Policy and Strategic Initiatives Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is based in the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. The capacity building/development mandate of ISA is implemented by the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. The Executive Office of the Secretary-General assists the Secretary-General in supervising and coordinating the work of the secretariat, pursuant to the executive directions of the Secretary-General and the relevant directives and decisions of the Council and decisions of the Assembly. The Executive Office is also responsible for: (i) coordinating the policy response of the secretariat on substantive matters and ensure internal coordination between substantive offices and units; (ii) coordinating, with the relevant offices and organizational units, the progress, timely delivery and achievement of the programmatic mandate of the Authority; (iii) formulating and monitor the implementation of the strategic plan, the high level action plan and all related frameworks; (e) coordinating, report on and, as appropriate, manage the delivery of the voluntary commitments established by the Authority in pursuance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; (f) designing, developing and implementing the Authority's resource mobilization plan. ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall guidance of the Secretary General, and the direct supervision of the Chef de Cabinet and within delegated authority, the Policy and Strategic Initiatives Officer (Capacity Development and Strategic Initiatives) will be responsible for the following duties: • Design, implement, and monitor capacity development projects, ensuring alignment with The Authority’s strategic priorities. • Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by identifying partnerships and supporting fundraising activities that reinforce programmatic goals. • Coordinate events, workshops, and stakeholder engagements linked to capacity- building, managing logistics and promoting collaboration. • Support corporation coordination, cooperation and knowledge management. • Oversee the planning and facilitation of missions and official trips related to training and policy development, ensuring operational efficiency. • Conduct research and analyze data to assess capacity development needs, policy and politics and inform strategic planning. • Draft reports, briefing materials, and publications that support the Authority’s capacity- building agenda. • Support policy development through research, analysis, and the preparation of recommendations. • Manage budgetary tasks, including funding proposals, reporting, and financial monitoring. • Lead outreach initiatives and represent ISA in relevant meetings, fostering international cooperation. • Perform additional duties as required to support the organization’s strategic objectives. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the mandate, role and functions of ISA. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in marine policy, international law, law of the sea, mining law, ocean governance, blue economy or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work Experience• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, training, capacity-building, or capacity development, with a strong focus on ocean governance, blue economy, international partnerships, and multi-stakeholder engagement, is required. • Experience in designing, managing, and delivering capacity-building (CB/CD) projects and training programs is required. • Strong knowledge of ocean governance, international maritime policy, and sustainable blue economy frameworks related to ISA’s mandate is desirable • Experience conducting capacity development needs assessments at the local, national, and international levels is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the ISA Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview. Special Notice• This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the International Seabed Authority/UN, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the International Seabed Authority/UN who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as \"retirement.\" Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • At the International Seabed Authority/UN, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The International Seabed Authority/UN is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The International Seabed Authority/UN recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. • The International Seabed Authority Secretariat/UN is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • ISA/UN reserves the right to not make any appointment to the vacancy, and/or to make an appointment at a lower level from the one advertised. • Only nationals of ISA Member States are eligible for consideration. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.