Head of Ocean Literacy, Impact and Partnerships - رئيس قسم التوعية البحرية والتأثير والشراكات

Job Purpose

The Head of Ocean Literacy, Impact and Partnerships (HoOL) is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction and efficient management of core communication and engagement activities at SMSRC, including ocean literacy, science communications, external engagement, partnerships and relationships, international engagement and reputation. Based at the SMSRC and reporting directly to the Director of the SMSRC, the HoOL will work across both academic and operational staff to deliver high-quality outputs and activities that underpin the translation of marine research and knowledge into better outcomes and decisions for marine species and ecosystems, and the human societies that depend upon marine resources and services. This role will be instrumental in delivering the SMSRC and UKF mission to become a center of excellence for increasing Ocean Literacy and delivering Research Impact from marine science.

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide leadership and direction for all aspects of science communication, engagement and partnerships with the aim to deliver increased ocean literacy and research impact. Develop a strategy for the growth of ocean literacy, communication and research impact at the SMSRC, and build a team to deliver that strategy.
• Ocean Literacy: Oversee all SMSRC Ocean Literacy activities. Create and deliver a pathway towards the recognition of the SMSRC as a centre of excellence for ocean literacy. Seek formal recognition and accreditation for these activites through formal channels (e.g. IOC-UNESCO). Oversee school engagements activites, within the UAE, the wider region and Internationally. Increase the use of creative arts and humanities to promote the translation of ocean research and knowledge into outcomes, solutions and actions.
• External Science Communications: Oversee the use of traditional and digital communication tools to enahnace the visibility and reputation of SMSRC research and activities (e.g websites, social media, LinkedIn). Create products that use all existing and emerging methods of communication (e.g. video, still images, sound, written text, game-play, immersive experiences, physical or digital objects) to explain and promote SMSRC activities and achievements. Train staff and students in effective science communication tools and methods, and provide professional materials to support their communication activities.
• International Partnerships and Collaborations: Oversee the development of strategic international and national partnerships, using a variety of partnership agreements. Attract and coordinate visits and delegations to increase SMSRC visiablity, reputation and activity.
• International Reputation and Engagement: Facilitate and Co-ordinate the participation of SMSRC staff at large national and international events, such as UN COPs (UNFCCC, CBD, BBNJ), UN Ocean Conference, Ocean Decade Conference, World Ocean Summit, IUCN meetings. Facilitate and promote the involvement of SMSRC staff in collaborative policy relevant activities, such as authors for IPCC, IPBES and World Ocean Assessment reports.
• Research Impact: Promote the value of solution-orientated and impactful research across the SMSRC. Assist staff in the design and implementation of this form of research. Monitor and communicate the use of SMSRC research in delivering research impact through civil society, the blue economy and national/international policy advice.

Key Interactions Internal

• Director of SMSRC
• SMSRC senior leadership team
• Academic marine research and operational support staff at SMSRC
• UKF students
• Academic staff at UKF outside the School of Marine Science
• UKF operational staff (communications, partnerships, engagements, finance and procurement)

External

• Academic and research collaborators
• Media outlets and journalists
• Governemental and Intergovernmental agencies and organisations
• Contractors and logistics providers

Qualification & Experience

• Post-graduate qualification in Science Communication or related discipline (or equivalent time in a related role in industry or academia)
• Minimum of 7 years' post graduate experience in delivering science communications and research impact.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic and team leadership, operational planning, and budget management.
• Establish international network.
• Proven knowledge of marine science and research activities and outcomes.

Skills & Competencies

Essential:

• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Innovative and creative thinking
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proficiency in budgeting and procurement systems
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities

Desirable:

• Familiarity with marine science and research activities
• Knowledge of existing and emerging science communication tools and platforms
• Knowledge of AI and ML tools
• Flexibilty and adapatbility
• Proficiency in reputation growing and risk management
• Background in, or associated with, academic or marine research institutions
• Strong portfolio of science communication products and outputs