in contributing to donor reporting
• Familiarity with content management systems and website maintenance, e-newsletter tools and design tools
• Experience in collecting and analysing community and user feedback and communication indicators
• Experience in applying institutional branding, visual identity and editorial guidelines
• Experience in planning, implementing and reporting communication activities against a communication strategy and plan
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in additional UN languages, particularly Spanish or French, will be considered a strong asset.

How to apply

• Submit a written proposal comprising a Technical Proposal (CV, motivation letter, proposed approach and methodology, workplan) and a Financial Proposal (amount to be charged in US dollars or euros).
• Submit applications to: [email protected]
• Submit technical and financial proposals in PDF or Word format.
• Email submissions must not exceed 5 MB. Attach documents directly to the email.
• Application Deadline: 20 November 2026, 17:00 Paris Time (CET)