# Application for Community and Content Coordinator, Sustainability & World Ocean Initiative ([The Economist / World Ocean Initiative](https://impact.economist.com/ocean))

Community and Content Coordinator | 1 of 2

To whom it may concern,

As an ambitious researcher and science communicator with a passion for ocean sustainability, I am excited to apply for the Community and Content Coordinator role with The Economist Group’s Sustainability & World Ocean Initiative. At the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) , I produce policy-relevant research and collaborate with governments, NGOs and scientists to advocate for effective conservation and management of marine biodiversity.

I have followed the development of the World Ocean Initiative with great interest since its inception and I am keen to contribute my diverse skill set, extensive network, and comprehensive knowledge of ocean sustainability issues to help expand the Initiative and maximise its impact.

### Knowledge of ocean sustainability

Owing to a decade of experience working on ocean issues, I have extensive knowledge of marine science, law and policy, as well as a detailed understanding of the underlying geopolitical and socioeconomic context. I have published on diverse topics, including international negotiations and policy processes, blue economy, marine planning, plastic litter, tourism, fisheries management, offshore oil and gas, and marine renewable energy. I recently deepened my knowledge through strategic research on emerging topics of interest, including marine geopolitics, nature-based solutions, aquaculture, and the role of China in international marine policy.

I am frequently solicited to provide advice and input to a range of processes and publications. For example, I was recently contracted by UNESCO to support expert workshops concerning the protection of marine World Heritage and draft a report presented to the World Heritage Committee, and by REN21 to cover wave and tidal energy technologies in the annual Global Status of Renewables report. I teach classes on marine policy at Sciences Po and am regularly invited to give guest lectures at the International Ocean Institute and other institutions.

### Research and writing

In addition to publishing over 30 peer-reviewed papers on a diverse range of topics, I have wide experience writing blogs, press releases and working papers. I founded and edit the Little Blue Letter, a light-hearted ocean newsletter curated by young scientists and researchers. The newsletter has over 1,000 enthusiastic subscribers, with an industry-beating open rate of around 50%.

I also have experience in author management and writing for high-level contributors. For example, I have been responsible for coordinating a global network of renewable energy experts and have solicited and edited forewords from the Chair of the UN high-seas negotiations and France’s Special Ambassador for Climate Change.

### Audience-building and community engagement

As a keen user of social media and other digital tools, I have built an extended professional network through which I am able to promote and disseminate our work. I distributed a flagship publication to 10,000 followers on social media and to stakeholders and practitioners worldwide through mailing lists, personal contacts, and an op-ed in The Conversation. As a result, I was invited to write a comment piece for Nature (attached) and was interviewed by various news outlets.

I regularly organise and promote online events. For example, I recently organised a webinar on mesopelagic fisheries, coordinating the release of two reports from different organisations and connecting leading scientists and policy experts to decision makers and other stakeholders. The event was well received, with 250 attendees engaging in a lively discussion with panelists. Owing to the success of the event, I am currently in discussions with a leading foundation to develop this into a more comprehensive research and communications project.

Community and Content Coordinator | 2 of 2

Outside of my ocean sustainability work, I am the author of the popular Academia Obscura blog and twitter account. By taking a disciplined approach to social media and digital marketing, I built a highly engaged audience of over 200,000 academics and researchers. I then converted this engagement into a successful crowdfunding campaign and a book deal with Penguin Random House.

Keen to support the success of other ocean professionals and initiatives, I am currently building a range of free and accessible online tools. This includes a sheets-based tool for collecting and analysing Twitter datasets to assist in generating engagement during conferences and events, and a collaborative online database of ocean webinars.

### Stakeholder relationships

I have a proven track record of building strong working relationships with senior stakeholders and leaders. I am open and easy-going, and find that my genuine interest in people enables me to quickly form personal connections. These relationships have provided me and my institute with excellent opportunities, including invitations to speak at high-level closed-door workshops, lead development of flagship publications, and provide input to policy-making processes.

I played a central role in the conception of the Partnership for Regional Ocean Governance and subsequently worked closely with colleagues to identify strategic partners and develop projects that have attracted significant long-term support. We worked with the European Commission to secure funding and announce these projects as EU commitments to the Our Ocean Conference. I coordinate with a wide range of actors to implement these projects, including government, research institutes, stakeholders from the scientific community, and UN and EU bodies.

### Strategic thinking

Working for a small institute, I am required to strategically develop a work programme that can generate impact and visibility with limited resources. I monitor current developments, seeking niches where we can contribute useful analysis and identifying specific roles we can fulfill. I have developed a varied body of research and events that has secured our position as both an objective and respected voice in international policy processes and a leader on previously neglected issues.

For example, I analysed IDDRI’s website traffic data and noted continued interest in an outdated overview of high seas issues. As UN discussions were gaining momentum, I saw an opportunity to produce a comprehensive guide to serve as an introduction for newcomers and a reference for seasoned delegates. I developed high-quality analysis, seeking feedback from reviewers with diverse perspectives, and planned a communications campaign that leveraged my extensive network and social media skills to ensure wide distribution. The report is now widely recognised as the essential guide to the negotiations and remains one of our most popular publications.

As an experienced ocean sustainability researcher with a keen interest in science communication, I believe that I can immediately add value to the team and make a significant contribution to the promotion and expansion of the World Ocean Initiative. I would be delighted to further discuss this role, should I have the opportunity.

Warm regards,