Marine Science Communications Officer

Result of Service The prime objective of the work assigned to this position is to increase the impact and visibility of the activities and initiatives developed by ISA in the framework of the Marine Scientific Research Action Plan in close collaboration with contractors, academia and other stakeholders. The expected outcome is an enhanced science-policy interface for the activities carried out by ISA, plus a significant increase of the impact of the scientific information and knowledge generated through initiatives sponsored by ISA in the scientific community and general public.

Work Location Home based

Duties and Responsibilities The International Seabed Authority (ISA) in an autonomous international organization established under the 1982 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.

ISA is made up of 167 Member States and the European Union and is mandated to regulate and control all mineral related activities in the international seabed area (the Area) for the benefit of humankind as a whole.

In doing so, ISA has a duty to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed activities. Effective protection of the marine environment requires the build-up of robust scientific knowledge to understand the structure and function of the ecosystems in the deep ocean.

Promoting and encouraging the conduct of marine scientific research in the Area and coordinating and disseminating the results of such research is at the core of ISA’s mission.

For more than two decades, ISA has been committed to enhancing scientific knowledge through its engagement with contractors, contributing to the establishment of environmental baseline studies, and with the wider scientific community through collaboration in marine research programmes.

In 2020, the Assembly of ISA endorsed the ISA Action Plan on Marine Scientific Research (MSR) in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, together with a consolidated list of priority outputs that will, once achieved, materialize the contribution of ISA to the implementation of the UN Ocean Decade. Examples of specific activities related to MSR currently being implemented include the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiate (SSKI), Area2030, and the Women in Deep Sea Research (WIDSR) project, among others. - Under the supervision of the Communications Specialist and in close collaboration with the Programme Coordinator of Marine Scientific Research, lead the communication engagement and management of the programmes, projects and activities implemented by ISA in relation to its mandate as assigned by UNCLOS and in support of the implementation of the ISA MSR Action Plan. - Perform an online desktop research to identify best practices of science communication approaches that can serve as an inspiration for ISA. - Help increase the strategic visibility of ISA’s contribution to marine scientific research and knowledge generation including at international high-level events. - Provide support to the development and implementation of a communications strategy and association plan in support of the ISA MSR Action Plan. - Develop recommendations and creative communication products targeted to the different audiences of ISA: the scientific community, the Member States, relevant policymaking bodies and the broader public. - Contribute to improve the general understanding of the public about the importance of science in informing decision-making processes pertaining to the implementation of part XI of UNCLOS and in particular those of ISA. - Assist in facilitating understanding of the general public of the outcomes and outputs generated by deep-sea research and exploration activities in the Area. - Lead and coordinate, under the supervision of the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Planning Unit, the MSR Programme Officer and relevant programme management officers, the implementation of deep-sea literacy activities and projects. - Under the supervision of relevant substantive officers, coordinate event management for workshops, conferences, and societal/outreach events. - In close collaboration with the Communications Specialist, lead on website and social media content management duties and assist with projects’ website and social media as and when needed.

Qualifications/special skills Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (marine biology, communications, scientific communications, scientific journalism, etc.) as well as 5 years of demonstrated experience communicating scientific information to diverse audiences.

Ability and proved experience to understand scientific and technical information and concepts and “translate” Scientific materials for outreach to targeted audiences.

Ability to adhere to and implement communications strategies towards maximising the impact and outreach of programmes, projects and activities.

Experience in content development, writing and editing and creating science focused multimedia content required.

Fluency in emerging platforms and innovative methods of storytelling and engagement, including but not limited to social media, videography, interactive design, online data visualization, GIS, etc.

Excellent organizational skills, result oriented, works well under pressure with tight deadlines. Ability to handle multiple tasks in a poised, efficient and effective way with attention to details.

Proficiency with social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.), website content management system WordPress and email marketing tool MailChimp preferred or willingness to learn and master new tools rapidly.

Languages Excellent writing skills in English. Knowledge of other UN languages would be an advantage.

Additional Information The successful candidate will work remotely on a full-time basis and will provide support to the Communication Unit, which is part of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. In fulfilling the responsibilities and tasks assigned to her/him, the incumbent will collaborate closely with the Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources, in charge of the implementation of the ISA MSR Action Plan as well as the Strategic Planning Unit which oversees the implementation of the ISA Capacity Development Strategy and the WIDSR project.

Applicants are required to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.

Terms and conditions of payment: The consultant will be paid monthly.

The work shall be performed at the Consultant’s home base; the Consultant will be required to meet remotely with the ISA Secretariat staff on issues related to the deliverables.

No Fee THE 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.