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

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 centre of excellence for increasing Ocean Literacy and delivering Research Impact from marine science.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of science communication, engagement and partnerships to deliver increased ocean literacy and research impact; develop and implement a growth strategy and build a team to execute it.
• Oversee all SMSRC Ocean Literacy activities, creating and delivering a pathway towards recognition as a centre of excellence; seek formal recognition and accreditation through formal channels (e.g. IOC-UNESCO). Oversee school engagement activities within the UAE, the wider region and internationally, increasing the use of creative arts and humanities to promote translation of ocean research into outcomes, solutions and actions.
• Oversee the use of traditional and digital communication tools to enhance the visibility and reputation of SMSRC research and activities (websites, social media, LinkedIn). Create products that use all existing and emerging communication methods to explain and promote SMSRC activities and achievements; train staff and students in effective science communication tools and methods.
• Develop strategic international and national partnerships, coordinate visits and delegations, and increase SMSRC visibility, reputation and activity.
• Facilitate and coordinate the participation of SMSRC staff at large national and international events (UN COPs, UN Ocean Conference, Ocean Decade Conference, World Ocean Summit, IUCN meetings), and promote staff involvement in collaborative policy relevant activities such as authorship for IPCC, IPBES and World Ocean Assessment reports.
• Promote solution oriented and impactful research across the SMSRC, assist staff in designing and implementing this form of research, and monitor and communicate the use of SMSRC research to deliver impact through civil society, the blue economy and national/international policy advice.

• 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)

• Academic and research collaborators
• Media outlets and journalists
• Governmental and intergovernmental agencies and organisations
• Contractors and logistics providers

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

• 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

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