Chief of Section (Tsunami Resilience) Job at UNESCO Paris
💼 Position: Chief of Section (Tsunami Resilience)
📍 Location: Paris, France
💰 Salary: Approx. USD 158,255 per year plus UNESCO benefits
📅 Application Deadline: 7 September 2026 (Midnight Paris Time)
📧 Apply via: UNESCO Careers Portal
📌 Application Method: Complete the online application through the UNESCO Careers website and submit all required information before the deadline.
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UNESCO is inviting applications for the position of Chief of Section (Tsunami Resilience) within the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) at its headquarters in Paris, France. This senior international leadership position offers an opportunity to guide global efforts in tsunami early warning, disaster preparedness, marine observation systems, and coastal resilience while working with governments, scientific institutions, United Nations agencies, and international partners.
The successful candidate will lead UNESCO’s Tsunami Resilience Section, which coordinates the world’s regional tsunami warning and mitigation systems across the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Caribbean, North-East Atlantic, Mediterranean and connected seas. The role also oversees the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS), supporting scientific collaboration, policy development, and capacity building that strengthen global preparedness for tsunamis and other coastal hazards.
About Chief of Section Role
| Job Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNESCO |
| Department | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) |
| Position | Chief of Section (Tsunami Resilience) |
| Duty Station | Paris, France |
| Grade | P-5 |
| Contract Type | Fixed-Term |
| Contract Duration | 2 Years (Renewable) |
| Job Family | Natural Sciences |
| Experience Required | Minimum 10 years |
| Qualification | Master’s Degree in Earth or Ocean Sciences or related field |
| Salary | Approx. USD 158,255 annually plus benefits |
| Closing Date | 7 September 2026 |
Also Read: Apply for the International Consultant vacancy opportunity with UNESCO
UNESCO is seeking an experienced scientific leader capable of directing global programmes that improve tsunami resilience and multi-hazard early warning systems. Reporting to the Assistant Director-General and Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the Chief of Section will coordinate international initiatives that support Member States in strengthening disaster preparedness, scientific observation, policy development, and emergency response capabilities.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for the IOC Tsunami Programme and oversee the implementation of programmes supporting four Intergovernmental Coordination Groups responsible for regional tsunami warning systems. The role involves developing programme priorities, managing work plans, preparing strategic reports, supervising international projects, and ensuring effective coordination between regional and global partners working in ocean observation and coastal hazard mitigation.
A major aspect of the position involves strengthening global capacity for tsunami preparedness through knowledge sharing, technical guidance, training programmes, and international cooperation. The Chief of Section will work closely with governments, research institutions, universities, and technical organisations to promote best practices, develop international standards, and improve scientific capabilities that support tsunami warning systems worldwide.
The position also requires representing UNESCO in high-level international forums and maintaining close collaboration with organisations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), and other strategic partners. Strong diplomatic skills and the ability to build productive international partnerships will therefore be essential.
Resource mobilisation forms another important component of the role. The successful candidate will identify funding opportunities, engage development partners and donors, prepare project proposals, oversee grant implementation, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget. In addition, the Chief of Section will manage the Section’s budget, supervise multidisciplinary international teams, monitor staff performance, and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
Applicants should possess an advanced university degree in Earth Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Marine Sciences, or a related discipline together with at least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in marine science research, project coordination, or programme management. Significant experience in tsunami warning systems, coastal hazard early warning, international scientific cooperation, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams is essential. Experience working within international organisations or the United Nations system will be considered a strong advantage, while a PhD and knowledge of additional UNESCO official languages will further strengthen an application.
UNESCO offers a competitive international remuneration package including an annual starting salary of approximately USD 158,255 together with comprehensive benefits such as annual leave, pension, medical insurance, and family-related allowances where applicable. This position presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to global disaster risk reduction while shaping international policy and scientific cooperation in support of safer and more resilient coastal communities.
Interested candidates must complete an online application through the UNESCO Careers Portal before 7 September 2026. Applicants should ensure all required information is submitted accurately, as applications cannot be modified after submission. The recruitment process may include written assessments, video interviews, panel interviews, reference checks, and verification of academic qualifications.
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