Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Programme Support Associate

Host entity: UNESCO FJI

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Administration, Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Natural resources management

Application deadline: 13/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNESCO seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Natural and Social and Human Sciences, Culture and Communication and Information. Political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to secure the lasting and sincere support of the peoples. Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity. In this spirit, UNESCO develops educational tools to help people live as global citizens free of hate and intolerance. UNESCO works so that each child and citizen has access to quality education. By promoting cultural heritage and the equal dignity of all cultures, UNESCO strengthens bonds among nations. UNESCO fosters scientific programmes and policies as platforms for development and cooperation. UNESCO stands up for freedom of expression, as a fundamental right and a key condition for democracy and development. Serving as a laboratory of ideas, UNESCO helps countries adopt international standards and manages programmes that foster the free flow of ideas and knowledge sharing. UNESCO's founding vision was born in response to a world war that was marked by racist and anti-Semitic violence. Seventy years on and many liberation struggles later, UNESCO’s mandate is as relevant as ever. Cultural diversity is under attack and new forms of intolerance, rejection of scientific facts and threats to freedom of expression challenge peace and human rights. In response, UNESCO's duty remains to reaffirm the humanist missions of education, science and culture.

Assignment context

Pacific Island countries are large ocean States whose economies, cultures, food systems and community well-being are closely connected to the ocean. They also face growing pressures from climate change, sea-level rise, coastal hazards, ocean acidification, ecosystem degradation and constraints in scientific and institutional capacity. Through its Regional Office for the Pacific States and its Suva presence, UNESCO supports Member States and partners to strengthen ocean knowledge, disaster preparedness and evidence-informed decision-making.

The Associate will join the UNESCO team in Suva and support IOC-related work across the Pacific. The assignment will focus on practical programme support, research, information management, coordination, outreach and knowledge products linked to ocean science, tsunami preparedness and the Ocean Decade. The Associate will work with UNESCO colleagues and, as appropriate, government counterparts, National Commissions, scientific institutions, regional organizations, United Nations entities, universities and community partners. The role is intentionally developmental and will provide structured supervision, mentoring and regular feedback.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the UNESCO Programme Specialist responsible for IOC-related work in the Pacific, and in close coordination with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States and relevant IOC colleagues, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

* Support background research and concise analysis on Pacific Ocean priorities, including ocean observations and data, coastal resilience, ocean-climate linkages, marine hazards, tsunami preparedness, ocean literacy and Ocean Decade initiatives.
* Assist in mapping relevant national and regional stakeholders, initiatives, events, technical resources and potential partnerships related to IOC’s mandate in the Pacific.
* Contribute to the organization of meetings, preparation of briefing notes, meeting summaries, presentations, concept notes, talking points, correspondence and other programme materials.
* Support the organization and documentation of consultations, workshops, training activities and partner meetings, including agendas, participant coordination, logistical follow-up, minutes and action trackers.
* Assist with programme monitoring by maintaining activity records, simple workplans, contact lists, calendars, document repositories and follow-up matrices.
* Contribute to knowledge management by organizing and updating reference materials, country information and examples of Pacific good practice in accessible formats.
* Support communication and outreach products, including short web stories, social-media inputs and human-centred summaries of results, in coordination with responsible UNESCO colleagues and in line with applicable communication and consent requirements.
* Participate in team meetings and learning activities, share relevant knowledge and contribute to collaboration across UNESCO programme sectors where ocean issues intersect with climate action, Indigenous and local knowledge, education, culture and communication.
* Carry out other closely related support tasks consistent with the learning nature and scope of the assignment, as agreed with the supervisor.

During the first month, the Associate and supervisor will finalize an agreed workplan with key outputs, learning objectives and regular check-ins. Progress and learning will be reviewed throughout the assignment, with feedback and mentoring provided by the supervisor.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in:

* Ocean, climate, environment, coastal resilience, disaster risk reduction or sustainable development issues;
* Research, programme support, stakeholder coordination, knowledge management, communications, data organization, volunteering or internships.
* Previous volunteering and/or experience of another culture through studies, volunteer work or an internship would be highly regarded.
* Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:

* Clear research, analytical writing and synthesis;
* Microsoft Office applications and responsible digital information management;
* Organization, attention to detail and follow-up;
* Professional communication and information management and teamwork in a multicultural environment;
* Basic data handling, visualization, mapping or content creation would be an asset.

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Empowering Others
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Judgement and Decision-making
Knowledge Sharing
Leadership
Managing Performance
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams

Living conditions

Suva is Fiji’s capital and a major regional hub for governments, universities, development partners and United Nations organizations. English is widely used in professional settings. Housing, shops, banking, telecommunications, health services and public amenities are available, although costs and availability vary. Fiji has a tropical climate and is exposed to cyclones, heavy rainfall, flooding and other natural hazards. The selected UN Volunteer will receive security and administrative briefings and should follow United Nations security guidance, local laws and cultural practices. Candidates should review current UNV entitlement information and make personal housing and living arrangements in accordance with UNV guidance.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.