Individual Consultant (Technical Coordination Officer), Bangkok, Thailand

## Individual Consultant (Technical Coordination Officer), Bangkok, Thailand - Organization:UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - Office:UNESCO Bangkok Type of contract :Consultant Contract Level :Level 2 - Middle Hiring Unit :Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Duty Station :Bangkok Work location :On site Duration of contract:11 months Hiring open to :External candidates Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) :05/10/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST Background and rationale The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) is the regional arm of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO for the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. The Sub-Commission carries forward the IOC's mission in the region, advancing ocean knowledge, fostering international cooperation, and catalyzing ocean science solutions for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources. To meet the demands of countries in the region, the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) organizes the International Marine Science Conference (IMSC) on a triennial basis to advance ocean science, foster multi- and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and generate ocean knowledge for informed policy and management. Over the past decade, the Conference has grown into one of the largest regional gatherings for marine research communities and ocean stakeholders from diverse sectors. Hosted by the Government of the Philippines, the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference will be held in Manila, the Philippines, on 20-23 April 2027. The Conference will bring together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and partners across the Western Pacific and beyond to promote knowledge exchange, foster partnerships, and catalyze Decade Actions. While serving as the IOC Regional Secretariat for the Sub-Commission, the WESTPAC Office assumes additional function as the Decade Coordination Office responsible for coordinating Decade Actions across all Ocean Decade Challenges in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. Hosted by the Government of Thailand, the Office is situated in the Government Complex Building B, Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok. It is administratively attached to the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, facilitating efficient coordination and collaboration in achieving the objectives set forth by the IOC and UNESCO. Objective of this assignment To support the technical planning, scientific coordination, and implementation of the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference (IMSC-12) and the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference, the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) seeks to engage an individual consultant as Technical Coordinator. The incumbent will provide technical and programmatic coordination for the Conference and its associated activities, including scientific programme development, stakeholder coordination, conference system management, communications, and implementation support. The position is expected to contribute to ensuring the scientific quality, strategic coherence, inclusivity, and effective delivery of the Conference in alignment with the priorities of IOC/UNESCO, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and regional ocean science and governance frameworks. Key duties and responsibilities Under the overall authority of the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok), the direct supervision of the Head of the WESTPAC Office/Decade Coordination Office for the region, and in close coordination with host country focal points and the International Steering Committee, the incumbent shall undertake the following duties: A. Technical Coordination and Overall Planning - Support the overall technical coordination, planning, and implementation of the IMSC and associated events (e.g., Scientific Session, Decade Action Workshops, Decade Action Incubators, and side events). - Contribute to the development of the Conference overall framework, technical agenda, and programme structure to ensure scientific coherence and strategic alignment with regional priorities. - Coordinate and support the operation of the International Steering Committee (ISC) and other. - Facilitate technical coordination and communication among organizers, partners, and host country counterparts. - Monitor progress of conference preparations and support the identification and mitigation of operational and programmatic risks. B. Scientific Programme Development and Technical Review - Coordinate the preparation and dissemination of calls for scientific session proposals, workshops, incubators, and submission of abstracts. - Support technical review and selection processes for scientific sessions, workshops, and incubators. - Liaise with session/workshop/incubator conveners and speakers to ensure coherence and quality. - Ensure effective integration of cross-cutting themes and emerging priorities, including: ocean science-policy interface, ocean literacy and capacity development, ocean technology development, marine spatial planning, climate change and ecosystem resilience C. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships - Support engagement and coordination with Member States, UN agencies, regional organizations, scientific institutions and networks, Decade Actions, civil society organizations, and Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). - Facilitate collaboration among regional and international initiatives relevant to the Conference themes and technical priorities. - Contribute to partnership development and resource mobilization efforts, including engagement with sponsors, supporting institutions, and strategic partners. - Promote inclusivity, diversity, gender balance, and equitable regional representation in conference participation and programme development. D. Communications, Outreach, and Knowledge Management - Support the development and dissemination of communication and outreach materials, including announcements, concept notes, website content, social media materials, press releases, and promotional products. - Contribute to strengthening the visibility and strategic messaging of the Conference and associated UN Ocean Decade Actions. - Support documentation and knowledge management processes, including synthesis of conference outcomes, session highlights, recommendations, and technical inputs. - Coordinate with associated communication teams and partners to enhance outreach, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of conference outcomes. E. Conference Delivery and Follow-up - Provide on-site/virtual technical coordination during the Conference. - Ensure smooth implementation of scientific sessions, workshops, incubators, and side events. - Support preparation of: Conference summary report, key outcomes and recommendations, follow-up actions and partnership initiatives To ensure the effective delivery of technical support, the consultant will be based in Bangkok, Thailand and undertake the assignment in person at the WESTPAC Office. The Consultant may be required to travel on missions directly related to projects and implementation during the assignment. The Consultant should travel economy class and receive DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Consultant is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. th