Deadline: 18 December 2024

GOOS is seeking applications for the position of Chair of its Observations Coordination Group (OCG). The OCG works to guide and strengthen the implementation of GOOS and WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) through identifying, coordinating and developing relevant initiatives across the global ocean observing networks (see the OCG Terms of Reference, membership, governance, and operating principles here). There are now 13 mature ocean observing networks and 3 emerging observing networks (see OCG Network Attributes here), and the OCG also manages the Work Plan of the IOC-WMO Joint Operational Centre – OceanOPS – which provides services to GOOS, WMO, and to the global ocean observing networks.

This is a significant and important role for GOOS. The work of the OCG is at the heart of strengthening, streamlining, and evolving the ocean observing system to be responsive to the needs of Member States and other users. This role is an active working role and requires someone who is experienced in ocean observing at a senior level and interested in evolving the OCG ‘enterprise’, within the overall GOOS vision, strategy, governance, and implementation plan. The set of attributes and skills that GOOS is seeking in candidates, are laid out in the IOC Circular Letter No. 3014 Annex 1, and the commitments in Annex 2.

The OCG Chair has support from IOC and WMO secretariats, and can expect that the role will take 15% of a normal working week. The selected applicants will need to demonstrate that they have permission from their employer, as appropriate, to undertake this role.

The OCG Chair is appointed for a term of up to 5 years and the IOC Secretariat will organize a handover period between the incoming and outgoing OCG Chairs.

Application process

Applicants are kindly requested to send their CV and covering letter, indicating how they meet the attributes and skills required, as outlined in Annex 1, with confirmation that they have or anticipate receiving permission, as relevant, from their employer.

Please send the applications no later than 18 December 2024 at 13:00 CET via email to Ms Forest Collins (f.collins@unesco.org), any questions about the role can be addressed to Ms Emma Heslop (e.heslop@unesco.org).

The selection will be made before 31 December 2024. We anticipate the successful candidate commencing in January 2025, following approval by the GOOS Steering Committee.