At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic advice on ocean governance and support member countries in implementing policies.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth Secretariat, a diverse association of 56 countries focused on sustainable development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for international travel, and impactful work on global ocean issues.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage in international seminars and conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ocean conservation and governance while collaborating with global leaders.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate degree in relevant field and 10 years of experience in ocean governance.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Location: Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HX, UK. The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking to appoint an Adviser, Ocean Governance within its Climate Change and Oceans Division. The Division leads the Secretariat’s work on environmental resilience, bringing together programmes on climate change and oceans to support member countries to build environmental, political and economic resilience.
The Ocean Section supports delivery of the Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Plan 2025–2030 by advancing work on environmental resilience and ocean conservation. Its portfolio includes the Ocean Incubator, the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups, the Blue Finance Group delivered in partnership with ORRAA and bilateral technical assistance on maritime boundaries and the BBNJ Agreement.
Reporting to the Head of Oceans, the post-holder will be responsible for delivering specialised strategic, policy, technical, economic and/or legal advice to Commonwealth member governments on ocean governance. This may include advice on the BBNJ Agreement, maritime boundaries, ocean policies and maritime transportation policies. Please note that the role involves frequent overseas travel.
Other responsibilities for this role include (but are not limited to):
- Providing advice to Commonwealth member countries to support the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, determination of maritime boundaries, development of ocean policies, and development of maritime transportation policies;
- Undertaking analytical work for member countries, including policy reviews, legal gap analyses and drafting policies to strengthen ocean governance;
- Managing technical assistance projects by defining project parameters, securing approvals, developing and monitoring budgets, reporting on implementation and performance, and working effectively in multi-disciplinary project teams;
- Proactively managing relationships with government officials and other stakeholders in those Commonwealth member countries receiving technical assistance from the Ocean Section;
- Developing strategic partnerships and initiatives with multilateral and bilateral agencies, and maintaining contact with senior government officials, investors and other international agencies;
- Contributing to international seminars, conferences, expert group meetings and ministerial meetings, assisting with events on ocean governance, and providing technical inputs to support grants to countries on ocean governance.
To be considered, you will need a post-graduate degree in a relevant area of specialisation, such as ocean law, ocean governance, environmental economics, marine biology or a similar field. You will also need at least 10 years of experience advising senior counterparts on ocean governance, including at least five years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: the BBNJ Agreement, maritime boundaries, ocean policies and/or maritime transportation policies. A PhD, law degree, or experience organising conferences or workshops would be advantageous.
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.
To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
Adviser, Ocean Governance in City of Westminster employer: The Commonwealth
Working as a Legal Officer at Marlborough House in London offers a unique opportunity to be part of a diverse team within the Office of the General Counsel, where you will engage with international law and contribute to meaningful initiatives that impact 2.5 billion people across 56 countries. The Commonwealth fosters a collaborative work culture that values integrity and discretion, providing ample opportunities for professional growth through legal capacity-building and training. With a commitment to shared goals of development, democracy, and peace, this role not only enhances your legal expertise but also allows you to make a significant difference on a global scale.
