Adviser Ocean Governance

The Commonwealth Secretariat seeks to appoint an Adviser Ocean Governance in our Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources (TONR) Directorate. The TONR Directorate is one of the three Programme Directorates of the Commonwealth Secretariat. It is responsible for delivering on two strategic pillars of the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan, Sustainable and inclusive economic and social development and Climate-resilient and low-carbon development to respond to climate and ocean emergencies. A significant part of the Directorate’s work is of a consultancy and advisory nature, delivered through a combination of in-house and external expertise. 

Reporting to the Adviser and Head of the Ocean Section, the post-holder will provide specialist strategic, policy, technical and/or economic advice concerning critical elements of ocean governance and the development of ocean-based economies, including developing national ocean policies and ‘blue economy’ strategies, as well as implementing international ocean agreements. You will also spend a significant portion of your time supporting implementation of the Commonwealth Blue Charter.

To be considered, you will need a post-graduate degree in a relevant area of specialisation; e.g. ocean governance, maritime law/law of the sea, ocean policy, environmental/maritime management, marine sciences, ocean-based economies and/or the management of marine resources. You will also need to have a minimum of ten years’ experience at a senior level dealing with high-level counterparts; prior experience in an international context, gained in an international organisation, a government ministry or the private sector. Track record in resource mobilisation, including the leadership and development of successful funding proposals and building/maintaining funder relationships is also a requirement.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member governments and provides guidance on policymaking, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries.  We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.

Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter. Covering letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the person specification, giving clear examples.

To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.