GEBCO Policy Officer

About GEBCO and the IHO

The General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) is a joint programme of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Following the decision of the 4th Session of the IHO Assembly, a dedicated GEBCO Secretariat has been established within the IHO Secretariat in Monaco to support the implementation of the GEBCO Strategy, coordinate delivery of the GEBCO Programme portfolio, develop policy and funding partnerships, and ensure effective governance and reporting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Head of the GEBCO Secretariat (IHO Assistant Director), the GEBCO Policy Officer provides critical support to GEBCO's strategic policy initiatives, funding coordination, and advocacy activities. In addition to developing key policy and process documents and managing stakeholder relationships, this role encompasses responsibilities related to project coordination, administrative support, and general programme management.

Location: GEBCO Secretariat, Principality of Monaco (co-located with IHO Secretariat). Duration: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) for 3 years, with possibility of extension subject to performance and continued funding. Grade: UN P3/IHO M3/1.

Responsibilities

Policy and Strategic Support

• Prepare comprehensive position papers, policy briefs, advocacy documents, and related communications material to enhance GEBCO's visibility and influence in ocean mapping and governance.
• Contribute substantively to strategic planning and policy development processes, ensuring alignment of GEBCO's initiatives with international ocean policies and frameworks.

Funding Coordination and Support

• Coordinate and develop funding submissions and grant applications, liaising with internal subject matter experts, project leads, and external partners to ensure timely submission and accuracy.
• Maintain oversight of funding-related documentation, managing reporting schedules, compliance requirements, and communication with funding bodies.

Project Management and Coordination

• Support the management and coordination of discrete projects within GEBCO's portfolio, including tracking project milestones, preparing progress reports, and assisting in the development of project governance documentation.
• Provide administrative support in managing competitive tendering processes, contracts, and project procurement activities.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

• Engage regularly with international organizations, national institutions, academic entities, industry partners, and civil society groups to foster collaborative relationships and promote GEBCO's policy objectives.
• Represent GEBCO Secretariat as needed at external meetings, conferences, and events.

General Administrative Duties

• Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences, including logistical arrangements, preparation of agendas, and maintaining accurate records and action points.
• Support the preparation of periodic progress reports, annual work plans, and budget documentation.

Operational Improvement and Risk Management

• Contribute to the maintenance of GEBCO's standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk register, and continuous improvement frameworks.

Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced University degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Marine Science, Environmental Management, Project Management, Business Administration, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of 7 years relevant experience in policy support, administrative coordination, project management, and stakeholder engagement, preferably within international or intergovernmental contexts.
• Demonstrated capability in preparing detailed and successful funding proposals and policy advocacy documentation.
• Practical experience in general project administration, management of contracts, tender processes, and oversight of administrative procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and diplomatic skills.
• Fluency in English; working knowledge of French is desirable.

How to Apply

Submit a detailed CV and covering letter to cl-lc@iho.int in digital format. Applicants are encouraged to also submit professional references. Certified copies of qualification certificates should accompany the application.

For further information, contact Assistant Director Samuel Harper at samuel.harper@iho.int.

Closing date: 31 July 2026. Interviews are expected to take place at the end of August or beginning of September 2026.