Background

Under the joint overall and concerted supervision of officers responsible for the Global Maritime Security Programme, MSD, and the harmonization of port State control (PSC) activities, MSA&IS, based on required expertise, as appropriate, and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), the incumbent will provide technical expertise associated with the PSC aspects of the Port Security and Safety of Navigation Project. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Officer- Port State Control (PSC) will be responsible for ensuring the beneficiary countries of the Port Security and Safety of Navigation Project of their PSC obligations, in the fields of maritime safety and security and the protection of the marine environment. The incumbent will work under the joint overall and concerted supervision of officers responsible for the Global Maritime Security Programme, MSD, and the harmonization of port State control (PSC) activities, MSA&IS, based on required expertise, as appropriate, and the direct supervision of the DCoC Project Manager and in close collaboration with the implementation team in IMO headquarters and will:

  1. Develop training material and lead and deliver workshops and seminars to give the necessary knowledge of the provisions of the relevant conventions which are relevant to the conduct of PSC, taking into account the latest IMO Model courses for port State control and the Procedures for PSC (resolution A.1138(31)).
  2. Deliver national and regional workshops in the beneficiary countries to increase capacity and knowledge of PSC officers (PSCOs) including with respect to application of control and compliance measures under SOLAS chapter XI-2.
  3. Meet with senior officials of the beneficiary countries to advocate the importance of PSC inspections, including the role of regional PSC regimes, and the need for an adequate number of inspectors to meet national obligations under the regional and international regimes.
  4. Prepare advocacy materials describing the importance of meeting PSC obligations to good maritime safety and security, and protection of the marine environment.
  5. Support to the conduct of PSC inspections on board vessels calling at ports of EA-SA-IO region with the participation of PSCOs from other countries as observers in order to verify that the ship and its crew comply with international standards.
  6. Assess each recipient country’s current commitment to relevant PSC regimes(s) and assists their maritime authorities in joining or contributing fully to relevant regional PSC regime(s), as appropriate.
  7. Collect and review information on the detention of ships flying the flags of the beneficiary countries by other port States and advise their respective maritime authorities, accordingly, including on the monitoring of recognized organizations/recognized security organizations.
  8. As authorized by beneficiary countries, attend audits, surveys and inspections of ships, companies, and organizations, as appropriate, in order to identify best practices and develop recommendations for consideration by the beneficiary countries, PSC regimes and the Organization.
  9. Any other tasks to ensure proper project implementation and reporting to IMO, as appropriate. 

Competencies

a) Project implementation and coordination capabilities.

b) Strong analytical, reporting & drafting abilities.

c) Demonstrated ability to work independently under general guidance, exercising in a high degree of initiative and judgement.

d) Ability to maintain good relationships and work as part of a team in an international cross-cultural context.

e) Excellent communication skills, including drafting and ability to present complex issues orally in a clear manner

f) Proven experience in delivering training.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master’s Degree in Maritime related studies or Bachelors Degree with Qualification as a master or chief engineer, with seagoing experience, or qualifications from an institution recognized by a national Administration in a maritime-related field and specialized training to ensure adequate competence and skill, or qualification as an officer of a National Administration with an equivalent level of experience and training, for performing PSC inspections.

Professional experience

8 Years’ experience in the maritime field.

Experience as a qualified flag State surveyor and a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in conducting PSC inspections, including on maritime security, is required.

Experience in organizing and conducting training, capacity building activities is also required.

Language skills

Complete proficiency in English, both written and oral, is essential.

High degree of proficiency in French and/or Portuguese would be an advantage.

Other knowledge and skills

Strong computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and PSC data collection systems.

Familiarity and experience in contributing at relevant IMO meetings dealing with PSC matters would be an advantage.