Deadline: 24 October 2025
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is looking for a new co-chair for the Observing Together Programme, one of the three GOOS Programmes endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (see more).
About the Programme
Observing Together aims to transform availability and accessibility of ocean data by supporting both new and existing projects from community to national scale. The programme will identify user needs and priorities for in-situ ocean observing equipment deployment, provide access to tools and training, and connect observations into global data streams. General information about the Programme and the projects endorsed under Observing Together is available here. The current projects under Observing Together include projects for national observing systems, new observing approaches with sailing yachts and surfing communities, and ocean observing outreach at local levels.
Role of the Co-Chair
The tasks of the Co-Chairs are:
- To coordinate meetings with project leaders, gather information on needs and seek opportunities to achieve progress in the execution of projects, maintain communication between projects and GOOS;
- Seek to forward the aims of the Observing Together Programme;
- Coordinate with the Decade Coordination Unit (DCU) for programme related issues, for example assessing requests by projects to join Observing Together Programme;
- Attend the Decade Coordination Office for Ocean Observing (DCO-OO) meetings, and seek opportunities for coordination or interaction with other Ocean Decade Programmes.
These tasks are coordinated between the Co-Chairs and there is basic support for the Programme available from GOOS to assist with these tasks, under the direction of the Co-Chairs. It is expected that virtual Programme meetings will be held every 2 months and that there will also be some time needed in the preparation of these meetings, communications, and/or interactions with the Programme projects or partners.
Requirements
GOOS welcomes applications from candidates with the following attributes:
- At least 5 years of experience with ocean observing networks and project coordination
- PhD in Ocean Science and knowledge of ocean observing systems
- Interest in international collaboration, development and improvement of projects through interactions with researchers, stakeholders and decision makers from different areas of the ocean observing community
- Interest in improvement of ocean observations networks during Ocean Decade, considering a future incorporation into GOOS
- Skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability
Application process
To apply, please send your CV and a letter of motivation to Weronika Kmiec (w.kmiec@unesco.org) by 24 October 2025 at 18:00 CEST. If any additional information on the role is required, please contact the current Programme Co-Chair, Alvaro Scardilli (asscardilli@hidro.gov.ar). The decision will be made by the end of October for commencement in November 2025.