Call for Applications Ocean-Climate Working Group | WUIN

Application Deadline: MAY 29, 2026

Duration: 2 Years (2026-2028)

Thematic Areas of Expertise

Applications are invited from experts with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following thematic areas:

• Ocean-Climate Science: including the effects of climate change on the ocean, such as ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation and sea-level rise, ocean mitigation action, and their Implications for weather systems

• Marine Ecosystems and Blue Carbon: including the role of coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and storage, and ecosystem-based adaptation

• Ocean Observations and Data: including climate-relevant ocean monitoring systems, data infrastructure, and the application of ocean data to climate modelling and early warning systems

• Coastal Adaptation and Livelihoods: including climate-resilient coastal management, community-based adaptation, and the social and economic impacts of climate change on coastal populations

• Policy, Governance and Negotiations: including ocean-related climate policy, international climate negotiations, marine spatial planning, and the governance of ocean-based climate solutions

• Ocean Finance and Ocean Economy: including climate finance mechanisms for the ocean and coastal sectors, blue bonds, insurance instruments, and the economics of climate risk and resilience in ocean-dependent industries.

Objectives of the Working Group

The Working Group will:

• Advise the IOCAFRICA Secretariat and Member States on key ocean-climate issues,

including climate impacts on ocean biogeochemistry, ecosystems, and coastal

communities.

• Support Member States in integrating ocean-based solutions and blue carbon ecosystems into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS).

• Support African delegations during mandated UNFCCC sessions by developing opinion papers and providing technical background papers to support submissions and country positions.

• Represent IOCAFRICA at key global processes, including the UNFCCC COP and the

Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue.

• Develop and disseminate policy briefs, technical guidance documents, and synthesis

reports for decision-makers.

• Facilitate peer learning and capacity building through webinars, workshops, and mentorship programmes.

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for ocean-based climate action across the

continent.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have demonstrated expertise in at least one of the thematic areas listed in Section 4

• Hold an active institutional affiliation with a recognised government body, research

institution, intergovernmental organisation, or civil society organisation

• Be available to commit to the full initial two-year term (2026–2028), including participation in quarterly meetings and at least one in-person meeting per year.

Prior engagement with formal UNFCCC processes such as the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SBs), the Conference of the Parties (COP), the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue, or equivalent regional and international platforms is desirable but not mandatory. Experts with strong scientific, technical, operational, or applied experience who engage with climate and ocean issues in other capacities are equally encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested experts are invited to complete an online application form available here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Africa's coastal and marine ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to the accelerating impacts of climate change. With over 30,000 km of coastline and more than 1.5 million km2 of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), the continent's populations and economies are deeply dependent on healthy ocean systems. Yet African nations continue to face compounding challenges rooted in extreme weather events, limited adaptive capacity, insufficient scientific capacity, and fragmented institutional coordination.

At its Eighth Session, the Sub-Commission endorsed the establishment of the IOCAFRICA Ocean-Climate Working Group through Decision IOCAFRICA-VIII/4.6. The Working Group is established as a dedicated strategic and technical platform to support IOCAFRICA and its Member States in navigating the ocean-climate nexus – mobilising scientific expertise, strengthening regional coordination, enhancing knowledge exchange, and supporting evidence-based policy development at national, regional, and global levels.

The Working Group is aligned with the IOC Medium-Term Strategy (2022–2029), the Africa Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy (2022–2032), and the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap.

Composition

The Working Group will be composed of up to 15 members selected through this open call for applications. Selections will ensure geographical, gender, and generational balance and will reflect diversity across the thematic areas listed below. Members will serve an initial renewable two-year term (2026–2028)

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel convened by the IOCAFRICA Secretariat in

consultation with relevant IOC programmes and partner institutions. Selection criteria will include

demonstrated expertise, evidence of UNFCCC engagement, disciplinary and geographic diversity,

and gender balance. Successful applicants will be notified by 10 June 2026.

Further Information

For the full Terms of Reference of the Working Group, please see Decision IOCAFRICA-VIII/4.6.

About The Program

The United Nations, particularly through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, treats the ocean as a central, critical component of the climate system, acting as both a victim of climate change and a vital source of solutions. The ocean absorbs 90% of excess heat and nearly 30% of CO2 emissions, making it essential for climate regulation.

About Taskrika

Taskrika is a decentralised advertising platform designed to help businesses connect directly with real people, aiming to eliminate bot traffic and ad fraud in digital marketing. It functions as a platform where brands can have their stories seen, heard, and engaged with by actual users who are incentivised for their participation.

WUIN is Taskrika’s human capital development directory, where you can find information on funding opportunities in different sectors, from education, careers, entrepreneurship, technology, personal development, and more.