DUTY STATION
Brest, France
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Fixed-term - 1 year
Organizational Unit
OceanOPS Unit, WIGOS Branch
Infrastructure Department WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Within the delegated authority of the WIGOS section Director, under the direct supervision of the OceanOPS Manager, the OceanOPS Office and Communications Coordinator will be responsible for the following duties:
a) Support functions related to strategy, communication and outreach that support the implementation and visibility of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and observing networks, of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and OceanOPS support Centre.
b) Assist the OceanOPS Manager in day-to-day activities, supporting budget management duties, strategic oversight and outreach, analysis and preparation of relevant technical documents and meetings, administrative support with WMO, IOC/UNESCO, host country (France) and institution (Ifremer).
c) Support the implementation and development of the OceanOPS strategic plan, operational efficiency, teamwork, financial sustainability, communication and strategic partnerships through reporting and meeting organization with stakeholders.
d) Assist in the strengthening and evolvement of OceanOPS outreach and communication and development of the digital communication strategy to foster community understanding and engagement, including social media presence.
e) Support the definition of key messages and values for OceanOPS communications in line with OceanOPS Strategy and Service Level Agreements with observing networks.
f) Develop communication materials, including observing networks brochures and reports, compiling network trends and reporting to stakeholders, increasing engagement and awareness.
g) Support the OceanOPS Manager in delivering clear and comprehensive substantive reports, including the OceanOPS report for the Observations Coordination Group (OCG) per agreed Service level Agreements, to highlight strategic progress and operational updates.
h) Assist in responding to ad-hoc communication requests, including drafting press releases and presentations that promote OceanOPS and GOOS' strategic milestones and partnerships with third-party projects in line with OceanOPS strategy.
i) Collaborate with the hosting organization, Ifremer, and the hosting city, Brest, as well as relevant communities on communication activities focused on spotlighting ocean observations and outreach initiatives. Support logistics for key meetings held in Brest.
j) Support the monitoring and tracking of the OceanOPS budget and cashflow to ensure financial health, critical for maintaining long-term operational stability in line with strategic goals.
k) Assist in the preparation of financial reports for submission to OCG and OceanOPS Management Board, providing transparency and accountability in line with OceanOPS strategic objectives and Service Level Agreements.
l) Support the management donor follow-up processes, including requesting and sending invoices for annual contributions, supporting the financial sustainability pillar of the OceanOPS 5-year strategy.
m) Support financial reporting requirements for EU-funded projects, ensuring compliance with funding obligations and work delivery by preparing appropriate financial reports.
n) Support day-to-day administrative operations of OceanOPS and Manager needs to ensure smooth organizational functioning, supporting efficient delivery aligned with strategic objectives. QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in Marine science, at minimum.
A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
Experience
A minimum of one year of experience in marine sciences, oceanography/meteorology, or ocean observations. Experience within the UN system would be an asset.
Other requirements
Ability to develop effective and technical high-level communications highlighting ocean observations status and value, including speaking in public.
Capacity to simplify complex scientific information for diverse audiences, including policymakers, the large public, and young generations.
Experience with social media channels and digital communication tools.
Good computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and design tools such as Canva.
Familiarity with content management systems for uploading and structuring content on websites. Practical experience in organizing on-site and online meetings.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage, such as French, as OceanOPS is located in France.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
This post is funded from the extra budgetary funding. SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 43144
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 23815 (in addition to the net base salary) Additional Information:
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public/.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: 28 July 2025