# Application for P2 Marine (WHC-PA034) ([UNESCO World Heritage Centre](https://whc.unesco.org))

UNESCO WHC/PA 034
FAO: World Heritage Recruitment Team
Re: Associate Project Officer (WHC/PA 034)

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to apply for the position of Associate Project Officer (Marine Heritage). I am a dedicated advocate for the marine environment, and I believe that my passion and experience will make a significant contribution to the unique conservation initiatives of UNESCO’s World Heritage Marine Programme.

In my current position as a Research Fellow in International Marine Policy at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI), Sciences Po, I coordinate our activities on marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). In particular, I have produced a comprehensive guide to the status of the discussions and key issues to inform stakeholders prior to the upcoming UN negotiations. I am also collaborating with IDDRI’s partners to develop a suite of projects on ABNJ, regional ocean governance, and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.

I am driven and ambitious, with extensive knowledge of marine governance issues and professional experience in both the private and public sectors. I am excited by the prospect of working with the World Heritage Marine Programme to advance marine conservation through the World Heritage Convention.

### Knowledge and understanding of marine issues

Having previously studied a range of international environmental law topics, I am now finishing my PhD investigating the marine governance implications of wave and tidal energy development in the UK. I am regularly invited to lecture at courses run by the International Ocean Institute and by Sciences Po on marine spatial planning (MSP) and marine governance issues.

My knowledge of the UN system has been strengthened through my involvement in the ABNJ discussions, including attending UN meetings and researching the roles and mandates of relevant international organisations. My involvement in the FAO Common Oceans program and participation in a number of international conferences and workshops have further enhanced my understanding.

As part of a report on management options for the ABNJ in the Southwest Indian Ocean, I investigated Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas and the process for their designation, while in advocating for marine protected areas in ABNJ I have learned about the work of the World Heritage Marine Programme, including the potential for inscription of ABNJ on the World Heritage List. I have read key publications on this topic, including IUCN’s 2013 analysis and the 2015 UNESCO guide to site management.

### Research and communication

My analytical and writing skills are evidenced in my extensive and varied publications. In addition to publishing 20 peer-reviewed papers, I have experience writing communications for different audiences, including working papers, submissions to government and regulatory bodies, media articles and press releases. I am a confident public speaker and regularly speak at conferences, workshops, and invited lectures.

I have a strong track record in advocacy and outreach. 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 my work. For example, I recently distributed IDDRI’s latest report to almost 9,000 followers on Twitter, and to stakeholders and practitioners worldwide through mailing lists, personal contacts, and an op-ed in The Conversation. As a result, the report has been read by key participants in the negotiations, and a journalist from Nature interviewed me for a news article on their website.

UNESCO WHC/PA 034
FAO: World Heritage Recruitment Team
Re: Associate Project Officer (WHC/PA 034)

### Personal skills

As a friendly and easy-going person, I quickly form effective working relationships with colleagues and collaborators. At IDDRI I work with a team of 10 people across 3 organisations to implement a large project on regional ocean governance, and I am currently editing a book on ocean energy with almost 20 authors.

At the same time, I regularly undertake solo projects on my own initiative, write papers, and produce reports with limited oversight. I also managed my PhD independently, from the conception of the project to interviewing stakeholders and authoring publications.

I am organized and efficient in my time management, using innovative tools to automate and simplify organizational tasks. This allows me to dedicate more time and energy to substantive research and project development.

### Managing external partners

At REN21 I managed a global community of experts, while previously at a small NGO I was responsible for hiring and managing consultants who provided reports and workshops for our projects. I am currently working on a large international project for which I coordinate regularly with external funders and partners, including government agencies, research institutes and UN bodies.

### Language skills

English is my native language, though I have a passion for learning foreign languages. I speak French at an advanced level and have both written and presented in French. I am currently taking individual classes with the goal of obtaining the DELF (C1). I speak Spanish (approx. B2-C1) and am learning Mandarin (A1-A2). I have previously studied British Sign Language, Indonesian, and Swedish.

### IT skills

Owing to a longstanding interest in computing, I have mastery of standard office software (Microsoft Office), as well as writing and citation management tools (Scrivener and Mendeley), web design software and programming languages (Dreamweaver, HTML and PHP), content management systems (WordPress and Joomla), innovative presentation tools (Prezi), social media management platforms (Tweetdeck and Hootsuite) and image editing software (Photoshop).

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I believe that I will make an invaluable contribution to the World Heritage Marine Programme, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Title: Associate Project Officer
Domain: Marine Heritage
Grade: P-2
Organizational Unit: Latin America and the Caribbean Unit, World Heritage Centre, Division for Heritage, Culture Sector Primary Location: Paris, France
Type of contract: Project Appointment
Annual salary: 61 950 euros approx.
PA number: WHC/PA 034
Deadline (midnight, Paris time): 23 March 2016
Application to be sent to: [REDACTED EMAIL]

## OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PROJECT APPOINTMENT

Under the overall authority of the Director of the World Heritage Centre (WHC) and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Latin America and Caribbean Unit of WHC, and in support of the World Heritage Marine Programme, the incumbent shall contribute to the planning, development, management and evaluation of activities of the World Heritage Marine Programme established by the World Heritage Committee in 2005 for the effective conservation of existing and potential marine areas of Outstanding Universal Value. In particular, the incumbent shall:

x   Contribute to the planning, coordination and follow-up of capacity-building initiatives for World Heritage marine sites, in particular in support to the designation of the Banc d’Arguin National Park as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area under International Maritime Organization’s regulation;
x   Participate in the coordination, development and evaluation of activities to strengthen the World Heritage marine site managers network aimed for sharing best management practices and conservation solutions among sites;
x   Contribute to the implementation of the Marine Programme communication strategy;
x   Provide programmatic inputs to the Regional units of the World Heritage Centre, if required, for the effective implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions for marine sites on the World Heritage List and the nomination of new marine sites;
x   Monitor and provide recommendations to the supervisor on the work plan and budget related to the implementation of the activities of the World Heritage Marine Programme, in consultation with the Administrative Unit;
x   Contribute to the development of the cooperation with the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and contribute to identifying and documenting marine spatial planning initiatives around the world.

## REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

## EDUCATION

x Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Natural Sciences, Political Sciences or related area with a focus on marine conservation. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

## WORK EXPERIENCE

x At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the area of Natural Sciences, Natural Heritage and/or Natural Policy, with a focus on the development, management and implementation of programmes/projects, one of which preferably acquired at international level.

UNESCO DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Continuation)

## SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

x Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills;
x Strong interpersonal skills, team-player and ability to work independently;
x Strong communication and advocacy skills;
x Good knowledge and understanding of World Heritage marine sites, marine management best practices, marine ecosystems and marine spatial planning;
x Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment and maintain effective working relationships inside and outside the Organisation;
x Good research and writing skills;
x Ability to deal effectively with external partners;
x Excellent IT skills, including a broad grasp of ICT and IC web technologies.

## LANGUAGES

x Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and good working knowledge of the other language.

## DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

## EDUCATION

x Specialisation in marine sciences, marine policy or related field

## WORK EXPERIENCE

x At least 2 years in the area of Marine World Heritage

## SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

x Knowledge of UNESCO’s rules, regulations and procedures and the 1972 World Heritage Convention;
x Knowledge of international organizations and/or UN system (eg. IMO, UNEP, etc.)

## LANGUAGES

x Knowledge of another official UN languages (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian)

## BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars and exempt from income tax. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates.

Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. More details on the website of the International Civil Service Commission (http://icsc.un.org/).

## HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send your application letter together with the UNESCO CV (CV Form to be used, which can be found at: https://en.unesco.org/careers/media/3705, including contact details of 3 references) in English directly to the World Heritage Recruitment Team to the following e-mail address: [REDACTED EMAIL] before 23 March 2016 midnight (Paris, France time).

For more information on the UNESCO World Heritage Marine Programme, please consult our website: http://whc.unesco.org

Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from developing countries.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

UNESCO DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS.
