Director of the Ocean Decade Collaborative Center for the Blue Economy – UNESCO Office in Barcelona

Key Responsibilities 

- Lead the overall strategy of the centre, establishing priorities, methodologies, and work structures oriented towards results, innovation, and sustainability. 
- Represent the centre institutionally before UNESCO, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and other national and international organisations, spearheading its global projection. 
- Coordinate the centre's governance and its relations with public, private, and academic partners, ensuring strategic alignment in all activities. 
- Lead the formation and consolidation of the centre’s technical team, ensuring a structure suited to the development of its areas of work. 
- Drive the identification and assessment of transformative technologies, projects, and initiatives within the blue economy sector. 
- Promote the transfer of innovative solutions to the market through agreements with companies, accelerators, and investors, including the support of startups and spin-offs. 
- Generate spaces for strategic thinking (workshops, think tanks, international events) to establish the centre as a leading reference in its field. 
- Actively participate in international platforms related to the UN Decade of Ocean Science, connecting with other CDCs and fostering synergies and collaborations. 
- Manage the centre’s allocated budget efficiently and transparently, ensuring financial oversight and the project’s economic sustainability. 
- Facilitate access to multilateral funding opportunities and promote the centre’s participation in international calls supporting the blue economy. 
- Prepare technical and strategic reports in Catalan, Spanish, and English, maintaining effective communication across all levels of the organisation and with external partners. 

Profile Requirements 

- Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in Economics, Marine Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or related fields. 
- Additional training in areas such as innovation, technology transfer, or international project management will be especially valued. 
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience in fields related to the blue economy, international cooperation, innovation, or technology transfer. 
- Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams and working in multicultural environments. 
- Experience in budget management and financial monitoring of complex projects. 
- In-depth knowledge of the blue economy ecosystem and ability to engage with the scientific community and translate insights into concrete initiatives. 
- Strong skills in institutional representation, strategic communication, and diplomacy. 
- Fluency in Spanish and English is required; knowledge of Catalan and French or another third language will be highly regarded. 
- Willingness to travel frequently at the international level and to work in person in Barcelona. 

- Location: Barcelona (headquarters of the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation) 
- Work Schedule: Full-time 
- Salary: In line with foundation sector standards and the candidate’s profile 
- Expected Start Date: Immediate, following the selection process 
 

This position offers the opportunity to lead a pioneering project with strong institutional support and international reach. The centre represents a strategic space where science, technology, economy, and sustainability converge, with real potential to address major oceanic and planetary challenges. 

As host city, Barcelona offers a vibrant, innovative environment with a strong commitment to sustainable development. The Director will have the opportunity to directly contribute to the design and implementation of high-impact initiatives, becoming part of a global knowledge network driven by UNESCO. 

If you would like to be part of this project, apply now!