Technical Officer

Contract Information

Fixed-term for two years (first year is probationary) with the possibility of further extension, subject to satisfactory performance.

Salary

US$ 75,602 net per annum, plus post adjustment (currently US$ 48,158). Salary is free of income tax in the United Kingdom.

Purpose of the Post

The Technical Officer will serve as the institutional focal point for all policy and operational matters related to oil/HNS pollution preparedness and response (OPRC/HNS).  In this capacity, the Technical Officer will be responsible for oversight and management of joint oil pollution preparedness projects with the petroleum industry (GI), to implement an array of technical capacity building activities worldwide, and to provide concrete technical guidance and assistance in the event of major pollution incidents.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Sub-Division for Implementation, Marine Environment Division, the Technical Officer will serve as the institutional focal point for all policy and operational matters related to oil/chemical; pollution preparedness and response, responsible for the delivery of a range of duties as follows:

1. Oversight and management of the Organization’s policy development and capacity building work related to the implementation of the International Convention on Oil Spill Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC 1990) and its protocol concerning spills of substances other than oil (OPRC-HNS Protocol)
2. Manage the Organization’s contribution to the joint Global Initiative Programme, a partnership between IMO and the petroleum industry to implement effective capacity building in oil spill preparedness and response in a number of key geographic regions.
3. Plan, coordinate and implement technical cooperation activities and projects related to the protection of the marine environment and pollution preparedness and response worldwide.
4. Provide support to IMO Technical Meetings (MEPC and PPR), including drafting, review and processing of meeting documents, provision of secretariat support to meetings and working/drafting groups, and preparation of briefs and reports.
5. Provide technical assistance and advice to Member States on pollution preparedness and response matters, based on current best practice, scientific advancements and policy developments;
6. Liaise and coordinate with partners in the event of major pollution incidents; collate information and draft pollution incident reports for internal dissemination and use; provide technical advice and mobilize technical assistance, upon request by States;
7. Coordinate IMO’s contribution to international symposia and conferences, in particular support the planning and organization of the IMO co-sponsored triennial oil spill conferences (IOSC, Interspill and Spillcon);
8. Provide ongoing support to and coordination with regional centres and regional initiatives.
9. Keep abreast of relevant technical advances, best practices, research and development initiatives, and key policy developments in the field of pollution prevention, preparedness and response.
10. Review and prepare and finalize publication of relevant IMO technical manuals, guidelines and model training courses;
11. Represent the Organization at external conferences, seminars, meetings and similar events, prepare and provide technical papers and lectures; and
12. Undertake other duties connected to the work of the Marine Environment Division, as assigned.

Required Competencies

1. Planning and Organization: Plans and organizes work and resources in accordance with identified priorities. Identifies potential challenges and plans accordingly.
2. Communication:  Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.
3. Partnerships:  Identifies, builds, and maintains effective partnerships and networks with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
4. Achieving results:  Takes initiative in defining outputs and clarifying responsibilities, priorities and expected results.
5. Teamwork:  Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.
6. Technical/scientific credibility:  Ensures that work complies internationally accepted best practice and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Professional Experience

Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience working for a maritime administration, international organization or industry body dealing with technical maritime affairs, including direct experience dealing with pollution prevention, preparedness and response. Five years of this must be at the regional or international level. 

Experience leading technical meetings, implementing capacity building activities, and coordinating expert and advisory meetings and missions is required. Experience in policy development and implementation is essential. Practical experience in project management would be an asset.

Education

An advanced university degree in physical or marine science, environmental management, engineering, or a closely related field is essential.

Language Skills

Proficiency in English (oral and written) is essential. Knowledge of one or more of the other working languages of the Organization (French, Spanish) or other UN language would be an advantage. 

Other Skills

Proficiency in MS Office applications. Programme and budget management experience would be a distinct advantage. Working knowledge of SAP or equivalent ERP systems would be an asset.