News
12 July 2025
Deadline extended to 15 August 2025!
The International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) are seeking a Consultant to carry out a 5-month feasibility study titled “Towards UNESCO Biosphere Observatories: Exploring IOC Systems and Flanders Capacity.” This short-term consultancy will lay the groundwork for a future initiative aimed at enhancing marine and coastal monitoring systems globally, with a special focus on supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The consultant will lead a five-month study to assess existing infrastructure, institutional capacity, and available technology within Flanders, and evaluate how the global systems part of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission—such as OBIS, the Ocean Data Information System (ODIS), and the OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA)—can be leveraged to support the development of the future UNESCO Biosphere Observatories for Ocean Ecosystem Sustainability (BiOES) project. The work will involve desk research, stakeholder interviews, site visits, coordination with UNESCO partners, and the preparation of a comprehensive final report including recommendations.
Applicants should have a scientific background (MSc or PhD) in marine biology or a related field and at least four years of relevant experience in biodiversity observations and data management. The ideal candidate will have interdisciplinary knowledge spanning marine science, observation technologies, molecular techniques, and data systems, as well as demonstrated experience in capacity development and international collaboration.
Contract: Full-time, remote, 5-month consultancy (15 September 2025 – 15 February 2026)
Application deadline: 15 August 2025, 17:00 CEST
Read more about the scope of the consultancy and how to apply [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dGSARFLEs8-VkY2uMejbfntqJUPa8Pub/view.
We look forward to your proposal!