PROJECT TITLE : NATIONAL OCEAN EXPERT
DURATION AND SALARY: 5 YEARS [AUD22,400.00 p.a. (50% salary Y1)]
MINISTRY AND DEPARTMENT: Public Works, Infrastructure, Environment, Labour, Meteorology and Disaster. Tuvalu Meteorological Service
LOCATION: TMS OFFICE, FUNAFUTI
1. JOB PURPOSE
The ultimate objective of the National Ocean Expert (NOE) is to achieve the Programme’s
objective and outcomes by establishing end-to-end ocean information services through a new
ocean modelling framework and integrated ocean data management system.
The National Ocean Expert (NOE) will principally support Tuvalu Meteorological Service
(TMS) and SPC in implementing Activity 2.2 ‘Strengthen ocean and climate modelling and
impact-based forecasting’ and all relevant activities under the Program.
2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The National Ocean Expert has the following key responsibilities:
• Acquire on-the-ground information to inform UNEP progress reports;
• Engage with Programme stakeholders.
• Attend National Coordination Committee (NCC), Programme Steering Committee (PSC),
Programme Management Unit (PMU), and other meetings, as required;
• Provide technical support, including measures to address challenges to Programme
implementation;
• Participate in training and mentoring related to ocean science, monitoring, forecasting and
ocean information services;
• Facilitate relevant expert activities.
3. MAIN DUTIES AND OUTCOMES
• Support the installation, operation and maintenance of equipment for ocean monitoring and
observation;
• Support the development of an ocean modelling framework;
• Support the development of an ocean data management system;
• Conduct routine ocean monitoring and integrated ocean and coastal impact surveys;
• Undertake ocean modelling and prediction for the delivery of downscaled ocean
information and forecasts;
• Serve as a national administrator for the ocean data management system;
• Facilitate that new ocean data is fed into the regional Pacific Ocean Portal;
• Conduct in-situ coral mapping and monitor threats to Tuvalu’s hard coral reefs—warming
and bleaching;
• Communicate the impact-based forecasting and warnings for effective action;
• Support SPC and TMS to conduct twice annual ocean data stakeholder engagement
workshops;
• Publicise the ocean data management system and Pacific Ocean Portal to extend their user
base and to help users of ocean data to maximise their skills;
• Track the use and application of the ocean data management system;
• Establish two-way feedback mechanisms to make sure the information is effective and is
modified if needed;
• Work with the National Ocean Experts in other Programme countries to ensure coherence
and maximise synergies, knowledge sharing and lessons learning;
• Generate automated reports tailored to stakeholder needs.
4. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGMENT
Working under the overall supervision of the Project Management Team that lead by the Project
Implementation Coordinator, to whom he/she will report directly to, and in close cooperation
with the Project Management Unit (PMU) based at UNEP.
The National Ocean Expert (NOE) will be physically station at the TMS Office, and reports to
the Project Implementation Coordinator and the Director of TMS.
The NOE may be asked to report from to time to time to the Executing Entity (EE) represented
by the Director of Climate Change when requested.
The official communication protocol for the Project Team will be provided to the project partners
and the PMU based at UNEP.
5. DURATION OF WORK
The services of the National Ocean Expert will be requested for 6 months of the first year and
then full-time for year 2 - 5 of the project implementation phase.
6. DUTY STATION
The National Ocean Expert will be housed at the TMS office in Funafuti, Tuvalu.
7. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Academic qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree on Ocean Science or relevant Environmental science.
• A practical working experience will also be considered.
Knowledge, skills, and experience:
• A minimum of 5 years of proven relevant, practical working experience managing similar
projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in ocean and/or marine science or oceanography.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in operation and maintenance of ocean observation and
monitoring equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of IT applications for ocean information services.
• Ability to support ocean data analysis and application in climate change and/or
environmental-related reporting and planning.
• Ability to undertake statistical and dynamic downscaling of ocean information is an asset.
• Demonstrated understanding of climate change risks, hazards, and impacts in Tuvalu
• Experience in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
is highly desirable.
• Experience with remote sensing and in-situ Ocean and coastal impact data collection and
analysis is an asset.
• Experience in facilitating the training and ongoing engagement of multiple stakeholders in
ocean and/or marine science is an asset.
• Experience working with Government counterparts at high levels.
• Experience technical assistance projects and GEF/UN projects, and a strong understanding
of Government of Tuvalu and UNEP mandates, policies and procedures would be an
advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Tuvaluan.
• Excellent computer skills as well as analytical and problem-solving skills.