The UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission works to advance international cooperation in ocean sciences and ocean observation systems. The IOC also drives forward the process of building marine science competencies in developing countries by engaging and teaching marine science leaders and students throughout Africa and other developing regions. The mission of IOC is extremely relevant in this age of environmental concerns, and it needs to have its story told.

Applicants are invited to compete for an individual consultant contract for web services content management for the IOC.

A motivated, creative individual with strong skills in science writing or journalism will contribute to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's communication strategies.

The consultant will provide timely updates and develop communications for the IOC primarily through maintenance and contributions to the web pages (however other forms of media -print, newsletters, display stands, video- may be explored as seconday avenues). The consultant will work on-site with IOC specialists to edit and format IOC specialists' contributions. The consultant will generate web page content from news and meeting results submitted from various sources. The consultant will also track IOC web page use and development, and recommend other support as needed. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date and useful web presence for IOC.

 Major activities of the contractor

• Writes and updates IOC web pages by either collecting and editing contributions from other staff or generating content from other IOC publications, such as meeeting and symposium reports.
• Works with IOC staff and actively solicits content contributions to update and maintain an informative IOC web presence.
• Maintains organization of the IOC subsidiary web pages and coordinates across IOC programmes' web content and web tools.
• Trains IOC staff in web-page maintenance, and the operation of web-based tools. Must be able to interact with all staff who have communication needs regarding the use of web pages.
• Maintains web support through contracted service, prepares all draft contracts and follows up as necessary.

Technical skill required

• Familiarity with web-page creation, web-page format generation and associated computer skills are needed.
• Word processor skills and use of graphics design tools.
• Technical expertise in web systems and servers is not required.

Closing dates for applications: 30 November 2008.

Please contact Dr Tom Gross ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) for more information.