Join the UK National Decade Committee for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development!
Closing date: Wednesday 4th December 2024
Are you passionate about the ocean and its future? Do you want to be part of a transformative movement in ocean science? The UK National Decade Committee for the UN Ocean Decade is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team!
About Us: The UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030) aims to catalyse transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and the ocean. Our Committee was established in 2022 and is made up of 16 volunteer members and a number of ex-officio representatives. The Committee is dedicated to fostering an all-society approach to ocean science, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of our oceans. The key objectives of the Committee are to:
- Inspire UK engagement with the UN Ocean Decade;
- Act as the national focal point for UK engagement with the UN Ocean Decade;
- Communicate research and policy priorities outlined by the UN Ocean Decade.
The UK National Decade Committee is an independent committee supported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Members are appointed for up to three years, with the option to extend further. For further information, please see our Website and LinkedIn Page (please note that the 2022 Terms of Reference on the website are currently under review).
We are looking for individuals to serve in their personal capacity and enable the Committee to communicate with passion and inspire participation in the work of the Decade across the UK.
The Committee meets four times a year (two meetings are expected in-person) with much of its work taking place virtually. Travel and subsistence costs will be covered for in-person meetings.
Role: As a committee member, you will:
- Collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, educators, and community leaders.
- Inspire UK engagement with the UN Ocean Decade through raising awareness of the Decade and its objectives across different sectors.
- Engage with key stakeholders and networks in the UK ocean community to amplify the objectives of the UN Ocean Decade and the UK National Decade Committee.
- Develop and conduct activities aligned with the Committee objectives including but not limited to written communications, outreach, public and stakeholder engagement.
- Participate in regular meetings and represent the Committee at national and international events to drive forward the goals of the UN Ocean Decade.
Who We’re Looking For: We are looking for four new volunteers to join our Committee and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and sectors. We would particularly welcome applications from those with expertise in fields related to industry (including maritime industries such as fishing and shipping), civil society, education, and sectors engaging with the Ocean Decade such as the Arts. For an overview of the broad range of sectors with which we would like to engage please go to https://uk-ndc.org/uk-stakeholder-map/.
Essential criteria: Leading and influencing; team working.
How to Apply: If you’re ready to dive into this exciting opportunity, please send your CV and a brief statement of interest up to 750 words, including how you would work with others to deliver the key objectives of the Decade, to ndc.secretariat@cefas.gov.uk by Wednesday 4th December 2024.
Next steps: Applications will be sifted by mid-January 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete diversity and conflict of interest questionnaires and will be invited to have an informal conversation with the Committee Chair and, if available, other members of the Management Group to get to know you more and go over more details about the Committee and expectations for members. We will aim to have new Committee members appointed in February 2025 with their first in-person Committee Meeting in March 2025.