DIRECTOR OF THE OCEAN DECADE COLLABORATIVE CENTER FOR THE BLUE ECONOMY – UNESCO OFFICE IN BARCELONA

The Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation is seeking a professional with solid international experience, strategic vision, and strong leadership skills to assume the directorship of the new Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre (DCC) for the Blue Economy, accredited by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
This center, headquartered in Barcelona, is the only DCC worldwide exclusively focused on Challenge 4 to develop a sustainable, resilient and equitable ocean economy with a clear commitment to global impact.
The centre’s objective is to foster knowledge transfer, promote technological and economic innovation in marine and coastal environments, and establish strategic partnerships among the public, private, and academic sectors.
The Director will report directly to the General Management of the Foundation and will be responsible for positioning the centre internationally as a key node in the blue economy innovation ecosystem.
>>>>>> ¿Qué harás? 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.
¿A quién buscamos? 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.
¿Qué ofrecemos? - 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!