For 20 years, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO has been leading the promotion of marine spatial planning (MSP). Within the context of the ‘Joint Roadmap to accelerate Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning processes worldwide’ (MSProadmap), updated in 2022, IOC has implemented the MSPglobal programme, which is composed by a core MSPglobal project co-funded by the European Commission.

The third phase of MSPglobal (MSPglobal 3.0) is a 2-year project and started in mid-2025. At the global level, the expected result is a well-informed community of MSP practitioners and stakeholders supporting MSP processes worldwide. For that, new guidelines/tools and trainings will be co-developed. Besides, MSPglobal 3.0 will deliver an international MSP event and produce communications’ materials to increase awareness about MSP. At national and regional level, the project will deliver activities in Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, as well as Asia and Pacific, providing support towards institutionally strengthened MSP processes and improved regional ocean governance.

MSPglobal communicates and disseminates MSP through communication products, publications, and events. The programme uses MSPglobal communication channels (website, mailing/newsletter and social media accounts on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube).

Duration of work

Expected Start Date: 1 June 2026
Expected End Date: 30 April 2027
Working Days: 11 months 80% (approximately 18 working days per month)

Duty station

Work location: The consultant is expected to work remotely, with expectations of significant overlap with CET time zones to facilitate meetings, working and coordination with IOC staff.

Job responsibilities

The Consultant will support the MSPglobal Coordinator and team with the following tasks:

• Website: Guiding MSPglobal website, creating and updating web pages in English, French and Spanish.
• Social media: Guiding MSPglobal social media accounts (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube), as well as boosting followers.
• Communication materials: Developing user-friendly content as well as high-quality graphic design products and videos for social media, events, trainings and publications in English, French and Spanish.
• Outreach materials: Producing outreach materials such as MSPglobal newsletter (every 6 months), brochures, press releases, etc. Regularly updating contact list of MSPglobal Newsletter.
• Translations: Supporting the production of translated materials in Spanish and French.
• Events: Supporting the organization of online and face-to-face events.
• Monitoring: Monitoring communication indicators of MSPglobal (through social media and web analytics) for Narrative Project Report.
• Interaction with audience: Providing timely and effective responses to inquiries from MSPglobal audience through social media accounts and email MSPglobal.comm
• Compliance: Following existing MSPglobal Communication and Dissemination Plan, Logo Usage Manual and Visual Identity Manual as well as communication guidelines of UNESCO, the IOC and the European Commission.
• The consultant shall provide support to the central IOC communications team as a required part of their role and ensure close collaboration and coordination with the central IOC communications team.
• The consultant shall produce communication materials in English, French and Spanish. In case the consultant does not have working knowledge of French or Spanish, the automatic translated content can be reviewed by the MSPglobal Team.

Job requirements

Academic qualifications

• Bachelor degree in the field of media/communication studies, public relations, international relations or other related subject with competence to design and develop communication products and multimedia materials.
• Postgraduate degree in the fields mentioned above will be an asset.

Years of experience

• 5 years of relevant experience at the international level in communications, public relations or advocacy, preferably in social and ocean issues.
• Previous experience in projects related to marine policies, such as marine spatial planning, integrated coastal zone management and sustainable ocean/blue economy will be an asset.

Technical experience

• Demonstrated experience in implementing institutional communications in a multilingual, international context.
• Demonstrated experience with organization of online and face-to-face international events.
• Demonstrated ability in graphic design, publication design, multimedia products development, video editing, basic web design (minor use of HTML), web content, etc.

Desired competencies

• Communicates clearly and effectively across different audiences.
• Ability to conceptualize issues, compile and analyze data as well as synthesize information in coherent and succinct formats.
• Excellent attention to detail and precision in work undertaken.
• Shares knowledge across the organization and builds a culture of knowledge sharing and learning.
• Excellent organization, coordination and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and with a certain degree of autonomy following the directions and guidance of the supervisor.
• Awareness of multilateral organization communications and consideration.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment, to engage effectively with existing and potential institutional partners/collaborators as well as team spirit.
• Excellent knowledge (written/spoken) of English.
• Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish.